CFA Championship Announced Fallon Fox to meet Ashlee Evans-Smith Oct 12

While not official yet Bloody Elbow has learned that Transgender fighter Fallon Fox 3-0 will meet Ashlee Evans-Smith 1-0 on October 12th for the Championship and $20,000 in prize money.

Sherdog has more background on both fighters:

Known as "The Queen of Swords," Fox's status as a male-to-female transgender fighter became public earlier this year prior to her tournament semifinal victory over Allanna Jones this past May at CFA 11. The 37-year-old underwent gender reassignment surgery in 2006 and completed the subsequent hormone therapy before beginning her MMA career last year. Fox, who holds a perfect 3-0 record, initially saw her fight license placed under investigation in Florida but was later cleared to compete.

Evans-Smith, meanwhile, has competed just once as a professional, making her debut on March 2 at CFA 10 after losing four of her final five fights as an amateur. The 26-year-old halted that skid in her pro foray, however, taking a unanimous decision from Tori Adams in the opening round of the CFA tourney. Evans-Smith was then expected to fight in the round of four at CFA 11 but instead moved on to the finals by default after opponent Anna Barone could not make weight.

Was the murder of Detroit Transwoman Shelley "Treasure" Hilliard revenge for a drug sting or a hate crime

I remember her murder well. Who could forget? A 19 year old trans woman of color is found decapitated, apparently immolated in a vacant lot. This gruesome murder occurred around the time that Mexican drug gangs were becoming known to burn alive informants and competition cisgender and transgender transgender alike sometimes just for the hell of it. So the news accounts that followed helped to cement that suspicion, at least in my stereotyping mind, that perhaps Shelley was involved with a drug deal gone bad.

But her mom, producer Natasha "T" Miller and director Dream Hampton believe Shelley's murder was motivated by hate and they are out to prove it, with our help.

Jan 2012 UPI Reported that her "Murder may be revenge for drug sting"

"Qasim Raqib was charged in the Oct. 23 death of Shelley Hilliard, a 19-year-old transgender woman whose mutilated body was found on Detroit's east side. Hilliard was allegedly caught with marijuana Oct. 20 when police said she could avoid arrest by setting up a drug deal, testimony Thursday in 36th District Court revealed, The Detroit News reported."

"During Raqib's preliminary examination, testimony showed, Hilliard used her cellphone to call Raqib, as police listened on speaker phone, and told him she knew of someone who wanted to buy $335 worth of cocaine and marijuana."

"Raqib was arrested when he arrived at a Motel 6 in Madison Heights 20 minutes later, the News said."

Testimony suggested Raqib called Hilliard on a prepaid cellphone two days after his arrest. Hilliard received a call to meet a man the next day at 1 a.m.

"Taxi driver Robert Mullen, who testified he took Hilliard on all her calls, said she told him she was worried about revenge by Raqib over the drug sting."

After dropping her off, Mullen said, he got a call from Hilliard, who sounded afraid, and then heard what sounded like the phone dropping to the ground and it went dead."

I want to know the truth, so I contributed to their kickstarter project TransParent; A Story of Loss in a Community Misunderstood. In any case, whatever, I want to reach out to Shelley's mom as a sister trans woman with unconditional love and support.

"You Are You" a camp for gender variant children and their families

Imagine as children if we could have had the opportunity to be ourselves, even if it was just for a few days? What if your friends and family rejoiced in who we truly are? This is no longer a dream for the gender variant children who attend the "You are you" camp as documented by photographer Lindsay Morris.



Slate published a magnificent pictorial article which I will quote from...

"  It is also a place for both parents and children to feel protected in an environment that encourages free expression."

“[The kids] don’t have to look over their shoulders, and they can let down their guard. Those are four days when none of that matters, and they are surrounded by family members who support them,” Morris said."

"Morris has stated that her photographic goal for the project is “to represent the spirit of these boys as they shine.” Some of the ways in which the kids shine is through the talent and fashion shows at camp that are popular and for which the campers come well-prepared."

“Some practice for the talent show all year, and others create their own gowns with their mothers or friends of the family,” Morris said. “The focus and enthusiasm is really pretty incredible. Also, it can be very emotional for the parents, especially the families who are new to camp and are experiencing this kind of group acceptance for the very first time.”

Morris explains “I would really love to follow the kids into adulthood and see what kind of relationships they develop,” Morris said. “I want to witness the evolution, knowing from where they started and see how life is going to play out for them—hopefully happily—and I think they’re going to have a better transition into adulthood than the generation proceeding them.”

Police identifiy trans woman who's dismembered body was found in a vacant Phily lot

As reported previously on planetransgender the body parts of a unidentified person described as transgender by NBC 10 were discovered last Wednesday in a Philadelphia vacant lot.

