Recently, there has been much media focus on the violence directed toward (and experienced by) many Transgender women - in particular - as evidenced by the brutal attack of a young TG woman at a local McDonald’s eatery chain in Tennessee.  The brutal beating was captured on video by one of the male employees of the establishment and later went "viral", when it was broadcast on major websites across the nation.  The victim was attacked by two teenage (Genetic) women after she came out of the business’ designated "women’s bathroom."  Apparently, the attackers were angry about a TG woman using the bathroom that was designated for [biological] females.  As the video clearly details, the beating was so voracious in its brutality, the victim ended up having a seizure…while lying on the floor, covering her head and attempting to shield herself from the brutality.

In the hours and days that followed - as the video made its way across national and international major social networks and news media circuits - there were many public outcries for justice for this young Trans woman.  There too, were many "public opinions" recorded and published about the circumstances.  However, it was most interesting to note that, although the victim was White and the perpetrators were African American (juveniles)…the issue of "Race" was NOT the main focus of the dialogue.  Instead,  the focus of the issue remained squarely centered on the fact that pointless violence against the Transgender community - such as what took place in this Tennessee business -  occurs on an all too often basis, and needs to be addressed.

Well…what many of us (TG persons) have come to know (unfortunately) as fact, is now being embraced as a social ill that REALLY needs to be addressed, seriously - once and for all.  Wow!  The saddest reality of all, is the fact that it usually takes situations such as this…or worse…to gain public sympathy for the lives of Transgender women and men, who too often find themselves as victims of this senseless brutality.  Not to, in any way, diminish what happened to this young woman…it could be said that, she was one of the "lucky ones"!  After a brief hospital stay, she was able to go home, and eventually, to be reunited with her family and friends.  Not the case for many others.

Violence within the Transgender community is an often devastating and a much too common aspect of our daily lives.  It can be as subtle as an angry stare, a whisper or, as carnal as a physical altercation that could easily lead to someone’s hospitalization…or death.  Whatever the situation, this victimization and violence among TG women and men occurs more frequently than the general public is aware.  Sadly, the distrust of [their] local police authorities and judicial court systems is [usually] the primary reason given for not reporting serious offenses.  Many TG persons have indicated feeling "re-victimized" and/or seriously "disappointed" after making reports of violence against them.  Therefore, it would be safe to assume that national statistics supporting this issue are very moderate, at best.  But the most reliable national statistics on anti-LGBT violence continue to reveal that the Transgender community faces the greatest need for national focus and protection measures.

Further complicating the issue is the fact that National media circuits continue to "underreport" and use "mis-gender" related statements when covering news items about TG violence, in particular.   A Sacramento, CA radio station - KRXQ - recently had a commentary condoning violence against the community in which gender dysphoric children were referred to as "idiots" and "freaks".

There is also minimal faith placed in our Federal Government providing the promise of equal protection for all LGBT identified citizens.  Legislation aiming to provide hate crime protection for  all LGBT people was passed through the U.S. Senate recently, but the action has languished in the Senate.  As it stands, only 32 States currently include sexual orientation in their hate crime legislation.  But only 11 protect gender identity.

Being one of the nation’s most disenfranchised and marginalized population sectors, the Transgender community and our allies will have to rely upon each other - collectively and cooperatively - to address this historical travesty.  Silence and invisibility are no longer options for the Trans community when it comes to reporting violence within our community. 

We must also align ourselves with high-profile organizations engaged in civil and human rights, community leaders, politicians, and a sympathetic public sector to help rid this continued fear, and serious threat, from our already preyed-upon community.  And, we must work together to protect and support each other.

Sharyn Grayson, CEO/Founder

I often recall a conversation I had with one of my earliest supervisors—the E.D. of a  well-known Oakland, CA based CBO.  We were dialoging one day about the ‘political’ aspects of the field.  “Well, I am very happy where I am and in my role as just one of the workers,” was my statement to my boss.  I went on to say that, “You can handle all the politics…and just let me remain in the background to do the work—I want no part of the political stuff.”  I recall vividly her stoic reply, “My dear, they go hand in hand…and if you’re gonna’ do the work, you’d better learn something about the politics.”

