Transgenders call on Congress for jobs

The National Center for Transgender Equality is calling on lawmakers to hire under- and unemployed transgender individuals.

"We've talked to people who have applied to, literally, hundreds and hundreds of jobs without getting work. Maybe members of Congress can address this issue by giving a job to a transgender person," said Mara Keisling, the group's executive director, in prepared remarks. 

The group cites a recent survey showing 97 percent of transgender respondents had encountered some form on harassment on the job and 26 percent were fired because they were transgenders. 

It is also calling for action on legislation that prohibits job discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. 

The House Education and Labor Committee is considering the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.