Police believe Strawberry Mansion resident Charles Sargent used a axe to dismember a transgender woman allegedly telling his girlfriend he 'discovered' the victim was a 'man' after sex.  According to police Sargent's girlfriend heard noises upstairs and when her boyfriend came down he had the victim's body wrapped in bloody bed sheets warning her that if she said anything he would kill her too.

The victim pictured right from a previous arrest, has now been identified as a transgender sex worker Diamond Williams.

The narrative to the video by NBC 10 divulging the latest updates of this murder is respectful and news worthy. The accompanying video embedded below is not. The reporter seems to delight in intentionally disrespecting the victim as a cross dressing prostitute in a way that gives the impression that 'he' was murdered because 'he' was 'really a man'. It was the only video available at this time and I apologize in advance if anyone is inadvertently offended by it.

More than likely she was murdered because of Sargent's misogynistic ego and fear of what his friends would do or say. That's called Transpanic which is a lie not an alibi. 

Warning: Video contains explicit graphic bloody images of a murder scene not normally presented by American television.

This video has been removed by NBC.

View more videos at: http://nbcphiladelphia.com.

More at nbc philadelphia.com

Satanists Hold Gay Love Fest At Fred Philips Mom's Grave Say, Now She's Gay...

...for eternity.

Disclaimer: I'm not a devil worshiper or even an admirer. As a matter of fact the devil is my enemy.
Claimer: I just got to admire these folks regardless of the differences in our spiritual beliefs. They are upstanding Americans which is more than I can say for the WBC.
(have they ever offered to clean up a highway?)

Source The Gauntlet "This past Sunday, July 14, top officials from the New York-based Satanic Temple traveled to the grave site of the mother of Westboro Baptist Church founder Fred Phelps in order to stage a formal ceremony celebrating same-sex unions. Photos of the ceremony are publicly available on the new Satanic Temple-operated website, westboro-baptist.com, where The Satanic Temple encourages other same-sex couples to submit their own photos from similar pilgrimages to the Mississippi cemetery."

"Satanic Temple spokesperson Lucien Greaves officiated the ceremony while two same-sex couples celebrated their homosexuality at the gravesite."

Satanists Hold Gay Love Fest At Fred Philips Mom's Grave @WBCSay OH SNAP Now She's Gay... admires>> @satanicpsalms http://t.co/EQ6b1BNgtq
— planetransgender (@kellibusey) July 20, 2013

"The Satanic Temple supports freedom and the pursuit of happiness for all people, thus they support same-sex couples’ legal equality. The Satanic Temple claims that the mass was conducted as an affirmation of those values, and claims that the action is meant to convey a message of love in the face of hate."

"The Westboro Baptists, famed for their bombastic "God Hates Fags" anti-homosexual activism, raised the ire of the Satanic Temple months previous. "The idea for the Pink Mass ceremony and website came during the aftermath of the tragic Boston Marathon bombings, during which time the WBC were threatening to protest the funerals of the bombing victims," explains Greaves. “Members of The Satanic Temple were in Boston, waiting for them, but they failed to show. Later, the WBC issued a statement that they had been present 'in spirit'. We decided that a same-sex couple celebrating ceremony at the grave-site of Fred Phelps's mother was an appropriate way to meet the Westboro Baptists, 'in spirit', but this time on our terms."

"Explaining the ceremony itself, Greaves continues, "The Satanic Temple now believes that Fred Phelps must believe that his mother is now gay, in the afterlife, due to our Pink Mass... And nobody can challenge our right to our beliefs."

"This revelation of The Satanic Temple's graveyard ritual comes fast on the tail of the Westboro Baptist Church’s announcement that they intend to picket the death of 31 year-old "Glee" actor, Cory Monteith."

Boycott Putin's Russian Winter Olympics #FreePussyRiot Balaclavas for everyone

The growing parallels between Hitler and Putin's charade duping world leaders, who are all to willing to pretend there was nothing so wrong with Nazism or Putin's Anti LGBT laws that a Boycott of the Olympics would have been necessary, is well, mind boggling. Nothing has changed, with the Olympic committee or world leaders who remains more concerned with ego and prestige and cooperate connections than human rights.

The biggest difference between then and now is social media in the free world where Russians are calling for a boycott.

The state sanctioned violence against LGBT people has increased to the point where if a LGBT person stands in public with a sign proclaiming themselves as such, they face arrest and beatings by both the public and the police. That same treatment on a day to day basis can now be expected by anyone who visits Russia.

Are world leaders going to send their Olympic team members to Russia knowing that legally they can be arrested, and fined? I am sure they will if Putin temporally suspends enforcement of those laws, just like Hitler did. Unless we as a world social power unhindered by international borders stop the Olympics from happening by embarrassing our governments with these undeniable truths.

