Today, Tuesday, November 20, is Transgender Remembrance Day. For those interested, there will be a vigil tonight at 8pm at the Georgia State Capitol. If you cannot be there, please take a moment tonight to remember those who struggle to gain acceptance.

For the LGBT community, the fight for equality has been a long, hard fought battle, and continues to be. It’s amazing to see that no matter how far we have come within the last few decades, we still have a long road ahead. And it makes my heart ache. I would like to point out a couple of recent instances with regards to our friends that are an example of the continued discrimination within our borders: ENDA and the Riverdale City Council Election.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act, unfortunately, hit a wall in the House this year and will continue without the gender identity provision. Many felt that the Bill had a greater chance at success without the provision, others were against it completely. No matter the reason, we have failed as a society to live up to the ideals our Nation was built upon. I only hope that change will come soon.

The other recent tragedy of humanity came in the form of a law suit against Michelle Bruce for committing fraud during the Riverdale City Council Elections – right here in Georgia. Bruce, the Incumbent, earned enough voted to be considered for the runoff in her election bid to the Riverdale City Council, holding off two of the challengers. Those challengers, Stanley Harris and Georgia Fuller, filed the law suit claiming fraud on the part of Bruce due to the fact that she identified herself as a female prior to the election. You can read the article here.

I ask that all of us stand up and fight for everyone with in the LGBT community. We some times forget while supporting our lesbian and gay friends that there is a transgender community who needs our help as well. And this, I know, is starting to change. Thanks to the Stonewall Democrats for pointing out this event in our community today and for the continued information with regards to ENDA.