Gay Today: World

West Hollywood Creates
Transgender Task Force

Compiled By GayToday

West Hollywood, California--The City council of West Hollywood has voted unanimously to create a seven member task force for the purpose of identifying and reviewing issues of importance to the transgender community.

The task force will report directly to the Lesbian and Gay Advisory Board, and will work toward improving the quality of life for transgendered persons living or working in West Hollywood. Mr. Rich Ryan, the city's Hate Crimes and Domestic Violence Specialist, will serve as the staff coordinator.

West Hollywood Mayor Jeffrey Prang said the Task Force 'is a first step in identifying public policy' for the transgender community

Mayor Jeffrey Prang said:

"This task force will serve an important role in exploring the issues affecting transgender persons, including employment, HIV prevention and treatment, community awareness and empowerment, as well as sensitivity training for public safety personnel and City Hall Staff. This task force is a first step in identifying public policy strategies to better serve the transgender community."

The task force will be comprised of one member of the Public Safety Commission, one member of the Lesbian and Gay Advisory Board, and transgendered persons who live and work in the city.

Persons interested in applying for the task force are urged to contact the City Clerk's office and to ask for a Municipal Commission/Committe/Board Application. Members will be selected by the City Manager and staff liaisons.

According to Shirley Bushnell, a board member of the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition and a spearhead of the local effort:

"As a member of the transgender community, the establishment of this task force proves the city is progressive in protecting the civil rights of its residents."

Community member Sandra Crockett also said:

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Related Sites:
The National Transgender Advocacy Coalition

West Hollywood City Council

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"I was so excited when the Council approved the Task Force on Transgender issues...I feel we can make a difference and help in the changes that need to be made and be a real service to the Transgender community."

John Lazar, co-chair of the LGAB said:

"I am very pleased with the City Council. Our Boards worked very closely together and determined a task force to review transgender issues would be a great way to begin a community discussion of ways to make the life of transgender persons better. I am looking forward to reviewing the task force's report and continuing our dialogue."