I hope a rallying point can be the cry to free Pussy Riot. Two of the four brave young band members aren't set to be freed until after the Russian games. Everything else that Putin could do to coerce the world to play his games would be worthless if these pussies were to remain in jail while Putin played.

Please consider adding your name to the petition No Pussies No Games: Boycott / Demonstrate at The Russian Winter Olympics

International Olympic Committee warns Russia over new anti-LGBT law 
In the wake of a legal crackdown on LGBT advocacy in Russia, the International Olympic Committee in a statement this week said the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi "should be open to all, free of discrimination, and that applies to spectators, officials, media and of course athletes," adding that it would strongly oppose any move to counter that principle. Some worry new laws against LGBT propaganda could subject foreigners to jail and deportation if they are caught holding the hands of same-sex partners or wearing LGBT Pride symbols. Windy City Times (Chicago) (7/17), GlobalPost.com/Rights blog (7/18), The Huffington Post/Gay Voices blog (7/11)

There has even been a law passed in the Duma crimilizing hurting someones 'religious feelings'. We aren't talking about a Muslims feelings, or a Jewish persons feelings. This law was enacted to protect the Russian Orthodox's feelings after Pussy Riots famous Cathedral protest song.


Although there was been some discussion whether this video is authentic it is the first video in year from Pussy Riot.

Philly man charged with chopping up a transgender woman after sex and dumping her in vacant lot

Police believe Strawberry Mansion resident Charles Sargent used a axe to dismember a transgender woman allegedly telling his girlfriend he 'discovered' the victim was a 'man' after sex.  According to police Sargent's girlfriend heard noises upstairs and when her boyfriend came down he had the victim's body wrapped in bloody bed sheets warning her that if she said anything he would kill her too.

The police searched Sargent's home and found a wig, shoes and a bloody screw driver.
Sargent didn't get the memo, Transpanic is a lie not an alibi.

UPdate: Police have identified the victim

View more videos at: http://nbcphiladelphia.com.

More at NBC 10

Trans Woman Laverne Cox and Trans Man Amir Rabiyah: Study in Gender Paradigms

What is it like to be Trans man? Are trans men's life experiences the same as a trans woman's? What happens to that experience when the intersection of gender is also the meeting place of androphobia and racism?

Then switching gender (presentations) The Root article "I Was Feared As A Man" examines a piece by Laverne Cox on the Advocate extracting the core of her messages.

First Amir Rabiyah  a new twitter friend gives us a invaluable peek at the crossing in this video....



Black Transgender Woman: I Was Feared as a Man by Laverne Cox

But when I was attempting to live part-time in boy drag, I was hyper-aware of how perceptions of black masculinity influence the ways in which people behave in relationship to a body in the public space. I noticed how much harder it was to get a taxi, for example, when I was dressed in boy drag as opposed to when I was dressed as myself. In black male drag, I noticed white women cross to the other side of the street and clutch their purses tighter.
When I was perceived as a black man I became a threat to public safety. When I was dressed as myself, it was my safety that was threatened. It was usually other black people who policed my gender, called me out, or made fun of me on subways, street corners, and in delicatessens. I believe it is because I am also black that I became their target. These same folks would often ignore white trans and gender nonconforming folks in the same spaces, even those who passed even less than I did at the time. Systemic racism not only encourages the state and non-black individuals to police and monitor black bodies, white supremacy encourages other black folks to do so as well.
Almost 15 years into my transition, I am still black and I still live in New York City. I still sometimes hear "That's a man" screamed or whispered toward me as I walk down the street, but not nearly as much as I used to. So many basic things are better and more congruent in my life today as I enter the public space as myself, but I am acutely aware of how sexism and transmisogyny intersect with racism to police my now black trans woman's body in public space.Read Laverne Cox's full article at the Advocate

.

Miki's Victory: Settlement With Kaiser Permanente of Colorado.Insures Equal Coverage For Transgender People

When FTM teen Miki Alexander Manigault was turned down for SRS and HRT the heat got turned up. Turns out Kaiser grabbed the tigress by the tail because Miki's mom is by coincidence a human rights officer for the state. She knows paperwork.

Miki has received a undisclosed settlement from Kaiser for discriminating against him resulting in a Bulletin from the Colorado Insurance Regulator agency stating effective immediately:

If you are transgender that can't be considered a pre-existing condition denying you coverage. Secondly, transgender people can not be charged more and thirdly and most importantly transgender people in Colorado have the same sort of access to care for conditions that are covered for cisgender people.

Colorado joins Oregon, California and the district of Columbia in insuring non discrimination when it comes to accessing insurance for transgender individuals.

There's amazing in depth coverage of Miki's victory at Health Policy Solutions.org and One Colorado.



