2011 was a year of many trans advancements. This short piece lists 20 of them. [Download a printable copy here: 2011 Transgender Achievements – References]

Overviews:

Op-ed: 14 Reasons That Made 2011 Great for Trans People by Mara Keisling

2011 Was a Landmark Year for Trans Progress by Loree Cook-Daniels

Specific advances:

1. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issues an opinion directing its members to “assist or refer” transgender patients, and opposing anti-transgender discrimination.
2. All new bills introduced into Congress are appropriately trans-inclusive. (See Keisling Op-Ed: http://www.advocate.com/printArticle.aspx?id=245917)
3. Four states and 13 localities outlaw anti-transgender discrimination.(See Keisling Op-Ed: http://www.advocate.com/printArticle.aspx?id=245917)
4. Chaz Bono appears on Dancing With the Stars
5. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addresses the United Nations on LGBT rights, and the Administration directs embassies to assist in protecting and promoting LGBT rights. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MudnsExyV78 or more information at http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/obama-administration-targets-anti-gay-discrimination-abroad/2011/12/06/gIQAUjbYaO_story.html
6. A federal appeals court rules that Title VII outlaws employment discrimination against transgender people.
7. The first sitting Cabinet Secretary addresses a transgender event.
8. U.S. government begins developing questions to determine how many transgender people are participating in various national surveys.
9. Harmony Santana becomes first openly trans actor to get a major award nomination.
10. The Human Rights Campaign reports that nearly 1/3 of the largest US corporations are now covering transgender surgeries.
11. NCTE and GLSEN issue model policies school districts can use to protect transgender and gender non-conforming students.
12. The White House hosts meeting with advocates to discuss what the federal government can do to address anti-transgender violence.
13. Social Security Administration ceases issuing gender “no match” letters to employers.
14. World Professional Association for Transgender Health issues seventh, more progressive, Standards of Care.
15. NCTE issues fact sheet publicizing Medicare coverage for transgender care.
16. Veterans Administration issues a Directive mandating that all VA facilities treat transgender veterans respectfully.
17. United Nations passes first resolution focused solely on protecting people based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.
18. U.S. Office of Personnel Management issues progressive documents on transgender employees.
19. “Injustice at Every Turn: National Transgender Discrimination Study” published.
20. Passports with correct name and gender made much easier to get.