“We applaud the Alameda Country Board of Supervisors for declaring that discrimination against transgender people in the workplace and in county facilities will no longer be tolerated,” said Christine Sun staff attorney with the ACLU of Northern California.

The resolution states that “all individuals shall have full and equal enjoyment of privileges, benefits, goods, services and facilities consistent with the person’s gender identity,” and requires that organizations include “gender identity,” “gender expression” and “sexual orientation” when posting notices prohibiting discrimination.

Advocate Patricia Kevena Filli, of AIDS Project East Bay said: “This vote is an epiphany for those of us in the community. It is a matter of justice and equity, pure and simple. Transgender people are members of the human family and that fact is now affirmed in Alameda County.” Filli added “We are grateful for the compassion and wisdom of the Board of Supervisors, and particularly Supervisor Carson and his staff.”

The resolution was sponsored by Supervisor President Keith Carson and supported by broad coalition of individuals and organizations.