When Is It Going to Stop?

[EnderD_503]

I know there is a thread already for remembering trans people lost to violence, but I really thought this deserved its own thread. Trans people are still systematically discriminated against, beaten, harrassed and killed and it seems all some people can do is sit back and laugh or act like trans people are overreacting.

The below link is to a video of a transwoman being brutally beaten by a group of women at a McDonald's in Baltimore. The video is really disturbing and I had trouble watching it all the way through, so consider yourself warned.

What's so horrible is that only the McDonald's manager and an elderly woman tried to stop the group of women from beating this transwoman. Other employees stood back and watched, laughing while filming the scene on their cellphones. What the fuck kind of idiot does that? A person is being assaulted in front of you by a group of people and you sit back and laugh, trying to catch it on film? They're lying there bleeding and you do nothing? When is this shit going to stop?

http://www.bilerico.com/2011/04/transwoman_severely_beaten_at_baltimore_mcdonalds. php

[atomiczombie]

This type of behavior is so sickening. I want to vomit after watching that, and I didn't finish all the way through it.

The gay and lesbian community has people like Ellen, Elton John, and Barney Frank to name just a few people who are out and proud in the public sphere. I cannot think of anyone besides Chaz Bono who has that kind of presence in public life to put a face to our diverse community. If people don't know who we are they are much more likely to feel comfortable treating us like dirt.

We need to stand up for ourselves and for trans allies to stand up for us too, and together, let people know that this won't be tolerated or swept under the rug.

For those of you reading this who aren't trans identified, will YOU stand with us to fight this hate?

[princessbelle]

It's good you brought attention to this IMO. *We* need to at least hear about these things. I, myself, can't watch this but reading about it is a wake up reminder that all is not well in the world...far from it.

I as many would not stand and watch. It is good to remind ourselves if we ever do get in that situation to act. It is shocking and i'm sure you get stunned a bit. But, knowing it goes on and thinking about situations will give us an edge to do something. I'm not a strong person...but I'd certainly go down fighting if i saw ANYONE being attacked ....especially witnessing something like this.

Thanks for posting.....

[Scorp]

I watched it through. This may make me NO better than those two fuckers who did this to that woman with what I'm about to say. My blood was boiling, I don't give a royal fuck if the person getting beat up was male, female, trans, gay, straight, bi, purple, green, etc.....NO ONE deserves to be treated that way EVER!!!! This pissed me the fuck off so bad that if I had those two fucks in front of me I would have went ballistic on them physically and mentally. I sure the fuck would have smacked the shit out of those two bitches for doing that to a living soul. (and yes, I'm using that "B" word that some may think is inappropriate) If so, then go right ahead and REPORT ME and/or Time Me Out. How dare anyone lay a hand on ANYONE especially in a barbaric way like this. I sure the fuck would have stepped in and done something about it without having to even give it a thought.

And yes, moreso, the fucker recording this with his cell phone should also get penalized for this. Did you see the older woman go over and try to break this up?? Good for her for getting involved. Anyone else who sat by and watched this should be ashamed of themselves. What the fuck is wrong with people????? Nice fuckin' world huh?

This sort of thing just sends me over the edge and I'm beyond pissed off right now.

[Luv]

I wrote an e-mail to McDonalds and attached the video to the e-mail

[Liam]

Violence has become entertainment for many people. Sad, but true.

[wolfbittenpoet]

We are romans laughing at the despair of others without the bread. You've gotta wonder if this is why civilizations fall. When people become so disillusioned or perhaps so desensitized to violence that most people will not step in, humanity falls another step down. It's beyond upsetting. These morons have allowed themselves to dehumanize someone simply because they are different. This may not make sense to some but you have to wonder who really is commiting the worse crime. The morons who tried to kill the poor woman or the punk who filmed it all for a laugh.

[The_Lady_Snow]

Bump.....,

[Jesse]

...and people wonder why I dislike being outed?

[Spork]

I thought, at first, people are warning about this video (here and in the comments on that website), I shouldn't watch it. But, words cannot describe brutality. So, I watched it.

This HAS to be seen.

We cannot cross our arms, and look elsewhere.

Those people are evil. EVIL. Reminds me of the recent thread about knowing psychopaths. These people are all psychopaths.

