Meet the real life folks right here in Denton who have experienced discrimination because of who they are or who they love.
The stories are real, though the images chosen may not be of the individual themself, in order to protect their privacy and minimize the risk of further discrimination or harassment.
Elizabeth
When I was a grad student at UNT, I lived in a cute house that was affordable and close to campus (a real bonus since I didn’t have a car). I always paid my rent on time and kept the place in good shape. When my landlady found out that I was a lesbian, though, she literally gave me 48 hours to get out with all of my stuff. There was nothing I could do about it since there weren’t any laws to protect me. So mid-way through the semester, I had to put everything in boxes and move out. I spent a few weeks couch surfing before I could find another place to live. As soon as I graduated, I left Denton for good because I didn’t feel welcome or safe anymore after that.
Ginny
I was unhappy at my apartment because the management never seemed to care when I brought a concern to them. There were leaks and mold everywhere and I needed to get out of there ASAP. I found a great place that I could afford and went to tour the place. They were very polite to me on the phone when I set up the tour but when I got there, everything changed. I’m pretty sure they suspected that I’m transgender and they just seemed like they wanted to get this over with — almost like they thought I was going to “turn them trans” or something just by talking to me! By the time I got home — just an hour or so later — they called me and said the apartment had already been leased to someone else. I’m sad because the apartment was just what I was looking for, but also kind of relieved that I didn’t get stuck in a lease at a place that was so openly unwelcoming.
Paul
We have an 11 year old transgender daughter, and after she began to transition, we were told by her pediatrician that we needed to find a new doctor. We had been with this doctor for over 4 years for both her and our two sons, and were shocked that we’d be turned away like that. She (the doctor) said that it “conflicted with her religious beliefs.” What does being trans have to do with getting a strep test, antibiotics, or a check up? We complained to the Texas Medical Board but they didn’t do anything to help us.
Alex
I have definitely been discriminated against when looking for a job here. I’m nonbinary, and I use they/them pronouns. When applying for a job, I either have to put up with being called the wrong pronouns, which feels really awful and demoralizing. Or I let my interviewer know that I prefer “they” instead of “he” or “she”. I applied for a job at a retail store here in Denton that I was qualified for, and was turned away because, as the person told me my “pronouns would be too confusing for our customers.”
Kat
I am good friends with a transgender woman, who has been on HRT (hormone replacement therapy) for 3 years. Despite this, though, she is unable to transition openly in her life because she afraid of losing her job or getting evicted from her home. She doesn’t feel comfortable sharing her personal story so publicly, so I am speaking up as an ally to make sure her voice is heard (with her permission, of course). There are countless stories like this in Denton and she deserves to be treated fairly with an Equality Ordinance so she doesn’t have to live in fear or worry all the time.
Max
Despite being accepted at school and at our church, my family has experienced discrimination in health care. When our son, Max, began his social transition (names, pronouns, and the way he dressed), it suddenly became nearly impossible for the front desk of his pediatrician’s office to return our calls. His doctor was great (once we finally had access to her) but trying to get referrals sent over, documents signed, or the correct code submitted to our insurance was a nightmare. We’ve never had any of these issues with our daughter, but always had “something” that came up whenever our son needed care. We found a new doctor’s office that has been much more willing to work with us, but it shouldn’t be this hard for a transgender boy with a fever to get the same type of care as his little sister.
Mike and Steven
We live in Dallas, but used to enjoy taking the A-train up to Denton on occasion for various festivals or to enjoy the quaint downtown square. I say “used to” because we try to avoid Denton if possible now. On two separate occasions we felt we were discriminated against because we’re a gay couple. The first time was at a business just of the square (which is no longer in business, thank goodness) and another time was at a bar. We were upset the first time, but thought it was just bad luck and a cranky server. But after the second time, we felt no longer welcome in Denton. We’d rather spend our money closer to home where we know we won’t be treated like second-class citizens. It’s too bad, because Denton was fun, but until we know we have the same protections as straight couples when we go out to eat, it’s just not worth the time or the travel to get up there anymore.
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Equal rights for all of Denton.
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