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Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger signed an executive order on Monday (March 31) to protect transgender individuals from discrimination. The order coincides with International Transgender Day of Visibility and aims to counter recent federal actions perceived as discriminatory against transgender people. Metzger emphasized the county's commitment to inclusivity, stating, "Everyone should feel safe, respected, and treated with dignity."
The executive order mandates that Ulster County government adhere to New York's Equal Rights Amendment and the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), which prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and expression. The county's Department of Human Rights, in collaboration with the Ulster County Commission on Human Rights, is tasked with promoting respect and inclusivity through educational outreach.
The order was met with support from various organizations, including the Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center and Congregation Emanuel of the Hudson Valley. Francesca Hoffman, owner of Unicorn Bar in Kingston, called it "the first step towards creating a safer, more inclusive environment for our trans and non-binary community members." The order also includes implementing the county’s Preferred Name and Pronoun Plan, allowing individuals to use a preferred name and pronoun on official documents.