Colorado has come a long ways in the four years since Angie Zapata was murdered. R.I.P. Angie

Can The Taiwanese Gov't Revoke A Marriage With A Letter?

台灣跨性別伴侶對抗政府同性婚姻法令

In May 2013 Taiwanese citizen Abbygail a transgender woman, won a ground breaking legal battle to marry her partner, Jiyi Wu. This gave hope to the Taiwanese LGBT community as it came just months after a gay couple gave up their challenge to marry.

Their  marriage would seem like  a dream come true, a happily ever after scenario, so why did the government of Taiwan annul their marriage just weeks after recognizing it? The couple, Abbygail Legal name Yi_Ting, Wu吳伊婷), and Jiyi, legal name: Ji-yi, Wu 吳芷儀 are bringing a powerful team in there quest to contest this ICCPR violation of human rights.

Announcing the challenge pictured from left to right: Attorney Victoria Hsu Director of Taiwan Alliance to Promote Civil
Partnership Rights, Yu, Mei-Nu Legislator, Cheng, Li-Chiun Cheng Legislator, partners Jiyi Wu a physics and mathematics specialist and Abbygail Wu (hat) computer engineer, Yu ji Spokesman for ISTScare Taiwan and Xu, Bai-Xing supporter.

Abbygail in a interview with planetransgender explains why the government is reacting the way it has and what they intend to do about it.

"First of all we got married in Oct. 2012, so why we can get marry but other same-sex (sex in law) couple can't? Because after our SRS in July,2012, I change my official gender first , so we become "opposite sex" and get married. Jiyi changed her official gender after that, that's how the magic happened."

"In the official explanation of the "marriage validity for person do SRS and change official gender after marriage" few years ago, the ministry of interior claimed "if the marriage registration is taken place when two people is 'one male and one female' , the marriage will keep valid."

One gay American blogger wishing to make a point that transgender people need to support marriage equality said Abbygail and Jiy "unwitting" became marriage equality advocates. But as a trans person I knew there much more to this story, a trans human love story, so I asked Abbygail if it was simply a Faux pas on there part:

Abbygail explained: "So how did the government find this out? It's because when Jiyi tried to apply to change "official gender" in Oct. 2012 after our marriage, one of the director in the Household Registration Office noticed her SRS is done before the marriage ( the date on the certificate). He remain uncertain about the effectiveness of our marriage, and send the official letter to his upper administrative offices. This is how the story begins."

"The government claim that although our legal gender is "a man and a woman" at the marriage registration, but we both "physically" woman because the SRS is done."

"Jiyi said: It feels like asking the ID card is not enough, and also put a hand into your underwear. It feels violation."

"unwittingly", yes, it might be. But base on the diversity of gender, what's our gender? female? We can't have babies. male? we aren't. We are in the somewhere of the "gender spectrum".

"I like to quote and change some words from the movie I recently watched and enjoyed -- "Now you see me":

"Look closely, because the more gender boundary divided you think you are, the less gender you will actually see."

"For legal change, We certainly hope the decision can change and we and other friends in the ISTScare and TAPCPR think we should have a "protection law" which can help to protect human rights for the gender diversity people."

"For the worst scenario, if the government is still want to revoke the marriage and the appeal is lose in the court, we will ask asylum to the "marriage with gender-centralize" countries, because the country we belong is not capable to protect our rights, the first country on the list is US and then UK(base the the info from ILGA website , UK grants asylum on the basis of gender identity.)"

"We choose to stand out because we know "nobody can know more and ask more clear about our rights, we need to stand our and tell the world and change it. Don't be afraid. If you are more afraid, more rights can be lose"

Same sex marriage movement is somewhat outside of the trans agenda, even resented by some (like myself)because of the resources consumed in the LGBT equality effort, but it remains important to us. More to some of us, than others. ( like those in love:)

Will and Grace- I will remember you

Before, when I lived in self imposed pretransition exile I saw myself as Grace the quintessential gay persons friend, in so many ways. I loved and admired Eric for being Will, so unabashedly gay before it was ok. Will's character helped empower me to transition.

I will remember you (partly because I have every season box set I could find through the years:)

Chicago TransLife Center Opens

Chicago Translife center officaly opened today with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The project bills itself as the first ever to provide short term housing, medical, employment and legal services, with much of the staff coming from the trans community.

Source WEBZ:

"Lana Wachowski attended the opening. She said she had observed transgender homelessness in her neighborhood. “Often LGBT people, especially the T’s, are in need of family,” she said.  Wachowski said that this center recognizes that family extends beyond just our blood and kin."

"Stormie Williams cut the ribbon for the opening. She will be one of the first residents and has already found employment with help from the staff. “I know there are more things to come,” she said."

