Mpls. City Council Approves Efforts For Further Transgender Equity

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minneapolis officials say the city is now supporting efforts to further transgender equity.

On Friday, the city council approved the resolution that includes supporting efforts in other cities – as well as state level and nationally.

In 1975, Minneapolis became the first city to pass an ordinance preventing discrimination. However, despite the city and state explicitly protecting the rights of transgender and gender non-conforming residents for more than 20 years, disparities still exist in virtually all areas. Those areas include employment, healthcare, safety, housing and access to public spaces.

"The City of Minneapolis has long prohibited discrimination based on gender identity, but it's clear more needs to be done," Council Vice President Elizabeth Glidden said. "The transgender community – particularly youth and people of color – are disproportionally affected by issues ranging from job placement and evictions to hate crimes. This resolution makes it clear that we will be taking an active role to eliminate these disparities."

The city's Transgender Issues Work Group was established in March of 2014 to look at transgender disparities and make policy recommendations to improve the lives of transgender residents. The group includes participants from City departments, City Council offices, the Mayor's office, and the community.

"Minneapolis is leading the country in confronting issues that affect the transgender community," Mayor Betsy Hodges said. "This resolution is more than just a gesture of support – it creates a permanent home for transgender equity work within the City. In passing this resolution, the City Council and I are sending a message loud and clear – transgender Minneapolitans are welcomed, valued members of our community. I am proud of our city today."

With the resolution approval, Minneapolis joins cities like Austin, Texas; Baltimore; Miami; New York; San Francisco and Seattle in support of transgender equity.