On April 25, the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) launched a new training program developed for staff members of LGBT and other allied organizations. This training program was created to educate allies on transgender issues and to work with allied organizations on improving the workplace climate for trans people as well as making the services of these organizations more accessible to transgender people.

At this first training, staff members from several Washington, DC-based organizations attended including the National Organization for Women (NOW), Family Pride Coalition, United States Student Association (USSA), and several labor organizations including the AFL-CIO, SEIU, CWA, IAM, and the Transport Workers Union among others. Training participants spent over four hours discussing the issues that transgender people face in our society and brainstorming how they can be better allies to trans people, both personally and organizationally.

2005 has already been an astounding year for transgender people, with movement on transgender inclusive bills in several states and local jurisdictions. Maine and Illinois have both amended their anti- discrimination protections to include trans people (see our article in the April Newsletter at www.nctequality.org/news). And bills in other states have continued to move. Maryland's transgender- inclusive Hate Crimes Penalties Act recently passed the General Assembly and is now awaiting the Governor's signature. Hawaii also has two bills awaiting Governor's signature, one the covers gender identity and expression in employment and one that covers gender identity and expression and sexual orientation in housing.

NCTE is launching our second Congressional Summer School. Congressional Summer School is an annual event where teams of 3-4 trans people and allies conduct in-district educational visits with members of Congress during the August recess.

The goal of this project is to continue the process of educating lawmakers in this country about transgender issues. Additionally, it is a unique opportunity to amplify the impact of our movement by empowering local trans people and allies to get more involved in national efforts.

Pictured: Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) with NCTE Lobby Day participants Amanda Simpson and her son Max.

Hundreds of activists working for equal rights for transgender people will gather at the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies (CLAGS) in New York City from May 6-7, 2005 for a major national conference, "Trans Politics, Social Change and Justice." This event will be held at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue (between 34th and 35th Streets) in New York, NY from 9am to 9:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, May 6-7, 2005. To register online go to www.clags.org.

The National Center for Transgender Equality proudly supports the Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA) and their Veterans March to the Wall. This historic event will bring transgender veterans and their allies to Washington, DC on May 21, 2005 for the second year! Last year the March was a great success.

This weekend gives transgender veterans a chance to come together and reflect upon their experiences. It also brings much needed attention to the issues that transgender veterans face-issues which have often been overlooked by the government and general public.

NCTE has internship opportunities for Summer '05. We welcome applications from both students and non-students. We will work with a student's university to assure college credit is received. It is best if interns are based in the DC-metro area.