Shannon Heffernan is a reporter for WBEZ. Follow her at @shannon_h 

DORA ÖZER İÇİN, ADALET İÇİN! Update: Global Protest locations for #justiceforJasmine #justiceforDora

Paris - meet in front of Swedish Embassy then walk to Turkish and Italian embassies - with Strass and Acceptess-T Facebook event


Glasgow - meet in front of Swedish Consulate with Sex Worker Open University
Facebook event

Edinburgh - meet in front of Turkish Consulate with Scot Pep
Facebook event

London - meet in front of Swedish Embassy with Sex Worker Open University, Xtalk and ECP
Facebook event

Berlin - meet in front of Nordic Embassies - Schwedische Botschaft
Rauchstr. 1, 10787 Berlin, Germany \
Facebook event

Brighton – in progress, contact Gillian Love

Canberra, Australia - meet in front of Swedish Embassy contact Roxanne Wilde
the memorial stone to our missing women on Friday July 19th, 6pm (PST) to protest violence against sex workers!

In Vancouver, Canada (CRAB Park
Also at 4 pm:
Västerås Sweden:
Minnesstund för Eva Marree Smith Kullander
RFSU Västerås
Facebook event


Also at 6 pm (PST):
Vancouver, Canada.
Meeting at memorial stone to our missing women to protest violence against sex workers! In Vancouver, CRAB Park

Also on Monday the 15:

Helsinki, 12 / midday , Ruotsin suurlähetystö (Pohjoisesplanadi 7B)
Facebook event


Friday afternoon the citizens of Turkey took to the streets to protest the murder of yet another trans person, Dora. Up until lately transgender murders have gone unnoticed in Turkey as no knew or even cared. But this is changing to some degree as social sites like this one have become quicker to disseminate information as we did when we learned of Dora's murder.

However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get news out of Turkey due to governmental oppression of the media. Just following the protest for Dora,  journalists gathered but were met by police in gas masks. I have very hard time translating Turkish but I believe that a suspect was arrested and has confessed to the murder of Dora Serdar Ozer. If you have further information please post it in the comments.

Trans Cinayetlerine Dur De! | Ankara Basın Açıklaması
Trans Stop Assaults On Too! | London Press Release
Via ICRSE: After a trans sex worker,Dora, killed by her clients in Kusadası 'Red Umbrella Sexual Health and Human Rights Association' organised a press conference and protest in Ankara/Turkey. Sex workers and LGBTs demand their rights.

Yesterday we shared the news of Dora, a trans sex worker murdered in Turkey. Today, we learn about the murder of Jasmine, a sex worker in Sweden who was murdered by her husband. Her child had been taken away from her because of her line of work. we send all our thoughts and condolences to all of friends, lovers, comrades of sex workers victims of violence all over the world. Violence will not stop once we have basic human rights but this is a first step. Solidarity with all and every sex workers in the world. be strong and safe.

You'll not bow down if you're a journalist
If you bow down you'll not say I'm a journalist

Tweeps report police put on the gas masks in front of journos.You know what that means: v @miyavmiyaav #DirenGazeteci pic.twitter.com/mQQFKCrlaF
— ilhan tanir (@WashingtonPoint) July 12, 2013

Is Singer Neko Case Transgender? Maybe Not But She Is The Man

"I'm a man, that's what you raised me to be / I'm not your identity crisis, this was planned," she sings. "If I'm dipshit drunk on pink perfume* then I am the man in the fucking moon, because you didn't know what a man was until I showed you."hitfix.com

Neko Case indie country singer and song writer's hard driving lyrics from her new album would make one wonder. That and the hyper machismo cigarette smoking horse and the albums title which is easily relatable with the struggle of gender transition..

'The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You.'....I'm a man its what you raised me to be..it's not an identity crises.....
...in that when we begin struggling to release the facade we hid behind and obtain and display our true selves it seems as if things couldn't be worst, but as time goes on we find we love who we truly are more and more.



More at Neko's second NPR interview, first NPR interview, and The Slate.

@kellibusey ❤❤❤

— Neko Case (@NekoCase) July 14, 2013

Malala Yousafzai Addresses the UN on her 16th Birthday "Malala Day"

Malala Yousafzai, UN Youth Assembly
Education activist Malala Yousafzai will mark her 16th birthday, on Friday, 12 July 2013 at the United Nations by giving her first high-level public appearance and statement on the importance of education.

Malala became a public figure when she was shot by the Taliban while travelling to school last year in Pakistan -- targeted because of her committed campaigning for the right of all girls to an education. Flown to the United Kingdom to recover, she is now back at school and continues to advocate for every child’s right to education.

