We’re Baaack…!!!
Posted in news on May 10th, 2011
After a substantial interruption in our operations, we are extremely happy to announce that we are renewing our efforts to expand and continue our regular newsletter and website activities. As well, ACTSC is recommitting itself as a reliable and trusted resource with specificity in providing timely and accurate information on educational and employment opportunities, health, and social service resources that are relevant to the African American Transgender residents of Alameda County. As well, our services and resources are available for access by residents of other immediately surrounding Bay Area area communities, the State, and beyond.
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
