The ACLU believes the constitution protects everyone. Our work ensures Missouri respects every individual’s civil liberties – no matter who they are or how they identify.

When people have the floor to tell their own story, change happens. We’ve seen this demonstrated over and over again, from a school board meeting up to the Supreme Court. The personal is what makes political change.

While much of our work happens in the courts we also work within communities to build bridges. Our newest initiative, the Transgender Education and Advocacy Program seeks to elevate and amplify the voices of the transgender and gender non-conforming communities in Missouri through outreach and education. This starts within the trans and gender non-conforming community.

Programs and campaigns like the Transgender Education and Advocacy have been part of ACLU affiliate work across the country. From Alaska to Ohio to Pennsylvania, ACLU is building on their commitment to ensure each state’s laws are inclusive for everyone. And we’re letting the communities themselves lead the way

We’re fostering a platform to bring these stories to a wider audience.  Previously, we introduced you to Jay-Marie Hill, our Transgender Education and Advocacy Program Coordinator. Jay-Marie has built a way for trans and gender non-conforming folks share their lives through the ACLU Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Experiences Survey.

These stories will help make sure everyone in our state – legislator and voter alike – has the opportunity to get to know the experiences, joys, and struggles many in the trans community share. It is harder to discriminate against someone you know. Through these stories, the Transgender Education and Advocacy Program will illustrate why and how Missouri should actively work toward making laws that honor the Constitution, uphold civil liberties, and protect everyone fully. Respect means making our state truly equal for everyone.

We hope that as this program builds and expands, you will be inspired and challenged. We’re excited to share this with you. As we grow, we need you to share the survey with your circles and forward this email. There is power in numbers, both through educating the public and in empowering individuals.

We can’t do this work without you.