In support of the UN Secretary-General’s Global Education First Initiative (GEFI), on 12 July – declared as “Malala Day” -- the President of the UN General Assembly and the UN Special Envoy for Global Education with the support of A World at School initiative are organizing the UN Youth Assembly, where more than 500 young leaders from around the world will convene to accelerate the goal of getting all children, especially girls, in school and learning by 2015.

New Texas State Flower "Jack Boots " Confiscated Tampons At HB2 Hearing

My state of Texas GOP in the last few years has forced the publishers of school books to edit out positive references to religions other than Christianity, reduced or removed information on evolution in future editions pushed absitance only birth control education resulting in the country's highest STD and teen pregnancy rates, allowed unsafe workplaces, refused to accept the new health care system resulting in tens of thousands more uninsured people and now have Voted to Close all but a few of the places a low income uninsured woman can go seeking reproductive health care.

I could not make this up. State troopers in Texas Senate are searching bags, confiscating tampons and pads. They fear projectiles.
— Gene Weingarten (@geneweingarten) July 12, 2013

Gene Weingarten Washington Post at the Texas Legislature July 12th.....

What about gun shaped tampons? @AIsForOrg Welcome to Texas, where guns in our Capitol building are cool, but tampons are a big no-no. #SB1
— Kevin Baker (@deutschmarine) July 12, 2013

...where if you have a concealed handgun permit you skip the lines and the metal detector and walk right in.

Why?

Because in their wealthy christian addled hate filled bigoted GOP infected gray matter they know they doing the right thing. The far right thing.

Monica Roberts down in the Dome sums it up quite nicely with this paragraph titled   "Teahadist Republifools"

"And if you thought I was being over the top partisan when I called the Republican controlled Texas government 'neo-fascist GOP oppressors' and I referred to Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst as Tex Fuhrer and Deputy Tex Fuhrer, peep this hearing on SB 2 in which Sarah Slamen is dragged from the mike by jack booted stormtroopers DPS troopers"




Last nights attempted testimony wasn't what these assholes wanted to hear so the asshole in charge failing to shout her out had her dragged out. WE need to VOTE these ASSHOLES OUT.

I moved here in 2002 and after 11 years I'm beginning to wonder why. Why did they go and crush our beautiful  Bluebonnet with their jack boots?

Transgender Marriage Equality Battle

Rapist who Threw up on transgender victim in 2001 is being retried

Gay Star News has published that the man who raped trans woman Anna Vincent January 2001 has 'been brought to justice'. Mohammad Salim 43, allegedly snatched Anna Vincent, 36, from outside Camden Town Tube station and raped her in a nearby alleyway on 23 January 2001.

The accused was not linked to the crime until a cold case a decade later discovered semen in the alleyway was found to be a one-in-a-billion match with his DNA, the Ham & High reports." (The Ham & High link is disabled.)

Pink News reports that Salim's first trial ended without a verdict so a new trial begun July 8 2013.

It is not clear from the Gay Star article whether a verdict was found or if sentencing has or will take place.

Both of those occurrences must take place before justice prevails.

Anna Vincent died in 2006 but it is not clear how.

Curiously there is a video posted by a VIMEO user going by the name of the accused that examines in depth the prevalence of suicides among rape victims. Salim is a fairly common name so it could only be a guess if this video has anything to do with the alleged rape of Ms Vincent.

The British justice system is a mystery to me and there are only a couple news accounts published about this trial. If you can help shed some light on this case please do!


#rape from on V.

Jazzie Collins Transgender Activist Icon Passed Away at 54 Peacefully and Powerfully

Cecilia C Chung shared this with us on Facebook "We are mourning the passing of Jazzie Collins today. From the offices of Tom Ammiano and Rich Gordon":

Assemblyman Rich Gordon (Menlo Park), Chair of the Legislative Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Caucus, and Assemblymember Tom Ammiano (San Francisco) released the following statement in response to the passing of San Francisco resident, long-time activist and LGBT Caucus honoree, Jazzie Collins. Ms. Collins passed away this morning at the age of 54.

“Jazzie was absolutely glowing last month when the LGBT Caucus honored her in the Capitol,” said Assemblymember Tom Ammiano. “Of course, we were the ones honored to have her with us, gracing us with her stature as a community leader and a human being. Her work for justice and equality in San Francisco will have long-lasting impact, as will her advocacy for communities that needed her voice. Her death robs us of that voice, and she is missed.”

“Today we lost an advocate and a leader,” Assemblyman and LGBT Caucus chair Rich Gordon said. “Jazzie Collins worked tirelessly on behalf of all communities, serving as an untiring advocate for the poor, for the transgender community and truly, for all San Francisco residents.

While we celebrate her Ms. Collins and her life’s work, her spirit will continue to live on through the many lives she has touched. On behalf of the LGBT Caucus, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones. May she rest in power.”

