Lessons from the Trenches -- Passing a Law is not the End of the Story

Political advocacy in the LGBT community comes in many forms. One can lobby for legislation, run for office, file a lawsuit or support those who do, work within government to make the culture friendlier for smoother implantation of the law, turn out for demonstrations and vigils, or fund any or all of the above. For many the focus is on passing legislation, but once the job is accomplished, the excitement dies down and attention is turned elsewhere, most people forget that for laws to be effective they must be promoted and implemented.

Here is a story of how gender identity laws in the state of Maryland were not properly implemented, and the confusion and distress that resulted.

More...