Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger signed an Executive Order on March 31, reaffirming the county’s commitment to protecting transgender individuals from discrimination. The order was signed to coincide with International Transgender Day of Visibility, an annual observance that recognizes the accomplishments of transgender people while raising awareness about the challenges they face.
Metzger cited concerns about federal-level actions targeting the transgender community as the impetus for the order. The executive order directs all Ulster County government branches to strictly adhere to state and county human rights laws prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and expression. These laws include the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (“GENDA”), passed by the State Legislature five years ago, and the Equal Rights Amendment to the New York State Constitution, which was approved by voters last year.
“We are seeing very concerning actions at the federal level targeting transgender people, and we reaffirm our commitment to protecting everyone in our community from discrimination,” Metzger stated. “At the very core of a free democratic society is the understanding that individuals have rights to express themselves freely and be who they are. Everyone should feel safe, respected, and treated with dignity.”
The order also mandates the County Department of Human Rights, in collaboration with the Ulster County Commission on Human Rights, to conduct educational outreach initiatives promoting respect and inclusivity for transgender and gender-diverse individuals. This includes efforts to prevent discrimination in areas like housing, employment, and education.
“The Ulster County Human Rights Department is here for everyone, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their identity, are treated with dignity, respect and equality,” said Director of Human Rights Joe McDonald.
The executive order was met with support from various organizations, including the Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center, the Trevor Project, and Congregation Emanuel of the Hudson Valley.
“This EO is the first step towards creating and implementing a safer, more inclusive and supportive environment for our trans and non-binary community members within Ulster County,” said Francesca Hoffman, owner of Unicorn Bar in Kingston.
In addition to reaffirming existing protections, the order also directs county facilities to promote a safe and inclusive environment, including implementing the county’s Preferred Name and Pronoun Plan. This plan, adopted in June 2024, allows individuals to use a preferred name and pronoun that differs from their legal name on various county documents and communications.
