The Honorable John Bel Edwards signed the Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Executive Order No. JBE 2016-11 which affords ALL CITIZENS OF LOUISIANA including the ever increasing LGBTQ communities equal protection in the workplace as all respectable, hard-working Americans inherently deserve. For once in history, Louisiana has a humanitarian for a governor who understands that all members of his citizenry INCLUDING the LGBTQ communities should be treated with respect, dignity and honor in the workplace. Governor Edwards stated, “We are fortunate enough to live in a state that is rich with diversity, and we are built on a foundation of unity and fairness for all of our citizens.” Along comes the DISHONORABLE Jeff Landry and stabs our communities directly in the jugular saying that we should not be extended equal protection using the guise that Edwards overstepped his boundaries. The truth is, the duties of the governor include advocating for ALL of Louisiana’s people. For Landry’s lack of inclusion he is hurtful and disrespectful. These types of actions creates more division and alienates the state’s LGBTQ population while propagating a hostile work environment.
After the initial transition and living as a woman for 3 years I was eager to return to the job force. I had been a legal secretary for over 10 years and I had impeccable references. I was hired at one of the largest personal injury law firms in New Orleans and was assigned to a wonderful associate. I had disclosed to the attorney that I worked for that I was transgender and was received as a normal employee with valuable perspectives and she kept my status confidential. Embolden by the acceptance that I had received from my supervisor that when I saw the owner of the firm, I thanked him for giving a transgender woman a chance. He politely asked my name and I was later told not to return the next day. I was totally stripped of any dignity and self-worth that I had as I was trying to acclimate myself back in to the workplace. I was willing to put in all of the hours, but given no chance to succeed despite excellent service. I was fired because I disclosed my status as a transgender woman. Since there is no protection under Louisiana’s constitution, I had no legal recourse. Governor Edward’s Executive order means that this type of discrimination will no longer be legal. No one has to go through that kind of trauma again without consequence. The associate to whom I was assigned advocated for me because my work was outstanding but to no avail, I was fired and forced to abruptly find another job without prior notice. Jeff Landry campaigned that he stands for all Louisianians’ rights. He has decided to alienate ALL LGBTQ CITIZENS OF LOUISIANA by challenging a very fair Executive Order. That is pure TREASON to the very spirit of what we, Louisiana’s citizens stand for. The journey is rough and not having equal protection shows no regard for transgender women to be accepted educated and respectful human beings. We are AMERICANS with same wants, needs, and desires to be productive and fruitful individuals.
We are not asking for any special privileges but for EQUAL EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION. I can only pray that Governor Edwards is the victor and the court assures that LGBTQ individuals are equally protected with the full might of the State to protect ALL of her people. LGBTQ individuals are increasingly great contributors to the advancement of our State. Jeff Landry’s approach of unequal treatment in the workplace would take Louisiana backwards. As one of his constituents, I will be here to hold him accountable to Louisiana’s LGBTQ communities. With the best interest of ALL CITIZENS OF THE GREAT STATE OF LOUISIANA at heart, I remain
Sincerely,
J. Mercedes Cardona
