Marti Abernathey

Dear city-county council members,

My name is Marti Abernathey. I am a father of three beautiful children, a health care provider (a cat scan/x-ray technologist), a long time Hoosier, and a tech savvy blogger (http://digitaldogmeat.com). I am a citizen, an activist, and to many, a friend. I also happen to be a (male to female) transsexual.

Before voting for or against the Human Rights Ordinance, please consider what I have to say.

When the word “transsexual” or “transgender” are brought up, images of “The Jerry Springer Show” flash into most peoples mind. My hope is that with this e-mail you can see past this negative media stereotype (a stereotype much like blackface was used to caricature African Americans) and see me as one of you. I’ve had dinner with you and your spouse (Lincoln Plowman). I grew up with your sister and went to school (Southport class of 86) in the same school system that your mother taught in (Mike Speedy). I have provided compassionate and kind health care to you, your children, or your elderly parents. I am not a sexual deviant, a pervert, or a circus freak. I am truly one of you… a caring, loving, compassionate human being.

I’m sure you’ve heard from many supporters of Eric Miller and Micah Clark. They want to portray this ordinance as “a special right” that is part of an agenda to move government towards “homosexual marriage.” Even a cursory look into the language of the HRO will prove that accusation false. This isn’t a morality issue, but rather a civil rights issue. This has NOTHING to do with marriage. There isn’t anything “special” about this ordinance. Civil rights legislation has been put into action to level “the playing field.” President Harry Truman said that to “fashion and strengthen our American faith” civil rights legislation was needed. He added that “We believe that all men are entitled to equal opportunities for jobs, for homes, for good health and for education.”

This isn’t an issue that can be divided down partisan lines either. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 would have never been passed had it not been for Senate Republican Minority Leader Everett Dirksen. In garnering enough votes to break a long held filibuster, Senator Dirksen said that “The time has come for equality of opportunity in sharing in government, in education, and in employment. It will not be stayed or denied. It is here!”

Even today, that sentiment rings true. During the last election cycle, Mitch Daniels made it very clear that he does not support gay marriage, but he is against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. His campaign’s employment policy statement reflected this belief by stating that “Indiana’s future depends on the contributive talent of all who live within its boundaries. Discrimination against any person is wrong. The Mitch Daniels Campaign Committee accords equal access to employment opportunities at the campaign regardless of race, religion, skin color, sex, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin.”

Many Americans concur with this assessment. According to a poll conducted by Lake, Snell, Perry & Associates Inc., 61 percent agreed “that there needs to be laws to protect transgender people from discrimination.”

Eric Miller has insinuated that if this ordinance is passed that religious institution’s will be forced to hire transsexuals and gays and lesbians. Be it from ignorance or an out and out lie, it’s untrue. First of all, many religious institutions already employ GLBT Hoosiers. Secondly, religious organizations are exempt from this ordinance. I know this because I work for a catholic health organization that will NOT fall under this ordinance. Chapter 581 states that “
The provisions of section of this chapter shall not include apply to any not-for-profit corporation or association organized exclusively for fraternal or religious purposes, nor to any school, education, charitable or religious institution owned or conducted by, or affiliated with, a church or religious institution, nor any exclusively social club, corporation or association that is not organized for profit and is not in fact open to the general public.

President Kennedy said that “The heart of the question is whether all Americans are afforded equal rights and equal opportunities, whether we are going to treat our fellow Americans as we want to be treated…” He continued onto say that “…this nation, for all its boasts, will not be fully free until all of its citizens are free.” I’m asking you to please consider my plea. I don’t want special rights, I don’t want a free ride, and I don’t want anything over and above what any other Hoosier wants. So please, on Monday April 25th, 2005 please vote for liberty, equality, and freedom. Vote yes on prop 68.