A brave Washington teen gave a moving speech to the U.S. Senate earlier today, imploring officials to pass the Equality Act.
Sixteen-year-old Stella Keating spoke virtually at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing and gave some striking examples of how the Equality Act could protect her, and people like her, from discrimination.
“Right now, I live in a state where I have equal protection under the law. And as a high school sophomore, I’m starting to look at colleges,” she said. “And all I can think about is this: less than half of the states in our country provide equal protection for me under the law."
The Tacoma, Washington sophomore is transgender and knows that if/when she moves, her identity could be used as justification to discriminate against her in states where the laws aren't as protective.
“What happens if I want to attend college in a state that doesn’t protect me?” said Keating. “Right now, I could be denied medical care or be evicted for simply being transgender in many states. How is that even right? How is that even American?”
As The Advocate reports, The Equality Act would "amend national civil rights laws to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, adding these characteristics to ones already included, such as race, sex, and religion. It would cover employment, housing, public accommodations, and a variety of other aspects of life."
The Act passed the House of Representatives in February 2020 but has to get through the senate.
Keating's anxiety is relatable for many LGBTQ+ who live in states where they can still be legally discriminated against.
“What if I’m offered a dream job in a state where I can be discriminated against? Even if my employer is supportive, I still have to live somewhere. Eat in restaurants. Have a doctor,” she pointed out. “And why am I having to worry about all of this at the age of 16?”
Keating's being praised by LGBTQ+ folks and allies for sharing her story with the Senate, and the world. "She is so brave," reads one Twitter comment. "I can barely watch this hearing I can't imagine being 16 and having the strength and courage to testify in it."
Another reads, "Well done Stella... I'm a transgender woman who is married and has raised a family. We're just regular people wanting to live our happiest lives. Thanks for being so brave for all of us..."
