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Friday, November 20, 2009

History Apropos of the Post Below

Posted by David Schmader on Fri, Nov 20, 2009 at 8:52 AM

Today is the International Transgender Day of Remembrance. Here's a heartbreaking video list of 2009's Trans deaths around the world.

Here are the International Transgender Day of Remembrance Day events planned today in Seattle, at the University of Washington:

“Die-In” rally (12:00-12:30) Red Square meet at noon by the obelisk structure (University of Washington campus)
Candlelight vigil (6:00-7:00 PM)

Also, good for Chaz.

Comments (9) RSS

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I guess it's naive of me to say it, but I really can't fathom why people are so bothered by transgendered people. What's so hard about letting folks go about their business? The brutal nature of so many of these attacks indicates their murderers were somehow personally affected by their presence. And why is that? Why are some people driven to murder when confronted with a transgendered person? Seriously: what's it to them?

Posted by TVDinner

on November 20, 2009 at 10:00 AM

I for one am glad that The Stranger is looking out for their advertising base.

Posted by Will in Seattle

on November 20, 2009 at 10:08 AM

Sobering reminder. Thanks D.

Posted by gloomy gus on November 20, 2009 at 10:20 AM

I know the world as a whole is a pretty fucked up place, especially for any powerless minority group, but what the fuck is up with Brazil?

Posted by johnyawl on November 20, 2009 at 10:23 AM

Trans-gendered day conflicts with my mid-twenties white guy day.

Posted by JF on November 20, 2009 at 10:49 AM

Schmader, it's hypocritical to post this on the Slog when the Stranger ignores the Transgender Remembrance Day events going on right here in Seattle. Why don't you fuckers get involved with your own community (beyond shots and joints)?

Posted by Solipsism is not a political position on November 20, 2009 at 11:22 AM

6: It would be hypocritical if I posted this video then went out and beat a Transgender person to death. (But you'll be happy to see I've added info on today's Seattle events. Peace be with you.)

Posted by David Schmader on November 20, 2009 at 11:34 AM

Hrm. In a decade, some things changed, but most remained the same.

Different?
1) Sheer number of fatalities.
2) Far many more shooting victims (more at-a-distance incidents). Far fewer strangulations and stabbings (so-called crimes of passion/gay defence).
3) A rise in decapitations.
4) Increased reporting from the global south and near east.

Same?
1) Most of the victims were not white.
2) Very few were white and middle-aged (i.e., the most prevalent around Cap Hill and one reason why we all shake our heads).
3) The day of remembrance is still run by middle-aged, white transgenders.
4) Mention of "transsexual" gets buried deep so as to be invisible.
5) Suspects get away disproportionately often and, if caught, are slapped on the hand.

This YT clip was only shocking for someone who's newly introduced to this as a pattern. Same shit, different year. I keep my head down low for many reasons — this being one.

Posted by Telsa Grills on November 20, 2009 at 11:41 AM

Oh yeah, another thing that stayed the same: none of the names was of trans men. Brandon Teena, as horrific as that was, was demonstrably anomalous against raw stats. And we've yet to see a good flick about a true story where a trans woman was hit.

Posted by Telsa Grills on November 20, 2009 at 11:45 AM