Starting in 2006, the California Legislative LGBT Caucus honors a select group of individuals from across the state, who strive to advance the cause of equality in California and throughout the country. Ms. Collins was one of 12 honorees this year recognized in a special ceremony on the Assembly Floor.

Jazzie won these accolades from the Legislators like all of the ones she is receiving on her Facebook page not with money but with love. Although I never met her in person I was blessed to have her as a facebook friend. Whenever I needed to know what was actually happening on the ground in San Fran Jazzie would cheerfully offer what she knew. We will miss you Jazzie for now, but know we will all be joining you once again to march in the sky.



Jazzie's BOA Mic Check evicting the financal preditors from their San Fransico office.

Florida Nursing Student Threatened With Arrest and Expulsion If She Continues To Use Students Bathroom

Up until the July 9th transgender woman Alex Wilson was using the the students restroom but after someone complained she said "I've been told I have to use a closet in the school administration building."

Ms. Wilson is a certified nursing Aid is a student at the Pinellas Technical Education Center in Clearwater Florida where she is continuing her education to a become a licensed practical nurse. She has been on HRT for four years and plans on changing her paperwork to indicate her authentic gender in the future.

According to WFLA "The Pinellas schools spokeswoman says administrators plan to look into this case to understand what happened. "In a scenario such as the one you're describing , a person will be offered access to a private restroom. And that's for the individual's privacy and for the privacy of other students," said Melanie Marquez Parra."

"The school spokesman says administrators will gather facts to see if anything should have been handled differently."

WFLA-TV News Channel 8

It sounds to me like the administration has already made up their minds and have acted accordingly. This story is personally disturbing to me because years ago early in my transition while in medical school I faced the same situation.

I was forced out of school because of the unending ridicule, harassment and ostracization after I agreed to use the teachers private restroom. The bigotry I faced wasn't just from the students, the staff intentionally misgendered me as well enabling the students to continue until one day I was threatened with violence. And the threats continued until I was being pushed and shoved in the hallways.

If this bothers you as well you can email the the Pinellas Technical Education Center using their contact form by clicking here or use this the information below.

Just remember please our intent is to help, not to vent.

Mark Erickson director at Clearwater Fl Campus.

Clearwater Campus
6100 154th Avenue N
Clearwater, FL 33760-2140
(727) 538-7167 - Fax (727) 538-7203
Toll Free: 1 (866) 503-PTEC (7832)

I just spoke with Mark Erickson director at Clearwater. He said that he can't speak specifically about what is going on with a given student but the school respects every student equally. Mr. Erickson was a great listener as I related my personal experiences. I also pointed out that in all of the counties, cities and states where trans people have been given access to public accommodations there has never been a instance when a trans person has abused that right.

I then talked with Melanie Parra media contact for the district. Ms. Parra was also a great listener even though as she pointed out she was not directly involved in the decision making process my input would become a part of her experience.

Both phone calls were highly encouraging and both people I talked to were very receptive. Both individuals pointed out the school is in decision making process so it's my hope some of my readers will also call and have a constructive conversation with these school officials as well. My apologies for any misspelled names or improper titles. I could not find a staff listing on the webs sites.

R.I.P. PJ Torokvei The Trans Woman Behind WKRP in Cincinnati Hilarity

I can't say how many times I in delighted in the antics of the WKRP crew. Being a native of Ohio it gave me something to laugh about in our otherwise flat and boring state. WKRP was unique, warm, endearingly daringly transcending racial and gender boundaries long before it was cool to do so. That was also long before I came to terms with my gender identity, long before doing so was a possibility in that ultra conservative state.

Or so I thought.

But not to PJ. She transitioned long before it was acceptable to do so. Long before the surgical operations were perfected. Long before HRT dosing became a science and she paid for it with her life suffering liver failure and complications from her SRS only 10 years after transitioning.

But there is an amazing tribute to PJ Torokvei,  at The Hollywood Reporter which was penned by Stan Brooks, a writer, director and Emmy-winning producer who was one of Torokvei's closest friends and collaborators.

PJ came out in a birthday letter to her friends at age 50. Brooks like many of PJ's friends was expecting a punchline after this news from his old friend but none came. Brooks was cool with it but PJ's life was forever changed, lessened by the loss of so many of her friends who couldn't understand.



Now I know why I loved WKRP so much so long before I knew who I was.

R.I.P. PJ Torokvei.

ENDA Gets Through Senate Committee A Historic First. So What Now?

Mara Keisling of the NCTE was kind enough to invite me to a media conference call this morning regarding the forthcoming ENDA S815 committee vote. Pretty much as she predicted ENDA was marked up this morning with the bipartisan support of Republicans Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Mark Kirk (R-IL).

Source Thomas Library of Congress S.815 -- Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 (Introduced in Senate - IS) full text and status.

SEC. 4. EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED.

