GUIDELINES REGARDING GENDER IDENTITY DISCRIMINATION
The Commission issued Guidelines Regarding Gender Identity Discrimination based on a 2002 amendment to the City's Human Rights Law. The amendment defined 'gender' to include an individual's gender identity as an area of protection under the Law. The Commission created the guidelines with the assistance of a working group from the Transgender communities and input from various city agencies. The Guidelines will inform individuals of their rights under the Law and assist employers, housing providers, organizations and service providers in understanding their responsibilities under the Law.

BiLingual Guide For Prisoners or The Formerly Incarcerated
The Commission distributed 100,000 copies of its English/Spanish information and services guide for the incarcerated or formerly incarcerated. The pocket-sized booklet, Making It Happen & Staying Home, assists those individuals in overcoming the many obstacles they face that could reduce their chances of a successful transition back into society.

Making It Happen & Staying Home was distributed throughout City and State correctional facilities, parole and probation offices, and to agencies that counsel and deliver services to the incarcerated or recently released. The publication was supported by a $35,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Muslim Community Forums
The Commission sponsored five forums for the Muslim community throughout the City. The purpose of the forums was to familiarize Muslims with the Human Rights Law, how to report bias, employment discrimination protections and government services. A survey after 9/11 in the Muslim, Arab and South Asian communities conducted by the Commission revealed that members of these communities were reluctant to come forward and report incidents of discrimination. These forums focused on gaining trust, building bridges and developing civic involvement.

BROWN V. BOARD OF EDUCATION / 50Th Anniversary
The 50th Anniversary of the historic case Brown v. Board of Education provided the Commission with an opportunity to teach a diverse group of high school students about the historic 1954 Supreme Court case and how that decision 50 years later continues to impact their lives. The students created a performance piece and a mural using copies of old photographs, documents and newspaper clips reflecting the impact of Linda Brown's journey in Topeka, Kansas. Their work is depicted on the cover of this report. The Commission teamed with the Brooklyn Children's Museum on this project. A $5,000 grant from the Tiger Baron Foundation made this project possible.