Bridgette Brusseau

Bridgette Roslynn Brusseau (also known as Bridgette Poi Brusseau) was an American Korean War veteran who twice unsuccessfully campaigned to be the first transgender head of an American Legion post in July 1985[1] and 1986.[2]

American Legion campaign

Brusseau served in the U.S. Air Force and fought in the Korean War. She underwent sex reassignment surgery in 1973.[2] During her election campaigns to be head of her American Legion post, Brusseau felt that her gender identity made her a target.[2]

Later joblessness and discrimination complaint

In December 1985, she said that she was unable to get a job despite trying 26 times, and believed that she was discriminated against based on gender identity. However, when she tried to file a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, the Commission said that its anti-discrimination laws only covered discrimination based on sex, not gender; this meant that it did not cover anti-transgender discrimination.[3]

References
  1. "Transsexual Loses Election". The New York Times. Associated Press. 9 July 1985. p. B4.
  2. Laymon, Brent (10 June 1986). "Transsexual Again Loses Race For Post Commander". AP News. Associated Press.
  3. "Jobless transsexual claims discrimination". The Hour. Associated Press. 12 December 1985. p. 47.
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