Transgender teen files discrimination complaint against Orlando McDonald’s

I highly suggest you read this article in its entirety. The reporter, Joseph Erbentraut has done an excellent job detailing Ms. Bellamy's story and the terrible way she was discriminated against by the McDonald's management. He also details how an all inclusive Employment Non Discrimination Act is critical for Transgender people.

If we cannot get jobs, getting married or serving in the military just does not seem so important.

by Joseph Erbentraut

EDGE Great Lakes Regional Editor

Monday Dec 7, 2009

When 17-year-old Zikerria Bellamy arrived for a job interview at an Orlando McDonald’s in July, she said her reception was far from welcoming. And when managers at the fast-food giant learned she is transgender, she received a voice mail message from one who stated: "We do not hire faggots."

The incident took place after Bellamy filled out an online application for employment at the fast food outlet on July 10. Bellamy did not complete the section that asks applicants about their gender, reports a Dec. 7 article at ClickOrlando.com. Although the online application assures viewers that there is no onus associated with leaving that field blank, Bellamy says that when she spoke with a manager in person on July 28, he insisted that she fill in the section. Bellamy checked off the "male" option and, the teenager told Orlando’s Local 6 News, "He was upset. I seen the anger, you know, like you can tell when someone gets upset."

The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund filed a complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations on Monday on Bellamy’s behalf. Michael Silverman, executive director of the New York-based TLDEF, said McDonald’s violated the Florida Civil Rights Act. He added he feels the complaint should serve as a "wake-up call" on employment discrimination against trans people. It is currently legal in Florida and 37 other states to fire or not hire an employee because of their gender identity...

Original Article