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SAN FRANCISCO - Yesterday, in a historic move, Mayor Gavin Newsom restored funding to the Transgender Economic Empowerment Initiative (TEEI). The employment program, which serves transgender people in the Bay Area, had been cut from the Mayor's budget released on June 1. After tireless advocacy by TEEI supporters, including vocal members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Bevan Dufty, David Campos and John Avalos, full funding was restored to the program.
 
"We were so happy to hear from the Mayor's office that TEEI had been saved," said Masen Davis, Executive Director of the Transgender Law Center. "Many community members and allies came out in support of TEEI.  We are incredibly grateful for everyone's hard work in making sure that this critical program could continue to help alleviate chronic unemployment among transgender people."

Throughout California, transgender people experience unemployment and poverty at twice the statewide average, with less than half working full time. TEEI offers comprehensive employment services addressing the unique needs of transgender job seekers, mentorship, and legal assistance and training. 
 
"TEEI is a vital resource for the transgender community and restoration of this program is an incredible victory," said Rebecca Rolfe, Executive Director of the San Francisco LGBT Center.  "That victory is possible because of the amazing advocacy done by the community and by our great allies at City Hall, led by Supervisor Bevan Dufty.  The Mayor and the Board of Supervisors heard the strong voices of the community and we thank them and thank the many people who came out to speak about the importance of TEEI to the community. "
 
Mayor Newsom's decision to restore funding to TEEI in this tough economic climate shows his understanding that San Francisco cannot afford to lose this preventative program, a view shared by the Human Services Commission which came out in opposition to cutting the program at the end of April.
 
TEEI is at the forefront of ensuring the economic health of the transgender community, placing transgender people in 135 jobs in less than three years and serving as a model across the country.  TEEI also works with employers to ensure workplaces are free of gender identity bias. TEEI is made up of three partner agencies: Transgender Law Center, the SF LGBT Community Center, and Jewish Vocational Service.
 
"With about one job for every five job seekers, it is an incredibly competitive time to be on the job hunt," said Davey Shlasko, TEEI Program Coordinator at Jewish Vocational Service. "TEEI helps transgender job seekers work through the unique challenges they face in the job search process and has proven to be successful. We are so excited about TEEI's future and can't wait to get started in the new fiscal year."  
 

The Transgender Law Center (TLC) is a civil rights organization advocating for transgender communities. TLC uses direct legal services, education, community organizing and advocacy to transform California into a state that recognizes and supports the needs of transgender people and their families. www.transgenderlawcenter.org

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