NBC 5 YouthFirst Dallas Texas: a place for Gay and Lesbian Youth

ABOUT YOUTH FIRST TEXAS

"Youth First Texas is the only non-profit organization in Dallas exclusively committed to providing social services, education opportunities, and recreational activities to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Questioning (GLBTQ) Youth through age 22.


Our mission is to provide group interaction and individual support for GLBTQ Youth by providing age appropriate activities, programs, and resources that facilitate empowerment and self-acceptance.

There are more than 50,000 Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning (GBLTQ) youth estimated to be in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. Some are fortunate to have an accepting home environment. Others live without hope in isolation and fear. Those feeling alone and lost make up a staggering 50% that contemplate suicide every day. Many services so desperately needed by youth today are not available due to homophobia or a lack of resources.

You are not alone and you should never feel that way."

YouthFirst Texas.org/

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Memorial for Myra Ical Transgender Foundation of America Hosting

Host: Transgender Foundation of America
Type:Causes - Rally
Date:Monday, January 25, 2010
Time:6:00pm - 6:30pm
Location:Vacant Lot at Garrott St and Richmond Ave
Street:4300 Richmond St
City/Town:Houston, TX
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A public memorial and candlelight vigil will be held on Monday, January 25 at 6 pm to honor Myra Ical, whose body was found last Monday in the 4300 block of Garrott St near Richmond Avenue.

The memorial will include two moments of silence, one for Ms. Ical and another for other transgender Houstonians who have been murdered whose crimes remain unsolved, as well as a moment of noise-making to recognize that it is silence that allows the perpetrators of crime to go unpunished.

The time for silence has ended! Myra’s body was discovered at 2 in the afternoon at a busy intersection. Somebody saw something or knows something about this crime. We want to encourage people to make noise about the violence that is inflicted on our community.

The press release sent by the Houston Police Department identifying the victim used male pronouns to refer to Ms. Ical, whose legal name was Ruben Dario Ical.

The local media took their cue from HPD, consistently referring to Myra as ‘he’ which is disrespectful of her memory. Every media style book in the country, including the Associated Press, is clear that transgender people should be referred to using pronouns that reflect their gender identity.

We are thankful that HPD is working hard to solve this crime, but they have a duty to communicate with the public in a way that respects the victim.

Houston Police have no leads in the case. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Transgender Foundation of America at 713-520-8586.

The Memorial will be held at the site where Ms. Ical’s body was found, at the vacant lot at 4300 Garrott. Attendees are encouraged to bring noisemakers. Candles will be provided.

kelli's note: I am crying for you Myra that you died alone and unloved in a empty lot. God knows you now and our sorrow will lift you to his loving arms. God bless you Mrya.