2/11/14

Philadelphia Police to transgender citizens: Expect Respect

On the heals of the revelation that the Philadelphia District attorney's office has not fully and unconditionally released to the police what know of the murder of transgender woman Nizah Morris comes some good news.

While in the city of brotherly love expect respect from law enforcement.

The bad news is it took the misgendering and dehumanization of yet another murdered transwoman, Diamond Williams, by the Philly PD amplified by the sensationalistic  local reporting to make this happen. The good news is if you have interactions with the Philadelphia police expect respect.

After establishing what gender expression/identity is Directive 152 makes clear how officers are required to interact with trans people and offers guidelines on how to refer to trans people in reports and while in custody.












2/8/14

Blake Brockington makes NC history becoming Mecklenburg's first transgender homecoming king

Blake told WCNC "Throughout my life I haven't always been treated equally as a male, so I've always wanted this and everybody has told me I couldn't do it. ‘You are a girl,' even though I've always identified myself as a male," said Brockington.

There were 13 seniors vying for the coveted title as king. Brockington won, collecting the most money for the school's chosen charity, Mothering Across Continents. It's a non-profit organization that funds the building of schools in the Sudan.

Brockington is no stranger to adversity. He says he is living with foster parents because his father is unable to accept his gender identity.

His foster parent, Donald Smith, told NBC Charlotte Brockington has the perseverance to overcome the challenges he faces.

"He really is hoping that it helps those behind him going through the same challenges and struggles," he said.