Saturday, April 16, 2011

Rally to protest violence against transgender woman

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Some of us gay folks who immigrated to San Francisco to enjoy the city's fabled tolerance have made a pretty good life here. We can forget that gender non-conforming people who are newcomers, who are poor, who are young, who are often black or brown, are still vulnerable to random violence, just for being themselves.

A young transgender woman who was beaten up in the BART plaza at 16th and Mission a couple of weeks ago plaintively told KTVU news:

"I'm from a small town. I came to San Francisco hoping there would be more safety than I found," Mia said.

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The assault on Mia was witnessed by an AIDS outreach worker. According to the TV report, this witness reported that one of the men who punched Mia said "Oh, I hate men dressed up as women." The assailants were arrested and a hate crime enhancement added to the charges.

Tonight members of the transgender and gay communities were joined by people from many area service agencies in a rally against violence in the 16th Street plaza.
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We listened to speeches.

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And chanted vigorously.

Sometimes what matters most is to be with family -- and to find out how very large family can be, when we make it.
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1 comment:

Darlene said...

Discrimination should have ended years ago in this 'so-called- enlightened age. Only education will stamp out intolerance.

Violence shows ignorance and must be stopped wherever it rears its ugly head. I am glad the perpetrators are being charged with a hate crime.