Challenging the Powers That Be

Tag Archive for ‘Transgender’

The Butcher’s Bill: May 2010

This will not be a regular column, per se, if for no other reason than simply covering such stories takes a serious emotional toll on me. But, the stories need to be told, so this column will appear periodically. It will be by no means complete, but I will try my best.

Hate 101: Gay and Lesbian Transphobia – The Causes

Centuries of fear, ignorance, and intolerance have brought us to this point. Decades of leaders with motives totally unrelated to our needs keep us here. The goals amongst the LGBT population in general are the same, equality for everyone, and an end to the bigotry and violence directed at all people. Recognizing the problem is just part of the solution. How do we stop fighting amongst ourselves, and achieve those goals?

Hate 101: Gay and Lesbian Transphobia – The Consequences

41 years after Stonewall, those who sought to play leadership roles to promote their own self interests, mainly remaining well paid leaders or popular authority figures, continue to promote an agenda of transphoba that has accomplished nothing beyond increasing their wealth and popularity.

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).

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.

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.

When Will Obama Act?

…what is needed is not pretty speeches, not flowery press releases. We need action, leadership, and courage. We need a President willing to do what is right and just, regardless of politics, like Johnson. We need a tough Commander in Chief to end a senseless policy that harms national security, like Truman. We need a leader willing to take bold action for the good of ALL Americans, like FDR. We need a President who actually believes it is his or her job to uphold ALL of the Bill of Rights (especially Amendment XIV, Section 1), not just the parts he or she agrees with.

Fatal Attack in DC Area Possible Hate Crime

According to police officials, the survivor said anti-gay slurs may have been used during the attack, but that the victim was unsure. As such, police are still investigating, and are reluctant to classify the murder and attempted murder as hate crimes until they receive definitive proof.