DC Office of Human Rights Newsletter | Volume XXXVI | November 2021
November is Native American Heritage Month!
Did you know that Washington, D.C. is located on the ancestral lands of indigenous people known as Nacotchtank (Anacostan)? It is said that the term “Nachotchtank” comes from the word “anaquashatanik", which means "a town of traders.”  The Nacotchtank were an Algonquin speaking people that lived along the southeast side of the Anacostia River between what is today Bolling Air Force Base and Anacostia Park. Today, there are no records of living Nacotchtank descendants; those who survived disease and war hundreds of years ago were adopted into the Piscataway people.

However, indigenous influences in the city can be seen at places like Dumbarton Bridge, Theodore Roosevelt Island, and the U.S. Marine Corps memorial. For example, when designing Dumbarton Bridge, Glenn Brown incorporated 56 busts of Matȟó Wanáȟtake, an Oglala Lakota leader. Matȟó Wanáȟtake, also known as Kicking Bear, was a warrior, spiritual leader, and delegate to Washington, D.C. These places are highlighted in a Guide to Indigenous DC, a tour map and mobile app.

Today, an estimated 4,100 American Indians live in D.C. Many continue to fight for recognition and to restore or receive a government-to-government relationship with the U.S. In efforts to educate about their history and culture, tribes host annual celebrations in local national parks.

This November, we honor the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of indigenous peoples and their significant contributions. Inventions by Indigenous peoples include the domestication of corn; rubber; kayaks (Alaska Natives- Inuit); protective goggles (Alaska Natives- Inuit), baby bottles (Iroquois); syringes; hammocks; and oral contraceptives (Shoshone and Navajo).

For more information about local indigenous history and Native American Heritage Month events, please visit:
Interim Director's Note

Dear Residents, Neighbors, and Friends,

Happy November! As we head into this season of gratitude can you think of one thing you are grateful for this year? One of the things I'm grateful for this year is the United States reaching an important milestone for nonbinary and intersex Americans. At the end of October, the U.S. State Department issued its first passport with an “X” gender marker. This means that now an estimated 1.2 to 4 million nonbinary and intersex Americans can now obtain IDs that accurately reflect who they are. The gender marker has been available to District residents since 2017. D.C. was the first jurisdiction in the nation to offer “X” as a gender marker, demonstrating the city’s leadership in LGBTQ rights and gender issues. 

While this is an important step forward in advancing civil and human rights, we still have a long journey ahead of us. The LGBTQ community still faces many barriers in education, employment, housing, and public accommodations. Thankfully, we are part of a city that recognizes how important it is to end discrimination and protect the rights of individuals who live in, work in, or visit the District of Columbia. Since 2005, DC has and remains a leader in LGBTQ rights in the nation. To celebrate DC Values Week and National LGBTQ History Month in October, Mayor Bowser announced FY 22 LGBTQ Community Grant Awards and HOPE Housing Vouchers. OHR has several resources available, including, Hired and Transgender; Valuing Transgender Applicants and Employees; and Qualified and Transgender.

While we prepare to celebrate the holiday season, remember December is Universal Human Rights Month. This year marks the 73rd anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as the 50th anniversary our very own D.C. Commission on Human Rights . On Tuesday, December 7th, the Commission will host its annual Human Rights Gala, during which it will award the Cornelius R. “Neil” Alexander Humanitarian Award and the Emerging Human Rights Leader Award. Please look out for more information about this in person event with live streaming available.

The Universal Human Rights Declaration and the month of December allow us to reflect on the ways we have treated and how we should honor and respect our fellow human beings. It reminds us that all human beings have the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And most importantly, the Declaration is a reminder to stand up for ourselves, our rights, and those of others.

 I encourage you to remember Article 3 of the Declaration: Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person (protection of physical security). What will you stand up for? Let us know by using the #DCStandUp4Article3.
Sincerely,
Hnin Khaing, Interim Director
Trait of the Month: Gender Identity and Expression
Gender Identity and Expression is a protected trait under the D.C. Human Rights Act. This means in D.C., the law prohibits discrimination based on a person’s gender identity, behavior, and expression in employment, housing, public accommodations, and educational institutions. OHR has previously published rules on how this protected trait is enforced in the District. For more information, click here.

DID YOU KNOW: In most American Indian tribes, there is a third gender, called “two-spirit.” These are male, female, and sometimes intersex individuals who are neither traditionally male or female. Though there are variations from tribes to tribe, two-spirits have specialized work roles, filled special religious roles, and had same sex relationships. They are honored and revered in their communities.

This flag was created by Tamia Williford to represent two-spirit people:
 
The yellow stands for non-binary.
The blue/green stands for masculinity.
The pink stands for femininity.
The brown stands for native identity.
The two feathers represent the two spirits.

To learn more about protected traits, please visit Protected Traits in the DC. Human Rights Act. For more information or to file a complaint, visit our website; ohr.dc.gov.
Upcoming Events
Trans Awareness Week
(November 13-19)
During Transgender Awareness Week, transgender people and their allies bring attention to the community by educating the public about transgender people, sharing stories and experiences, and advancing advocacy around the issues of prejudice, discrimination, and violence that affect the transgender community. One such event is the Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20, 2021. Read on below for more information.
Trans Day of Remembrance
(November 20)
The Day of Remembrance (TDOR) commemorates all trans people lost to violence that year. It was founded by Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the member of Rita Hester, a trans woman killed in 1998. As of November 8th , 41 trans lives have been taken in the U.S. in 2021. To participate in TDOR, attend or organize a vigil in your community for those lost on November 20th.
For more information about transgender organizations and resources in D.C. please visit: the DC Center or the Transgender Map. Employers and Supervisors can find resources at the DC Office of Human Rights.
OHR FY19/20 Biennial Report
OHR is required to annually report progress of local civil rights enforcement to the Mayor and the Council of the District of Columbia. Due to the pandemic's impact on organizational processes, OHR has prepared a biennial report outlining its work in Fiscal Years (FY) 2019 and 2020. (October 2018-September 2020).

Here is a snapshot of the report: In FY19 and FY20, OHR processed a total of 2,375 initial inquiries of discrimination, docketed 908 cases of discrimination, awarded approximately $5M in monetary settlements to complainants, and closed 28 cases through adjudication at the Commission on Human Rights.

Read the full guidance by clicking here.
DC Office of Human Rights | 202.727.4559 | ohr.dc.gov