Decision is a victory for transgender officer

http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid22325.asp

The Supreme Court refused Monday to consider shielding employers from discrimination lawsuits by transsexuals, dodging a workplace rights fight. The court's refusal to intervene leaves in place a victory for Cincinnati Officer Philecia Barnes, who was born Phillip Barnes.

A federal appeals court upheld a jury's finding that Barnes was a victim of discrimination, under a federal civil rights law. The city had been ordered to pay the officer $320,000, and pay another $550,000 in attorney fees.

Barnes, a 24-year veteran of the Cincinnati police force, dressed as a man at work but as a woman during off-hours in 1999 when the officer was demoted. Barnes sometimes wore makeup to work and had manicured nails. Richard Ganulin, one of the city attorneys, told justices that employers should be protected from discrimination lawsuits based on "transsexual and homosexual characteristics." The city maintains the demotion was for professional reasons.

appeal (which will undoubtedly occur).

One question, though. Is the officer transgender or transsexual? I ask only because my kid is ftm and a little picky about the terminology -- so I'm curious.

My bad.

he hates the term transsexual because it has nothing to do with his sexuality. I tend to agree with him. I was wondering what problem your child had with the terminology?

(and he would prefer it was not) because, like your spouse, he doesn't like the association with sexuality. In terms of sexuality, he thinks of himself as queer or gay -- at least the last time I checked!

He's pretty young (25) and a strange combination of "don't ask, don't tell" and community activist; makes me proud most of the time and drives me nuts the remainder!

:crazy:

for supporting him. :applause:

He's my kid, regardless of the package. Besides, he's a pretty interesting character; I like him, not just love him.

I have never been able to understand people who believe love can be conditional . . . clueless, sad, people.