Laughing and filming her while she was having a seizure, from all the kicks and punches to her head. Seeing that elder woman nearly throwing herself on top of her, to try and protect her. She almost got beaten, too. The manager doing nothing! Half-heartedly telling the women to stop their attacks. Looking at the woman while she was having a seizure, and just walking away.

Watch the video. Do not turn your back on her, like these... non-people did.

[scootebaby]

i dont know whether to cry or be angry or both..this just totally blew my mind. I can not believe all those people just stood around,and that managers behavior was even worse. Everyone of those employees should be fired, AND charged. I tried to figure out how to email the company,but my lack of knowledge on these things prevented me from figuring it out. My heart goes out to this woman!

[DapperButch]

This place is within driving distance for me. If anyone hears of any events to raise awareness at this location please post it up/PM me.

Thanks.

ETA: Article in local paper mentioned in article: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-viral-video-mcdonalds-20110422,0,4613709.story

[DapperButch]

This place is within driving distance for me. If anyone hears of any events to raise awareness at this location please post it up/PM me.

Thanks.

ETA: Article in local paper mentioned in article: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-viral-video-mcdonalds-20110422,0,4613709.story


Additional note: This incident appears to have occured in Baltimore County, MD, not Baltimore, MD.

[AtLast]

I thought, at first, people are warning about this video (here and in the comments on that website), I shouldn't watch it. But, words cannot describe brutality. So, I watched it.

This HAS to be seen.

We cannot cross our arms, and look elsewhere.

Those people are evil. EVIL. Reminds me of the recent thread about knowing psychopaths. These people are all psychopaths.

Laughing and filming her while she was having a seizure, from all the kicks and punches to her head. Seeing that elder woman nearly throwing herself on top of her, to try and protect her. She almost got beaten, too. The manager doing nothing! Half-heartedly telling the women to stop their attacks. Looking at the woman while she was having a seizure, and just walking away.

Watch the video. Do not turn your back on her, like these... non-people did.

No, we cannot remain idle. The video was really difficult to watch, really difficult. It is everywhere- and it does have to stop. For transpeople and everyone else that society can't or won't understand.

Just last week another transwoman was attacked in SF. Freakin' SF!! As a butch, I won't ride rapid transit here in the East Bay alone at night.

Assaults againt transwomen and men and all gender variant people has to be addressed in solidarity among the entire LGBTIQ community- ALL organizations representing us need to join forces and be LOUD with outrage and clear about not taking this!

We live in a society in which this goes on as well as things like the gang rape of a 16 year old girl at her HS prom here in CA as up to 30 other teens watched and did NOTHING!!!

[Luv]

i dont know whether to cry or be angry or both..this just totally blew my mind. I can not believe all those people just stood around,and that managers behavior was even worse. Everyone of those employees should be fired, AND charged. I tried to figure out how to email the company,but my lack of knowledge on these things prevented me from figuring it out. My heart goes out to this woman!

They have an area on their website under social responsibilities that u can send en email to..Id love to see them get thousands of emails.

http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/contact_us/social_responsibility/social_responsibility.html

[Soft*Silver]

My submissive is a CIS male, who has felt he was a woman all of his life. He had barely heard of the term FtM until I came along. He has since enjoyed the plethera of richness of the trans community I have been able to introduce him to and I cannot wait to bring him to some social events locally. While he is considering becoming a FtM, right now he is still using the pronoun he. His name is Chrissy.

Chrissy has engaged in FemDom lifestyles in the heterosexual world, where he as the feminine man is submissive to the dominant female. There is always a twist of humilation to it because the male is feminized. In our Ds, there is no humiliation. He gets to be who he is, a submissive female serving his Dominant Mistress. He is living his life as female, in a lesbian relationship, in a Ds submissive role. He is in his glory. But outside of this world we create, we both know the dangers,..

Chrissy has witnessed brutality like that video. At the moment he has not stated he himself has been subjected to it He is above six foot tall and is built like a bear. His size is intimidating. This does not make it impossible for an attack to happen but people tend to pick on those who are easier targets. That wouldnt stop a group from targeting him, like that group targeted that girl in that McDonalds restaurant.

It made me sick to watch everyone watching. And laughing. And how the attack kept evolving and continuing. And she seized! And no one cared to administer any medical help! They drug her by her hair!

