New York has released the results of the Transgender Employment Study, a first-of-its-kind report that details the experiences of transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary New Yorkers in the workplace. Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation directing the New York State Department of Labor to conduct the study in consultation with the New York State Division of Human Rights. The full study is available here.
NYSDOL looked to determine whether employment disparities among TGNCNB individuals in New York State exist, evaluate factors contributing to those disparities, and recommend proposals to address barriers to equal employment. NYSDOL collected data through meetings with TGNCNB advocates and community leaders, five focus groups, interviews, and over 350 online public comments from counties in all ten regions of the state. This study will build on advancements to ensure New York State workplaces are safe and affirming for TGNCNB members of the workforce.
Key findings in the NYSDOL report include, but are not limited to:
- Employment discrimination based on gender identity is pervasive throughout the state.
- TGNCNB people of color experience greater employment disparities.
- There is a lack of cultural competency statewide regarding gender identity and expression.
- There is a genuine fear for safety in the workplace among TGNCNB individuals.
- Discrimination and other barriers to employment have led TGNCNB New Yorkers to seek self-employment opportunities.
- There is a regional difference between the experiences of TGNCNB individuals in New York City and other large cities, versus those in the more rural areas of the state.
The report recommends the following policy additions:
- Advocating for uniform data collection regarding gender identity by Federal agencies, especially the US Census Bureau.
- Providing workforce development programming specifically for TGNCNB communities to address their unique challenges.
- Mandating cultural competency and GENDA training across the State.
- Exploring additional ways the State can reduce barriers to obtaining affirming legal identification.
- Modeling best practices for employers.
- Addressing barriers to employment for justice-involved individuals.
“As the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, New York State has maintained a deep commitment to providing greater respect, stronger protections, and better opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community,” Governor Hochul said. “This report provides a glimpse into the work lives of trans, gender non-conforming, and non-binary New Yorkers and charts a path forward on addressing the barriers they face. New York remains committed to providing an open and affirming workplace for all workers, and my administration will continue to provide the resources and protections needed for every New Yorker to live free from discrimination.”
