[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 82 (Thursday, May 16, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H3851-H3852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     WE DO NOT ALLOW DISCRIMINATION

  (Ms. UNDERWOOD asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I am here today to tell you about Gwyn 
Ciesla of Aurora, Illinois. Gwyn is a wife, a mother of two, and an IT 
professional with two decades of experience. She is also a transgender 
woman.
  Gwyn transitioned about 2 years ago. Shortly afterward, she began 
interviewing for jobs to advance her career.
  Gwyn was met with hesitation from potential employers. On multiple 
occasions, recruiters were suddenly uninterested in Gwyn after they 
conducted in-person interviews--no follow-up, no phone calls or emails, 
just complete silence.
  This is a horrifying reality for many people in the trans community 
like Gwyn. A 2016 report by the National Center for Transgender 
Equality found roughly 30 percent of trans people have been denied a 
job or a promotion, or were fired, because of their gender identity.
  This kind of discrimination is not only hurtful and illegal, but it 
hurts our economy, which is why groups like the Chamber of Commerce and 
over 200

[[Page H3852]]

major corporations support the Equality Act.
  Gwyn is now employed, but there are so many others still forced to 
sit on the sidelines, keeping top talent out of our workforce.
  The Equality Act would ensure everyone has the opportunity to earn a 
living and contribute to our economy, and it would send a message that 
we do not allow discrimination in our country.

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