Antibias complaints settled
Antibias complaints filed by two transgender women who were allegedly denied access to a women’s fitting room in a Center City store have recently been settled.
Kate Lynn Blatt and Lindsey Nowak allegedly were discriminated against because of their gender identity when they attempted to use a women’s fitting room at Kmart in The Gallery, 901 Market St.
During the May 2008 incident, store personnel allegedly asked intrusive questions about their chromosomal sex, a violation of the city’s Fair Practices Ordinance.
Blatt and Nowak filed complaints with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and recently settled their complaints for an undisclosed amount of money.
Terms of the settlement are confidential.
Kmart is owned by Sears Holdings Corp., based in Illinois.
Keith J. Potter, an attorney for Sears Holdings Corp., couldn’t be reached for comment.
Blatt and Nowak were represented by Mazzoni Center’s Legal Services Department.
“We’re delighted that at long last this matter has been resolved,” said David M. Rosenblum, legal director at Mazzoni Center. “We think it’s important for the transgender community to know that they have every right to use whatever dressing room is appropriate to their gender identity. Not only does Philadelphia’s antibias law ensure that right — but Kmart’s national policy does as well.”
Transwoman to appeal unfavorable court ruling
Janis Stacy, a Kunkletown transgender woman, will appeal a recent court ruling dismissing her employment-discrimination case, her attorney said this week.
Two years ago, Stacy sued LSI Corp. in federal court, claiming she was terminated from her engineering position because of her gender, gender identity and disability.
Stacy worked at the Allentown electronics firm for about 10 years prior to her termination in 2008.
On Sept. 12, U.S. District Judge Eduardo C. Robreno dismissed Stacy’s lawsuit, citing insufficient evidence that LSI committed unlawful discrimination when terminating Stacy.
Scott B. Goldshaw, an attorney for Stacy, said an appeal of Robreno’s ruling will be filed with the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
“We believe [Robreno] ruled in favor of the employer by deciding facts which were in dispute and which the law requires be resolved by a jury,” Goldshaw told PGN. “We will be appealing — and requesting an order for a trial by jury in accordance with the law.”
Stacy’s lawsuit alleged adverse employment actions dating back to 2005, when she started transitioning at work.
But LSI contended that Stacy was terminated due to workforce reductions and because she lacked the skills necessary to help move the company forward.
Robert W. Cameron, an attorney for LSI, declined to comment.
— Tim Cwiek
Bornstein event cancelled
A fundraising dinner and author dicussion with out writer Kate Bornstein at William Way LGBT Community Center scheduled for next week has been cancelled.
The event was to be held Sept. 28 but was cancelled due to a medical issue for the auction.
Bornstein plans to reschedule.
Gittings Way street sign to be dedicated
LGBT leaders will unveil new street signs next month that honor a late lesbian pioneer.
The 1300 block of Locust Street will be renamed “Gittings Way” in honor of Barbara Gittings, known by many as the mother of the gay-rights movement. The sign unveiling, organized by Equality Forum, will be held from 12:30-1 p.m. Oct. 1.
Speakers will include Equality Forum executive director Malcolm Lazin and City Councilman Mark Squilla. Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus will perform.
Collaborating organizations include Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, Equality Pennsylvania, Independence Business Alliance, Mazzoni Center, PGMC, Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus and William Way LGBT Community Center.
Exploring classism
The local chapter of Men of All Colors Together and William Way LGBT Community Center will present a discussion on classism from 1-4 p.m. Sept. 22 at the center, 1315 Spruce St.
“Classism: The Invisible Ism” will examine differential treatment based on real or perceived social class and its impact on the LGBT community.
Sherrie Cohen will facilitate the session.
Transwoman arrested for stabbing
A transgender woman was arrested last week for allegedly stabbing a SEPTA driver.
The incident took place on the Route 102 trolley Sept. 14 in Collingdale, Delaware County.
Investigators say the woman frequently boards the trolley without paying and that, when the driver confronted the woman about the fee, she stabbed him in the face.
It is unclear what weapon she allegedly used.
The driver was transported to a local hospital for a puncture wound.
The woman fled the bus and was arrested in a nearby lot. She was charged with simple assault, aggravated assault and other offenses.
— Jen Colletta
Trans community unites for Obama
Trans United for Obama and the Liberty City Democratic Club will host a voter registration and voter ID information event for the transgender community from 3-7 p.m. Sept. 22.
“T Party” will be held at 215 S. Broad St., second floor, at the office of out Pennsylvania Rep. nominee Brian Sims.
Participants will get a chance to register to vote as well as ask questions pertaining to their voter ID and other political issues and concerns. Obama for America voter protection director Lauren Vidas will be at the event to answer questions.
Trans United for Obama is a nationwide volunteer organization that educates transgender people, their friends, families and allies on gender-identity issues Obama has supported, as well as provides information on voter registration for the upcoming election.
For more information, email [email protected].
— Angela Thomas