A Man Was Fired for Being Trans. This is Why We Need the Equality Act Now

by HRC Staff

Brown was ultimately fired simply because of who he is — that is unacceptable. That’s why HRC is working to pass explicit, guaranteed federal protections for LGBTQ Americans across the country.

Post submitted by Brian McBride, former HRC Digital Strategist

Carter Brown was living the American dream. He not only excelled in his career, but bought a home and settled down with his wife and newborn daughter in Texas.

All of that changed in an instant when Brown was outed by his colleagues as transgender. What followed was months of discrimination and harassment by his peers, managerial staff and even human resources. Brown was ultimately fired simply because of who he is that is unacceptable. That’s why HRC is working to pass explicit, guaranteed federal protections for LGBTQ Americans across the country.

Brown is not alone. An estimated 50 percent of LGBTQ Americans live in states where they’re at risk of being fired, denied housing, or refused service because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Equality Act would fix the patchwork of protections and finally add explicit and comprehensive federal LGBTQ non-discrimination protections under our nation’s existing civil rights laws, protecting LGBTQ workers like Brown. The Williams Institute released a new report highlighting the millions of LGBTQ Americans the bipartisan legislation would protect in employment, housing, education, credit, public services and other key areas of life.  

Following the historic election of a new pro-equality majority in Congress, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and leadership have made clear that passing the Equality Act is a top legislative priority this session. Earlier this week, Brown joined HRC on the Hill to meet with lawmakers to advocate for shift passage of the Equality Act.  

As Americans, we all share the bedrock value that every person deserves to be treated equally under the law. Join HRC as a Community Co-Sponsor to urge Congress to finally pass the Equality Act and finally add explicit federal LGBTQ non-discrimination protections to our nation’s civil rights laws.