News Item

HOMELESS TRANSSEXUAL KEEPS VIGIL IN THE NATION'S CAPITOL

A homeless transgender activist is keeping a one-woman vigil in front of the nation's capitol in an effort to draw attention to the need for employment among transgenders. As Danielle Clarke began her vigil this past Saturday, the U. S. Senate continued deliberating the Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA) which will extend protections based on sexual orientation -- but will not cover transgenders.

The conspicuous action is exemplary of the Transgender Community's frustrations. Transsexuals are disproportionately locked out of the workplace, and Clarke is indeed one of the chronically unemployed.

"When I realized I was nearly broke, I decided to come down here," said Clarke in a phone conversation from her tent pitched on the Washington Mall. "I could've gone back to the VA Hospital -- three hots and a cot" and lived off of public funds, she said.

"Instead I decided to do this."

She hopes that by keeping her vigil in the shadows of the Capitol Rotunda, she will draw needed attention to the plight of transgender unemployment. It's obviously an issue that hits close to home for Clarke, a member of the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition (NTAC) who has participated in lobbying and other activism efforts on behalf of the group.

"No one's going to hire me. I don't have anywhere to live," she answered, when asked why she was undertaking this effort. She did this to make a statement "to help break the system that keeps our people -- transgenders -- unemployed, or suicidal, or in the bondage of sexual slavery...."

During the day, Clarke keeps herself busy creating display signs and observing everyday life on the Washington Mall, across the reflecting pool from the Capitol Building. Curious onlookers have been gracious to her: the Democratic National Committee gave her a hat to block the sun from her head, another donor bringing a fruit basket. One Frenchman offered her $10 after reading one of her display signs -- a timeline of civil rights enactment.

A large portion of Clarke's effort is rooted in doing something beneficial for the transgender community. However, the underpinnings of her efforts are an attempt to stave off depression by keeping busy and trying to do something positive.

"Unemployment can gradually deconstruct anyone's psyche and self-worth; and for transsexuals, it can be utterly devastating," said Vanessa Edwards Foster, Board Vice Chair of NTAC. "Bankruptcy, homelessness, depression, desperation, prostitution and substance abuse -- these are scenarios replayed far too often in this community."

"The lion's share of these conditions can be tied initially to chronic joblessness."

Danielle Clarke has certainly had her share of long-term joblessness and its effects. Though she sees virtually no hope in sight on the employment front, she wishes to remain focused on the positive.

That is not an easy task when one is living in a pup tent on the Washington Mall.

If you wish to help with her vigil, Danielle's requests are simple: bring any nonperishable food you can spare, something to drink, some sunscreen, and perhaps an occasional ride to and from some place to shower and wash her clothes. And keep her in your thoughts and prayers.