Center on Halsted transgender liaison leaving over HRC donation

Fri. November 16, 2012 9:29 AM by GoPride.com News Staff

Chicago, IL - Center on Halsted's volunteer transgender liaison June LaTrobe has resigned after the Center accepted a donation from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) for a Transgender Day of Remembrance event.

"I can not be a part of putting money above principle," LaTrobe said in a Nov. 14 letter to the Center.

HRC made a $250 donation to a portion of the Center's annual Transgender Day of Remembrance event that features performances by Broadway Youth Center youth. The event is scheduled for Nov. 18.

Some transgender advocates feel HRC excludes transgender communities. In 2007, HRC backed a version of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that did not include trans protections. HRC has since changed its position on ENDA.

"HRC has had enormous challenges working with the trans community over the past several years," Brian Richardson, a spokesperson for Center on Halsted told the Windy City Times. "That said, we hope to work with their new leadership on fighting for both the trans community and the broader LGBTQ community."

LaTrobe had volunteered with the Center for over 5 years.

Earlier this month, The Civil Rights Agenda (TCRA) announced LaTrobe would Chair the newly created Transgender Rights Project Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee will guide the work of the project and aid in authoring the strategic plan for TCRA.

On the Web:
June LaTrobe leaving the Center over HRC sponsorship
(Windy City Times)
 

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