Massachusetts employers’ discriminatory actions against transgendered individuals may be costing the state, at least according to a study done by the Williams Institute for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy. The two most upsetting effects are the cost to the state for public health care costs and the detriment to the state’s perception as being a leader in gay, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) rights.
These effects are inflated when transgendered people are refused job opportunities, have some tangible employment action taken against them, or feel the need to quit or change jobs after informing their employer of their plan to change genders. The study found that approximately three quarters of the transgendered individuals surveyed experienced these detrimental employment effects.
According to the study, in Massachusetts, an estimated number of 33,000 residents claim to be transgendered. For those individuals who are out of work because of their transgendered status, the study claims that the state is paying approximately 3 million dollars in insurance coverage. On top of this cost, some claim that losing the reputation as a state interested in liberty and equal rights is the highest cost of all.
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