In the many years that have followed, I’ve come to understand, appreciate, and fully embrace  those kind words of wisdom…and, the guidance that followed.

Most of us are usually clueless about the political aspects that are so closely aligned with the nonprofit/social services sector.  But, they are there!

Numbers—often times referred to as “incidence” - are what generally guide the funding processes for services.  This means, the higher the numbers of “incidence” (i.e., HIV cases), the more justifiable ‘the need’ is for funding. Bear in mind too, that we only began tracking and recording HIV cases in April of 2006.  AIDS cases have been reported since March 1983.

In any event, the California State Office of AIDS Administration in its May 2008 cumulative report on HIV/AIDS cases (by each county), reports that there were 982 total verified cases of persons living with HIV.  According to various epidemiological reports for Alameda County, somewhere between 9 and 17 of our ‘total’ reported HIV cases were persons who were categorized as being Transgender.  So, statistically speaking…that’s only 1-2 percent.

Okay, are you getting it now?  The reasons why there is such limited funding appropriated for Transgender specific services?

Added to this ominous situation is the continuing practice, on the part of CBO’s and other service providers, to categorize Transgender (MTF/Male-to-Female) clients as “MSM” (Men-who-have Sex-with-Men). Our pre-eminent health department in Atlanta (CDC) is fully aware of this practice, and has yet to call for changes or, to require separate (Transgender)  reporting criteria.  This continues to negate our ability to demand more funds  directed to specific HIV/AIDS health education and related healthcare issues for our community.  And, even though Transgender men and women of color  have been listed as one of the “special priority populations” for the past three fiscal years; in Alameda County…the ‘politics’ dictate that, our “low numbers” are also indicative of the minimal dollars allocated, annually, for Transgender services.

So, if you—like myself—know more than 17 TG persons that live in this County…political governance is NOT working in our favor…simply, because of “the numbers!”

WIth an enviable roster of awards and honors - much too numerous to mention here - my good friend has championed the causes of Transgender rights and social justice for more than 30 years. 

Dana has crusaded for the betterment of Trans people (especially Trans women of color), through her work  at Conscious Contact and the Sylvia Rivera Law Project…both, in New York.  However, she has been recognized for her work on both the East and West Coasts.

Attorney Turner too, serves as the ebodiment of a "true" role model to many minority women regardless of the societal stigmas and negativisms.  (She’s my sistah…!)

She began her work in the HIV/AIDS arena in the late 1980s as an employee with the American Red Cross.  Junie now works as the HIV Prevention/Education Program Coordinator for Neighborhood House of North Richmond; where she is held in high esteem among her many clients and colleagues there.  Although she is a bit shy about her stature in the RIchmond area community - as a true role model, she states that her main goal in life is just to demonstrate to other Transgender women there is "hope for them too"…and, that they also can achieve success in any working field they choose.

Aside from her very busy work schedule, Junie does finds time to devote to her other great love - music.  She is an accomplished vocalist and pianist who has entertained all over the world!  Her talent even merited a past tour performing with the USO for our military troops as far away as the North Pole.  Junie says that its her love of music that keeps her grounded and able to get through those "hard days"!

For the past several years, she’s also served as the show coordinator and hostess of  her sister’s (historical) annual fashion show - Designs by Georgeva of "The Classy-Sassy Boutique" (Richmond).  Georgeva Sugar has a featured documentary currently being televised on PBS stations locally.  This project was also co-produced by our special spotlight lady; and showcases Junie being interviewed about her famous sister.

Junie is single and hails from Omaha, Nebraska.

It was particularly noted the Transgender people are among the most marginalized and vulnerable groups within the LGBT community - with 57% having reported past employment discrimination and 60% earning less than $15,300 annually.

The local ceremonies were part of the National Day of Remembrance activities held in cities around the country.  Many residents of other metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Houston, San Antonio, Phoenix, Wash., DC, Baltimore, Chicago, Louisville and others, as well as several cities in the South and East Bays, came together in solidarity to celebrate the lives of our many Trans sisters and brothers who’ve been lost to violence against them or, due to the life-threatening medical complications associated with HIV / AIDS.

