DENVER (March 31, 2021) - Today is International Transgender Day of Visibility, sometimes shortened to “TDOV.” This day is dedicated to celebrating transgender and non-binary people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender and non-binary people worldwide, as well as a celebration of their contributions to society. Learn more about TDOV from Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) advocacy organization GLAAD.
In 2007, Colorado became one of the first states in the nation to prohibit discrimination in employment based on gender identity by amending the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) to include transgender status as a protected class. In 2008, the protections were extended to the other areas covered by CADA, housing and places of public accommodation. In 2020, the Colorado Civil RIghts Commission (CCRC) amended its rules and regulations to explicitly protect an employee’s right to be open about their transgender status, if they so choose, without being subjected to harassment.
In addition to discrimination in employment, LGBTQ Coloradans still face obstacles to achieving a healthy life. Many LGBTQ individuals have concerns about healthcare affordability, access, and the quality of care, and face several unique challenges that affect their ability to live healthy and affirmed lives. Lack of understanding, discrimination, stigma, violence, and higher rates of health problems are just some of the issues that can compound and result in worse outcomes.
In 2020, the Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) launched a new resource, the website LGBTQ Health Care Rights and Resources. Colorado Insurance Regulation 4-2-62 prohibits discrimination in private health insurance plans based on sexual orientation or gender identity and this site explains the rights and protections of LGBTQ Coloradans when accessing health care and benefits. The website highlights federal and Colorado protections including: patient non-discrimination, health insurance coverage, hospital visitation and representation, and preventive health services, as well as a host of additional resources.
Taken together, the anti-discrimination statutes and regulations enforced by the CCRD and the DOI help ensure that transgender Coloradans can be proud and visible.
CCRD encourages any person who encounters discrimination in employment, housing, or places of public accommodation to initiate a formal complaint of discrimination at https://ccrd.colorado.gov/. The DOI encourages anyone who feels they’ve been unfairly denied health coverage to contact the Consumer Services team to ask questions or file a complaint: 303-894-7490 / DORA_Insurance@state.co.us / doi.colorado.gov (click on “File a Complaint”).
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The Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) is charged with enforcement of the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA). CADA prohibits discrimination based on protected class in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation. The CCRD enforces CADA primarily through the investigation of complaints of discrimination, but also through mediation and education. If you are an individual with a disability and require an accommodation in order to access CCRD's services, please call 303-894-2997 (local), 800-262-4845 (voice), 711 TTD - Relay, or send an email to dora_ccrd@state.co.us.
The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), regulates the insurance industry and assists consumers and other stakeholders with insurance issues. Visit doi.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7499 / toll free 800-930-3745.