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Staff + Services + Documents + Allies + Donate + Who was Sylvia Rivera? + Home
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Contact Us
Dean Spade
t. 646-602-5638
NEW!
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Mission The Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP) works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine our gender identity and expression, regardless of income, and without facing harassment, discrimination or violence.
Transgender, transsexual, intersex and gender variant people face persistent and severe discrimination in employment, education, health care, social and legal services, criminal justice and many other realms. All low-income people are suffering from the severe cutbacks to anti-poverty programs, but low-income people who experience gender identity discrimination are particularly vulnerable in this climate. Many are turned away outright from essential services like homeless shelters, drug treatment or mental health services, while others experience discrimination or violence in these settings because of their gender identity or expression. Because so many of the systems in which low-income people are over-represented or seek services are sex-segregated—such as prisons, group homes, shelters and detention facilities—many face serious problems of inaccessibility or violence if their gender identity does not conform to their birth sex. Furthermore, those who seek legal and social services to help get on their feet or fight for entitlements often encounter ignorance or discrimination at the door. The result is that transgender, transsexual, intersex and gender variant people are disproportionately poor, homeless, and incarcerated, and are 7-10 times more likely to be a victim of murder.
The Urban Justice Center serves low-income New Yorkers through a unique combination of direct legal services, systemic advocacy, community education and political organizing. For more information about the UJC's work, visit the agency's website at: www.urbanjustice.org. The SLRP, one of the UJC's programs, maintains this satellite website to provide additional resources and information specifically about and for the community it serves.
This site aims to serve as a resource and inspiration for all people working towards freedom of gender identity and expression. In it you will find news about our services and other work around the country, legal documents regarding rights and advocacy, and links to allies providing further resources. You can also learn more about the life of activist and hero Sylvia Rivera. Feel free to email dspade@urbanjustice.org to share any information and resources, and please do find out how to get involved in our work and programs. |
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