7/24/2019 Center for Equality's invitation to Gov. Daugaard

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THE CENTER FOR EQUALITY

220 South Phillips Avenue

Sioux Falls, SD 57104

(605) 610-9206

thecenterforequality.org

Dear Dennis Daugaard,

In light of recent events, The Center for Equality would like to invite you to visit with us in

Pierre to learn more about the transgender community and to meet a few transgender

Dakotans.

During this legislative session, several bills have been introduced that have a direct impact

on the lives of transgender individuals. If enacted, South Dakota would become the first

state to require separate bathroom, locker room and shower facility accommodations for

transgender students in public school.

Transgender individuals have been part of society and communities across South Dakota

our whole lives. They go to school with us, work with us, and even stand in line at the

grocery store, like the rest of us. They seek to live their lives free of scrutiny or being

stigmatized, especially by our legislature. As a result of these bills, transgender individuals

are scared, not only for their own safety and protection, but scared of our own legislature.

During a press conference on Thursday, you shared that you have not met a transgender

person that you are aware of. There have likely been several times where you have met a

transgender person and didnt know it. There is too much at stake to not have an

understanding of what it means to be transgender and how these bills will affect their daily

lives.

Please contact us at (605) 610-9206 or email ashley.g@thecenterforequality.org if you

have any questions and if you would like to set up a meeting with us.

Sincerely,

The Center for Equality

Ashley Joubert-Gaddis Director of OperationsThomas Christiansen President

Brienne Maner Vice President

Monica Serling-Swank Secretary

Billy Mawhiney Treasurer

Mike Merkel Board Member

Kendra Heathscott Board Member

Reina Parker Board Member

Bill Wood Board Member

Victoria Howie Board Member

February 12, 2016

The Honorable Dennis Daugaard

Office of the Governor

500 E Capitol Ave

Pierre, SD 57501