Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Task Force

Approved 4/22/2013 SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY TASK FORCE April 1, 2013 – 4:30 p.m. Public Safety Center, 330 W. Scott PRESENT: Judge Miles Sweeney – Chairman Lola Butcher, Randall Doennig, Rev. Steve Gardner, Dick Hardy, Dr. Ginger Holczer, Jeff Houghton, Cindy Lear, Rick McLain, Rev. Michael Overton, Pam Sailors, Sarah Smith, David Trippe, Gary Whitaker Angela Filbeck – Alternate Kelly Johnson – MCHRCR Chairman CITY STAFF LIAISONS: Dan Wichmer – City Attorney, Sharon Smith – City Manager’s Office ABSENT: Lynn Meyerkord, Robert Saylor __________________________________________________________________________ The 3/18/13 minutes were reviewed and Rev. Michael Overton made a motion to accept. Dr. Ginger Holczer seconded motion. Minutes approved. Judge Sweeney introduced Dr. Gerald Porter, Vice President of Forrest Institute. Dr. Porter reviewed the Tripartite Theory of Gender and Sexuality (handout). He discussed the theory’s three factors: sex, gender, and sexual orientation. Dr. Porter also distributed the International Bill of Gender Rights (handout). Judge Sweeney introduced Josh Castillo, transgender. He provided his perspective of life as a transgender, as well as the experiences he has faced living in this area. Judge Sweeney requested each sub-committee update the Task Force of their progress: Employment Sub-Committee – Gary Whitaker said the sub-committee has divided up top employees to speak with and sent questionaire out to small businesses – 146 surveys back at this time. Also reviewed Benchmark cities and how they have handled and any “mistakes” they see have been made. The survey is out until April 15. They plan to have report back by end of April. Health-Transgender Sub-Committee – David Trippe said the sub-committee have been talking to the Healthcare community. They continue to research, but they request if anyone has found research of opposition of ordinance, please share information with Task Force. He stated he is unsure of timeframe to report back to group. Public Accommodations Sub-Committee - Dick Hardy said the sub-committee has extended an invitation to the LGBT community for an open house from 6-7:30 p.m. at Jordan Valley Park on Monday, April 8. They are encouraging LGBT individuals to share date/time/place on specific instances of discrimination (names of businesses). Judge Sweeney stated concern for the individuals with names due to Sunshine Law. Dick replied sub-committee will take that into consideration. He stated they are interviewing employers on how this subject is handled when providing services. Next meeting scheduled for Monday, April 22 – 4:30. Meeting adjourned at 6:05 pm.