Victory in Appleton!

On Wednesday evening, the City of Appleton made history by becoming only the third city in Wisconsin to pass a fully gender-inclusive anti-discrimination law. This law bans discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression in employment and public accommodations citywide, adding to existing fair housing protections in Appleton and statewide protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Transgender and gender non-conforming people can still be fired, evicted or harassed in public places in 32 states, including much of the rest of Wisconsin. But not in Appleton, thanks to the hard work and courage of many activists, advocates and allies, without whom this would have never happened.

Fair Wisconsin would like to recognize and thank the leadership in Appleton who made this possible: Mayor Tim Hanna, Director of Community and Economic Development Karen Harkness, Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator Kathy Flores, and Alderpersons Patti Coenen, Christopher W. Croatt, Polly Dalton, Sarah Garb, Curt Konetzke, Kyle Lobner, Joe Martin, Vered Meltzer, Kathleen Plank, Cathy Spears, Tim Trauger and Christine Williams.

This truly is a victory for fairness and inclusion in Appleton, and for all of Wisconsin. One city at a time, our state is on a path to become truly welcoming for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Wisconsinites. Congratulations and thank you, Appleton!