The ceremony held in Oakland was historical — in that it was the first ever celebration of this annual national event.

Some of the scheduled speakers included:  Alameda County Board of Supervisors President, Keith Carson; Alameda Country Director of Health Care Services Agency, Dave Kears; TtransVision Program Coord., Tiffany Woods; Alameda County Office of AIDS Admin. (OAA) Director, Ronald Person and other local community leaders, activists, and residents — who shared in the reading of names of deceased TG men and women.

Although crime and violence against TG persons is not reported widely, research has indicated that these travesties usually account for a significant annual number of murders/death of persons identified as Transgender.

Since epidemiological data, regarding the Trans communities in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, has only been collected within the past two years — and, given the ‘low priority’ for services accountability and equity, marking accurate comparisons to the numbers of Trans persons who’ve lost their lives to HIV / AIDS is currently impossible.

Yet, as the National Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremonies continue to gain momentum and major media focus, hopefully, those organizations, groups and individuals who work so diligently to uplift their (TG) community, will find a new venue for support.

Grayson’s appointment is expected to receive fill approval of the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors (and should be ratified by our Newsletter press time).

PEHAB is a 19 member community board appointed by the Board of Supervisors in 1986. PEHAB’s role is to advise Contra Costa Health Services on community health concerns and recommend strategies to address them. It is a direct link between the community and the Health Dept., helping to guide the Dept. in providing services that meet critical needs in the community.

Specifically, PEHAB’s mission is to: 1) anticipate emerging health concerns to initiate appropriate programs 2) focus public health interventions in communities with the most limited resources or, least access to resources 3) balance available resources with growing needs, and 4) advocate for increased action to improve community health. This is just another of the many community activities in which our accomplished committee member participates.

Sharyn’s broad-based knowledge and background in (both) the nonprofit and corporate business arenas have gained her national recognition as a committed Transgender community advocate, public speaker, facilitator, grant writer, program developer and educator——with a regular daily schedule of activities that usually commands 80-90 hour work weeks.

However, with huge demands for her time and talents, Sharyn still manages to find the work and demands, “All, very rewarding and well worth it!”

In a past New York Times article Sharyn was referred to as, ‘a lady who truly embodied the essence of the message’, on a button she wore daily…it read, simply, “We Can Do Anything!”

This meeting, at times, was graphic in details…emotional, educational, inspiring and jovial but, most of all… it was heartfelt and sincere in its ability to honestly express the urgent need in establishing more focus and awareness on the historically excluded TG community.

Mr. Person promised his office’s support in future efforts to promote increased community awareness and education.

This momentous occasion was the beginning of what the group hopes to be an innovative—historical—new beginning for Transgender-specific services and resources in Alameda County.

Plans for a strategic, non-evasive, confidential and professional process were immediately put into place.

Operating under its new moniker the Alameda County Transgender Steering Committee will work diligently to  insure that existing local community services and resources have been appropriately educated in the provision of services to County residents who self-identify as Transgender.

ACT Steering Committee Coordinator, Sharyn Grayson, wants to stress that this is NOT a “watchdog” group. The Steering Committee’s approach is to try to work with local CBOs, ASOs and other  area service providers, in a collaborative effort, to help make existing services more sensitive to the needs of this unique client population.

Bonnie Williams, who will guide the Steering Committee’s administrative policies and support services, added that, “In some ethnic groups, there is a serious stigma associated with the term Transgender.  Hopefully, this body will be able to address issues of this magnitude and make appropriate suggestions and recommendations.”

Tiffany Woods, whose extensive background in TG advocacy will be the guiding force behind the Steering Committee’s plans to establish appropriate community linkages, currently works with a South County agency that provides TG-specific services.  On a daily basis, she witnesses the many challenges and  frustrations of her clients, who are simply seeking the provision of equitable care and treatment.

Junie Tate, who is also currently employed by an agency that provides services to TG residents (in West County) and, who will help to develop and coordinate the Committee’s community education plans, views the OAA support and interest as, “A unique (and timely) opportunity to acknowledge the ‘unheard voices’ of the County’s Transgender residents.”