I am not in a romantic relationship with Chrissy but by god I love him. He serves me well and never have I experienced the deepest intimacy with another person as I have with him when we are engaged in our play. What he brings to me and offers to me is such a gift...that I would kill, literally kill someone if they tried to harm a hair upon his head.

this wickedness must stop. this hatred must stop. I have always been an advocate for trans rights. I shall be so even more now...

[girl_dee]

This has not much to do with our interpersonal relationships but everything to do with mankind. I chose not to watch the video after reading the details posted about it. I don't need to see horror to believe it.

This is not exclusive to transgendered folks, unfortunately. ANYone who stands out as different is a target. Sometimes it does not take that much. It breaks my heart that this happens in this day and age to people in our queer community.

Sadly this sort of thing will keep people in the closet.

[EnderD_503]

Thanks for the responses, folks. This truly is horrific, and from what I just read this morning it seems this woman's rights might get trampled on again because the law is not suited to protect her.

The transwoman has not been named at this point, but Equality Maryland has apparently confirmed that yes, she was a 22 year old transgender woman. Two arrests have been made thus far of an 18 year old woman and a 14 year old girl.

And then the story just goes downhill. Apparently recently the state of Maryland refused to pass a bill that would allow trans people to use the appropriate washroom. The attack apparently occurred over the use of the McDonald's bathroom, and the article speculates that the case will be dismissed because she won't be seen a as a woman trying to use the women's washroom, but as a man. If they dismiss this case they're pretty much giving the green light to any asshole to go beat up a trans person and get away with it. There is no excuse for assaulting someone like this.

If this is a case of a 22 year old man entering a bathroom while a 14 year old girl was using it – get ready for a legal showdown. Any sleazeball criminal defense attorney will have enough facts to argue for a dismissal. I am sure the two girls have already been called by attorneys willing to take the case pro bono, trying to make a name. LGBT rights will spend more time on trial during this soon to be circus than the girls will. Still all must agree the assault without a doubt is heinous.

http://www.tmrzoo.com/2011/24106

If a state is not going to allow laws protecting trans people as far as which bathroom they can use, then it at least needs to address the issue of...which fucking bathroom is it safe to use? Make more gender neutral washrooms if you're not going to protect people's basic right to use a washroom. This could have just as well have happened had this woman tried to use the men's bathroom. What is she supposed to do?

Just last week or the week before there was a rally by the SanFran lgbt community over the beating over another transwoman, and I hope this brutality brings people out to speak out against it in the same way. There needs to be a way for the entire community of lgbt folks everywhere to come together against this kind of violence, and put up a fight to end this kind of violence.

And I agree, this is a problem that faces the entire lgbt community and all gender variant people.

[weatherboi]

Ms and i both called McDonalds last night. They have already sent a team of corporate investigators to the location to try and evaluate what happened and to evaluate the needs of the person that was assaulted. They are encouraging people to call the toll free hot line and comment if they feel the need to do so. They do ask for contact information.

1-800-244-6227
7 days a week
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST

[Ms. Tabitha]

Another article:

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/update-mcdonalds-releases-statement-regarding-horrific-beating-video/

also:

McDonald's Employee Took Credit For Filming Brutal Beating In Baltimore Fast Food Joint

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/buster/mcdonalds/mcdonalds-employee-filmed-brutal-beating-640128?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

:praying:

[Mister Bent]

This has not much to do with our interpersonal relationships but everything to do with mankind. I chose not to watch the video after reading the details posted about it. I don't need to see horror to believe it.

This is not exclusive to transgendered folks, unfortunately. ANYone who stands out as different is a target. Sometimes it does not take that much. It breaks my heart that this happens in this day and age to people in our queer community.

Sadly this sort of thing will keep people in the closet.




While I agree that attacks like these may keep some in the closet, it also speaks to the strength of those before us - and today - who won't hide. The only way our civilization will evolve is through necessity, which can only come through the constant and persistent presence of transpeople.

Sometimes it's scary as shit. Some of us will be hurt, some will lose their lives. So when will it end? It won't. Racially motivated crimes are still being perpetuated against people who have been fighting the battle of acceptance and integration longer than transpeople, so why should we think it will end anytime soon?