(a) Employer Practices- It shall be an unlawful employment practice for an employer--

(1) to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual, or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to the compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment of the individual, because of such individual's actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity; or
(2) to limit, segregate, or classify the employees or applicants for employment of the employer in any way that would deprive or tend to deprive any individual of employment or otherwise adversely affect the status of the individual as an employee, because of such individual's actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

I think I could speak for every trans person on the planet when I say WE NEED this to become law, and for myself especially number 2.
I can't tell you how many times since finally going full time post transition that I have watched new hires zip past me to a better paying job for doing the same OR less than what I do. That sucks. Seriously, the cotton ceiling Sucks because it comes at you from all directions, cisgender woman and men. Bosses. Co Workers alike. Talk about posses.

So now ENDA is making history by making it to the Senate Floor, but will it even get voted on their? Mara believes the chances are it will but when I posted on Facebook that it faces a dysfunctional death march in the republican controlled House Mara simply agreed at least in part, by 'liking' the status. In any case huge thanks go out to Mara and crew for riding herd on this.

We are making progress? Of sorts and sometimes that's a goal. But mostly, this was a opportunity to post this really cool picture I saw on Glaad blog.

So why are Republicans house members so opposed to ENDA which essentially guarantees the most religiously biased constituents exception in cases of discrimination? They are afraid that young tea party peons will take their jobs. That and plain old hate. Can't fix hate with nothing. Not with love. Not with money. And evidently, not even with exceptions.
Read what ENDA is and what it ain't at Media Matters.

Justice For Slain Türkçe Transsexual DORA İÇİN : Protest March July 12th

I was contacted via twitter by the first and as of this time the only Turkish transgender TV reporter Michelle Demishevich, who told me of some terrible news. A well known transsexual Dora Özer, has been murdered in Aydin Turkey.

[Bing Translate. Anyone offering a better translation would be so appreciated. plz post it in the comments]

Source Travesti Club: July 9, 2013 Time: 23:00 'in the transvestite DORA ÖZER murder was the last straw now. Site Hacifeyzullah district town of Kusadasi AYDIN ​​Altıngüvercin occurred on the second floor of the block 21. 24-year-old Huo alias ÖZER DORA had brutally stabbed to death in her home.

On 15 December 2012 in İstanbul, "Ghafoor" Kusadasi 4 April 2012 September 2012 at the "Nergis" Bursa "Add" and others as "Dora" the last murder. Every year at least 3 gay friend rapidly this hate murders, ignored the explosion, cut back so why? You have to take what these people veremediginiz tacirlerini kollarsınız drugs across Turkey lifter, so our people are what is in these people with this type of crime you ignored your "transvestite murders" and "gay" and veremediginiz status? Now it's time to say stop this hate killings gelmedimi rapidly and at least 10 years, our friend, our restless yetmedimi?

Cool n easy going until a State of TURKEY, NETHERLANDS bagıra basamıyormu gays Ceesay's picture? Even though they are Gay transvestite in Asia in our people are, so to speak, "hırlıya thief" where those great Turkish State to open arms? According to the eye every year with the massacre of our people is how "Turkish" ID, you are in the audience? You read through eglenirken Cocktail, private dining, otobanlarda, those people in their homes, in the streets, "STRUGGLE for LIFE". Just a little beyond your honor, if you varsaki your own hasiyetiniz insanınız quit with the "TRANSVESTITE". Don't overlook some things.

Facebook event: DORA İÇİN, ADALET İÇİN! NEFRET CİNAYETLERİNE DUR DE! DORA, FOR JUSTICE! STOP THE HATE KILLINGS AS WELL!

Ontario Association of solidarity with LGBT and other Derneklermizin Contributions: DORA, for JUSTICE! STOP THE HATE KILLINGS AS WELL! ALL OUR PEOPLE are SENSITIVE to TRANSPHOBIA PARADE on July 12, FRIDAY: 7: 30, WE are GLAD to SEE YOU AMONG US.
Hate killings to mean stop!
To defend our right to life!
To stimulate the political power!
To defend her life together!

Trans Woman Found Murdered In NW Houston Bayou

In Monica Roberts back yard. The Houston police are awaiting the autopsy of a "man wearing what appears to be a black dress and panty hose" who was found in 3 inches of water at 4100 Antoine in Brickhouse Gully about 8:15 a.m. on Sunday July 7.

This is not a high crime area and yes it does "appear" she was wearing a dress.

The person was assaulted sometime late Saturday or early Sunday morning. The body was discovered by two young people who waved down a motorist who in turn called the police. The two young people then left the scene and are not believed involved in the murder but are being asked by the police to come forward and speak with them none the less.

A phone call to the Houston police public affairs office has not been returned as of this posting. If you have information please call the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600.