Non-Discrimination Laws against Transgenders Essay Example

article under examination highlights that discrimination can result in harmful behaviors like drug abuse or suicidal thoughts. Thus, it is crucial to address the psychological distress caused by discrimination and safeguard lives across America. Nevertheless, there exists an opposing argument against incorporating transgender individuals into these policies.

The article discusses the issue of an adult biological male using a bathroom with young girls based on their gender identity. This situation can potentially lead to rape, causing significant harm to the mental well-being of the victims. Moreover, individuals like sycophants, pedophiles, and perverts may exploit this situation for their own pleasure. Additionally, there is no need to expand current anti-discrimination laws to include transgender individuals as laws already exist addressing sexual discrimination and workplace discrimination. It's also important to consider the negative impact on certain companies upholding conservative values who rely on their image; they may face unwarranted losses in severance packages and lawsuits due to an employee "coming out" as transgender. Existing laws protect those identifying as women from discrimination, making it unnecessary to duplicate legislation specifically targeting this matter.

Companies no longer have to face losses when an employee reveals their true identity and needs to be terminated for other reasons. What if half of the workforce disclosed their identities all at once? According to Philips (2016) in the Washington Post on May 9, 2016, North Carolina has passed a bill that governs how transgender individuals can use public bathrooms and lockers. This has resulted in lawsuits involving the gay community versus the state and also between the state and federal government.

The federal government argues that this bill violates civil rights. However, policies regarding transgender individuals

are still in early stages and have not been fully implemented yet, unlike previous discussions on anti-discrimination based on race and sexual orientation. It is recommended that policies be established to prevent discrimination against transgender individuals in education, employment, access to social services, and housing.

Additionally, these policies should allow for the creation of male, female, and a third set of bathrooms in public places and workplaces.

The third set can be for any gender and this will liberate transgender individuals from 'inconveniencing' others.

Should Transgender Individuals Serve Openly in the Military?

There is a strong argument that transgender individuals should be allowed to serve openly in the military based on their merit. The article discusses an Army Intelligence Officer's experience serving in Iraq, highlighting their impressive potential and promotion. However, concerns are raised about potential mistreatment from a new commander due to their past gender identity. As long as an officer has demonstrated success through tours and missions, regardless of gender identity, they should have the opportunity to serve their country. Ultimately, what truly matters is their capabilities and ability to achieve results rather than their gender identity.

Women have been granted the opportunity to serve in combat positions that were previously exclusive to men, proving their capability in such roles. The military now disregards gender identity when assessing eligibility for service. Similar to the anti-discrimination regulations applied in employment, military personnel should be permitted to openly serve without concealing their gender identities or being subjected to prejudice based on them. All individuals aspiring to serve their country deserve equal chances. The military assesses individuals based on their competence in fulfilling assigned responsibilities. Nonetheless, it is still preferable for

transgender individuals not to publicly serve within the military.

The article argues that making the military responsible for covering medical expenses of transgender individuals would result in an annual cost surpassing 5.6 million dollars. This additional burden on the military budget would ultimately be shifted to taxpayers. Additionally, utilizing the military as a platform for social experimentation is considered inappropriate since it requires funding surgeries and healthcare for transgender individuals. Furthermore, this practice does not contribute to national security. The main objective of the military is to follow orders, and many members may feel uncomfortable or openly voice their disapproval towards such individuals, hindering teamwork.

The update on the policy issue indicates that the review on trans-military, originally expected to be completed by spring 2016, has not yet resulted in a definitive policy. Johnson (2016) notes that patience is wearing thin due to the Pentagon's delay in providing a clear policy as of April 2016. The need for policy review was first raised in 2016, with a report anticipated before the end of spring. To arrive at a decision, it is crucial for the Pentagon to consider civil rights and the essential qualifications for military service while maintaining an inclusive approach similar to that taken with women in combat roles. The main focus should be on assessing physical and related requirements without any form of discrimination.

The military should adopt a pragmatic policy when evaluating individuals, regardless of gender identity.

Should children undergo medical treatment for gender identity issues?

Absolutely. Early treatment prevents future complications and uncertainties that arise when individuals come out later in life. Changing gender identities later in life

often leads to discrimination, as seen with the experiences of gay and lesbian individuals. By addressing the issue during childhood, individuals can grow psychologically and develop in a way that aligns with their chosen gender identity, without facing stigma in their later years. This approach promotes the overall psychological well-being of the child.

Beginning therapy and acceptance for the child and family at an early age guarantees the prompt initiation of treatment. Additionally, addressing the issue during childhood allows for the administration of medications and procedures that hinder the biological gender's growth and development during puberty. Certain hormones can impede the formation of characteristic features such as the Adam's apple, breasts, and facial hair, enabling individuals to have adequate time to explore their gender identity, especially their chosen identity.

Using drugs that do not have FDA approval can have adverse effects on bone density and brain development, impeding growth. These hormones are specifically designed to limit physical development and growth, resulting in further detrimental physical consequences. It is not recommended to permit young children to make such choices.

In today's society, the notion that children lack the ability to make important choices often leads to ill-informed decision-making. This is similar to how they are not trusted with voting or making significant financial decisions for the family, as they are also seen as immature when it comes to determining their developing gender identity. The preferable approach is to grant children the authority to make such decisions once they reach adulthood. An update on this policy matter reveals that current policies solely address the treatment of gender dysphoria, according to Grinberg (2016) in a CNN article. However, the Federal government

has issued directives for schools instructing them to allow children to utilize restrooms corresponding with their perceived gender identity.

Although ongoing debates and lack of definitive policies surround children making decisions about their gender identity, this paragraph supports the idea. However, it is suggested that individuals under 18 should wait until reaching adulthood to pursue and handle these matters due to their ongoing mental development.

References

1. Grinberg, Emanuella. (2016). Feds issue guidance on transgender access to school bathrooms. CNN. May 14 2016. http://edition.cnn.com/2016/05/12/politics/transgender-bathrooms-obama-administration/
2. Johnson, Chris. (2016). Impatience grows as Pentagon lags on trans military review.

The article from the Washington Blade, published on April 16th, 2016, discusses the growing impatience with the Pentagon's delay in conducting a review of transgender military policies. Additionally, Amber Phillips provides an overview of the legal battle surrounding North Carolina's transgender bathroom law in four questions.The Washington Post published an article on May 9, 2016 discussing the legal dispute surrounding North Carolina's transgender bathroom law. For further information, please visit https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/05/09/the-legal-fight-over-north-carolinas-transgender-bathroom-law-explained-in-4-questions/.