Women in California and elsewhere experience gender-based discrimination but none so much as transgender women.
March is Women’s History Month, although trans women have been historically left out of the monthlong recognition.
Toni Newman, chair of the board of directors for the nonprofit TransCanWork, said it is common for trans women to experience significantly higher rates of unemployment, poverty and workplace discrimination compared to the general population. She encouraged employers to use the month to reshape their hiring model.
“Diversity brings on new ideals and growth and change that sometimes can really benefit a company,” Newman contended. “If that trans woman is qualified, we ask that you give them equal consideration in workforce development.”
Since the 1960s, pioneering figures have contributed to trans awareness, paving the way for broader conversations about gender identity. But barriers are significant.
Congress is considering the proposed Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act voter ID law ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. President Donald Trump is pushing to have unrelated provisions added to the bill, including requirements to ban trans girls and women from sports aligned with their gender identity and block transition surgeries for minors.
According to the 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey, 34% of trans adults live in poverty, more than double the national average. In part, because their unemployment rate is 18%, four times the national figure.
Newman noted women make up about a third of the total 2.8 million people in the U.S. who identify as transgender.
“The number is 698,500 transgender women live in the United States,” Newman reported. “Transgender women roughly make up 0.2% of the U.S. population.”
In addition to discrimination in employment, trans individuals frequently encounter high rates of violence, prejudice in securing housing and significant barriers to health care, especially women of color.
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