I recently responded to the LGBT Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii Questionnaire. Some of my responses are here:

 

The Democratic Party's Platform has a plank calling for the banning of reparative therapy (aka conversion therapy) for keiki and adults. Do you support banning reparative therapy? Why or why not?

 

I believe that each individual is unique and valuable and no one needs to be “fixed” based on sexual or gender orientation. I support banning so-called “reparative therapy” or "conversion therapy" because it is unethical; it is not scientifically based; and can be harmful to LGBTQ individuals.

 

• The American Psychiatric Association opposes psychiatric treatment "based upon the assumption that homosexuality per se is a mental disorder or based upon the a priori assumption that a patient should change his/her sexual homosexual orientation" and describes attempts to change sexual orientation by practitioners as unethical.

 

• In 2001, the US Surgeon General affirmed that "there is no valid scientific evidence that sexual orientation can be changed.”

 

• Furthermore, “reparative therapy” is likely harmful to LGBTQ individuals by increasing internalized stigma, distress, and depression

 

What is your position on any proposed religious exemption amendments to the public accommodations law with regards to same-sex marriage?

 

I believe that the law has not and does not presently command that any religion perform a religious marriage against its genuinely held doctrines therefore, it's not clear what the purpose of a so-called "religious exemption" law would be other than to erode the public accommodations law (protection of the civil rights of protected classes) by individuals engaged in commerce or other public accommodations which is not a religious activity.

 

I am therefore against any proposed religious exemption amendments to the public accommodations law.

 

Furthermore, laws preventing discrimination in public accommodations, whether the discrimination is based on race, gender or sexual orientation should not be subverted by creating loophole exemptions for the intolerant. There is never a valid reason for discrimination of this type and as a Congresswoman, I would work to encourage other states to implement some of the strong protections that we have here in Hawaii.

 

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender seniors face unique barriers in gaining access to housing, healthcare, long-term care and other needed services. How would you address these issues on a state level?

 

LGBTQ discrimination across the lifespan and thinner support networks for all Americans on state and federal levels contribute to higher poverty rates among LGBTQ seniors.

 

Though Congress has little control over state issues, if elected I would support and fight for the federal Equality Act, which is an update to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination in education, employment, housing, credit, and federal jury service, and providing them with basic civil rights protections. In the meantime, I would encourage and support expanding Hawaii legislation that protects the civil rights of the LGBTQ community by working with state legislators, providing testimony on any related bills and encouraging education of the challenges associated with LGBTQ seniors.

 

While huge advancements have been made towards equality for the gay and lesbian community (i.e., the U.S. Supreme Court bringing marriage equality for all American citizens), do you support assisting the transgender community in obtaining their equal rights? What do you propose to do to help obtain this justice?

 

I believe transgender equal rights are protected by the Hawaii state ERA, however interpretation and implementation of civil rights laws are always the issue. Cultural shifts combined with litigation are the primary tools available for change.

 

For example, the current narrative in public discourse on this topic focusing on “the bathroom issue” needs to change to a more useful and substantive discussion. Hawaii can and should take the lead.

 

What is your position on the Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA) which would provide basic federal protections against workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity?

 

I support the Employment Nondiscrimination Act. We need to ensure that protections against workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity are in place for everyone throughout the country.

 

Bullying and harassment are widespread problems with significant adverse consequences for students. Would you support/co-sponsor a bill to address this issue? Why or why not?

 

As the parent and auntie of young adults who were recently high school students, I would absolutely co-sponsor a bill to address bullying and harassment.

 

I fully support Senator Al Franken's “Student Non-Discrimination Act” H.R. 998, S. 555 which would establish “a comprehensive federal prohibition against discrimination and bullying in public schools based on sexual orientation or gender identity.  Specifically, the bill would forbid schools from discriminating against LGBT students or ignoring harassing behavior.”

 

Income inequality impacts the LGBT community since our community faces higher rates of poverty, homelessness, and economic insecurity than the heterosexual community. What are your plans to help deal with income inequality and the housing/homeless crisis? What in particular would you propose to help the LGBT community in these areas?

 

Despite the perception that LGBTQ people are well off, research shows that LGBTQ people disproportionately experience poverty. Like every other community, the LGBTQ is composed mostly of working class individuals. Furthermore, societal prejudice has an economic impact on LGBTQs as a group, making otherwise similar LGBTQ individuals less wealthy than their heterosexual counterparts.

 

Furthermore, Trans Americans are nearly four times more likely to have a household income under $10,000 than the general population. LGBTQ people of color, adults with kids, and the elderly are at a greater financial risk than the overall community. On top of discrimination, many LGBTQ women face unequal pay and sexual harassment in the workplace. And a staggering 90% of transgender workers report some form of harassment or mistreatment on the job. Additionally, LGBTQ women face greater barriers to high-quality healthcare, which has an impact on family economic security.

 

The LGBTQ community needs the same economic supports as other working people. They need a $15/hour minimum wage, paid sick days, paid family leave, pregnancy protections, predictable schedules, workplace protections, and equitable wages.

 

Since LGBTQ workers face discriminatory workplace laws that make it harder for them to maintain economic security for their families, it is very important that ENDA become law.

 

Lack of legal protection from discrimination also means that LGBTQ families can be denied housing & credit. That is why I also support the Equality Act, which is an update to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, protecting LGBT people from discrimination in education, employment, housing, credit, and federal jury service, providing them with basic civil rights protections.

 

Do you support equal access to all fertility options for same-sex couples?

 

I support requiring health insurance to cover all fertility options for same-sex couples and single women that are covered for heterosexual couples and coupled women.

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