Challenging the Powers That Be

Tag Archive for ‘Bigotry’

“Miss Beverly Hills” Advocates Death for Homosexuals

It is also not the first time in recent history such views have been promoted. While Ashley may not wear a swastika armband, or have a funny little mustache, she is rapidly becoming the new face of hatred and potentially violent intolerance, Aryan looking young models who largely promote a patriarchal view of female sexuality, while they espouse hateful and violent views towards specific groups.

Hate 101: Gay and Lesbian Transphobia – Historical

Part 2 on the series, we look into the history of transgender persons within the LGBT movement, as well as transphobia by gays and lesbians in an attempt to force transgender persons out of the equality movement, deny their history, and to further oppress them.

Hate 101: Gay and Lesbian Transphobia – Introduction

Those who remember me from OurChart know that I track transgender hate crimes fairly closely (I also cover hate crimes by or against others), and I reported on the murders of transwomen far too often under the tagline “And In Other News.” I would carry on after OurChart’s management wrecked the site on another site, until it became apparent no one was paying attention, and my coverage was starting to depress me on several levels. I still continue to cover that topic, here on this site.

Myra Chanel Ical, 51, Murdered

Transgender persons are now 17 times more likely to be murdered than the national average, much higher than any demographic group. The murders are also more likely than not to be solved (a suspect is arrested, tried, and convicted of some crime for the death). Murder remains one of the leading causes of death for transgender persons in the United States (according to experts and available government statistics, Mortality and Morbidity reports, etc).

Hate Crime Charged in New Year’s Day Stabbing

The attack left Harmon with a severe cut to her right eyelid and eyeball. “I have a long road ahead of me before I physically recover from this attack, but mentally I will never be the same again,” Harmon stated. “My life and the life for my family changed forever on New Year’s Eve.”

Hung Jury in Police Assualt on Teen Girl

Seattle, WA: The jury in the criminal prosecution of former Deputy Sheriff Paul Schene was unable to reach a verdict on charges stemming from the former deputy’s assault on a 15 year old Malika Calhoun.  The jury had deliberated only two days.
The alleged assault took place November 29, 2008 at 4:39 am, according to the [...]

An Open Letter to Ronald Gold

Last week, The Bilerico Project welcomed their newest contributing writer, Ronald Gold, co-founder of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and a gay rights activist for decades. What became clear, in his very first article, was that he had no concept as to just how inclusive Bilerico is. The article, one of the most transphobic I have ever seen outside of the usual religious extremist sites and publications, was pulled shortly after it appeared, along with the hundreds of angry replies to it.

Texans Ban Marriage, in 2005?

It would appear, in the race to add constitutional amendments to prevent LGBT persons from becoming equal with their heteronormative counterparts, that Texas, as usual, took some fairly extreme measures.  Because, in that effort to keep inequality legal, 22 words brought LGBT Texans much closer to equality than heteronormative Texans would have guessed, or wanted.
It [...]

Hate 101: A Tale of Two Soldiers

In the end, without a statement from Maj. Hasan himself, we may never know what the actual cause or causes is or were behind what he allegedly did. While he is off the ventilator, he remains in ICU and, at last report, is not communicating (he is either unconscious or refusing to speak, there is no clarification).

Congress Passes Hate Crimes Legislation

Current federal hate crimes law only covers attacks motivated by race, color, national origin or religion. The new bill, when signed by President Obama, adds sexuality and gender identity, as well as protects military personnel from attacks arising from bias against the military. The new bill also removes the requirement that federal investigation and prosecution could only take place if the attack took place while participating or attempting to participate in a federally protected activity, such as voting or going to school.