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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Ethan Lin, Attorney from the LGBTQ Law and Policy Unit at Legal Aid Society, on TGNCNBI Rights and Protections
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Ethan Lin from the Legal Aid Society's LGBTQ Law and Policy Unit testified on the urgent need for New York City to protect and expand rights for transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and intersex (TGNCNBI) individuals in light of federal threats. He urged the council to pass several bills addressing healthcare disparities, jail housing policies, and workplace discrimination.
- Advocated for passing Intro 3183 with amendments to address potential loss of Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care
- Called for the passage of Intro 625-2024 to improve housing policies for TGNCNBI individuals in city jails
- Recommended strengthening Intro 1200 to enhance public education on TGNCNBI workplace rights
- Urged increased funding for the NYC Commission on Human Rights to address backlogs in discrimination cases
Ethan Lin
1:59:54
Oh sorry, hi.
1:59:55
Good morning City Council.
1:59:57
I'm Ethan Lin, hehim, attorney with the LGBTQ Law and Policy Unit at the Legal Aid Society.
2:00:03
The federal administration threatens to revoke federal funding for providers offering gender affirming care to individuals 19.
2:00:10
We urge your council to pass 3,183, a bill aiming to address health disparity between TGNC MBI and cisgender New Yorkers with amendments requiring an urgent funding analysis to ensure contingency funding is available should Medicaid coverage be revoked and to ensure dedicated funding to gender affirming health care for TGNC MBI youth in ACS custody.
2:00:30
Regarding correctional facilities, the federal administration threatened to strip protections for TGNC MBI people under the Prison Rape Elimination Act.
2:00:38
Now, more than ever, New York City must act to protect the rights of TGNC MBI people in New York City jails by aligning the Department of Corrections policies with New York City and New York State's human rights laws.
2:00:49
Currently, New York City's jail's failure to properly house many TGNCMBI individuals in gender aligned facilities has led to an alarming rate of violence and sexual assault.
2:00:58
We urge the council to pass intro six two five twenty twenty four requiring the Department of Correction to house c g n c n b I people according to their gender identity or where they feel safest.
2:01:08
This bill establishes clear enforceable guidelines prohibiting placement based on anatomy or other discriminatory factors.
2:01:15
Regarding workplace discrimination, due to the federal administration, EEOC cannot be relied upon to enforce anti discrimination laws protecting PGNC and BI people.
2:01:25
Meanwhile, the CCHR has been in crisis and unable to mediate in a timely manner.
2:01:30
We urge the council to expand public education efforts to ensure workers understand their rights under New York law and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
2:01:39
We support INTRO 1,200 with modifications to strengthens efficacy such as requiring clear timelines and outreach methods.
2:01:48
Finally, knowing your rights is not enough if you can't get resolution.
2:01:52
We urge the city council to increase funding for the New York City Commission on Human Rights to hire more mediators to reduce backlogs and discrimination case processing.
2:02:00
Thank you for your time.