Once, I was confronted on the subway by two men. The situation became heated, and one of them tried to intimidate me by getting in my space, pushing his chest at me and threatening me. I told him to bring it, because if he was going to threaten to kill me and if he touched me, then he better be sure to kill me, because I was sure enough going to try to kill him. Maybe it was foolish of me, but in that moment, I believed it was all I had and he did back off. There may be a time I won't be that fortunate, but on that day, I was willing to face whatever came as a result of living true to myself. I can't imagine any other way to be.

I understand there are some situations and places too dangerous to be "out," but we won't be accepted if we hide. When we hide, we let those who think we are "wrong" win.

[EnderD_503]

Another article:

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/update-mcdonalds-releases-statement-regarding-horrific-beating-video/

also:

McDonald's Employee Took Credit For Filming Brutal Beating In Baltimore Fast Food Joint

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/buster/mcdonalds/mcdonalds-employee-filmed-brutal-beating-640128?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

:praying:


Wow, that last article especially is really upsetting.

As seen above, in a Facebook posting, Hackett contended that the woman seen getting beaten in the video was actually a man "dressed lik a woman" who got into a confrontation with female patrons when he refused to leave the women’s bathroom at the Baltimore-area eatery. Hackett claimed that the victim faked a seizure and, when cops arrived at the restaurant, “he got right up.”

He wasn't transgendered He Was A Man Dressed Lik A Woman....He Still Had His Male Parts.

And ignorance very obviously came into play here. She wasn't trans because she still had her "male parts" (how does he even know that?)? Really? So transwomen who haven't been able to afford SRS aren't trans now? Geez, ain't that great. I'm glad we have this genius around to tell us who is and isn't trans.

And I think the fact that this was transphobia is pretty blatant in the language used. Throughout the attack the attackers keep calling her "a bitch" and other similar words. Why would they have called her that if they truly thought she was just a "man" trying to get into the women's washroom. I also question whether she would have been attacked so viciously if they truly thought she was a man trying to harrass them in the washroom. She was barely fighting back, and either way you don't continue to beat the crap out of someone who can't even fight back. Whether they admit it or not they attacked her because they knew they could, they knew she was vulnerable and probably because they thought she was a "freak." People probably stood back and watched for the same damn reason.

[girl_dee]

While I agree that attacks like these may keep some in the closet, it also speaks to the strength of those before us - and today - who won't hide. The only way our civilization will evolve is through necessity, which can only come through the constant and persistent presence of transpeople.

Sometimes it's scary as shit. Some of us will be hurt, some will lose their lives. So when will it end? It won't. Racially motivated crimes are still being perpetuated against people who have been fighting the battle of acceptance and integration longer than transpeople, so why should we think it will end anytime soon?

Once, I was confronted on the subway by two men. The situation became heated, and one of them tried to intimidate me by getting in my space, pushing his chest at me and threatening me. I told him to bring it, because if he was going to threaten to kill me and if he touched me, then he better be sure to kill me, because I was sure enough going to try to kill him. Maybe it was foolish of me, but in that moment, I believed it was all I had and he did back off. There may be a time I won't be that fortunate, but on that day, I was willing to face whatever came as a result of living true to myself. I can't imagine any other way to be.

I understand there are some situations and places too dangerous to be "out," but we won't be accepted if we hide. When we hide, we let those who think we are "wrong" win.




I should have finished my thought, which was that if we DO allow this to keep us hidden, (I don't even like using "us" here because I am not TG and have no idea what struggles they have first hand, but I do have empathy in this situation) they keep the power. This video should be enough to cause outrage. It will keep some people hidden, but I hope it doesn't!

I don't believe in giving attention to negative attention (Churches who gay bash, for example) but I believe when it is this extreme it needs to exposed to everyone.

[DapperButch]

If a state is not going to allow laws protecting trans people as far as which bathroom they can use, then it at least needs to address the issue of...which fucking bathroom is it safe to use? Make more gender neutral washrooms if you're not going to protect people's basic right to use a washroom. This could have just as well have happened had this woman tried to use the men's bathroom. What is she supposed to do?

Unfortunately, in Maryland, the answer is "be the male you are and use the men's room And look like a guy if you don't want to get beat up there."

[weatherboi]

http://www.change.org/petitions/demand-that-the-employees-on-duty-at-mcdonalds-be-held-responsible-in-the-beating-of-a-trans-woman

[Dreams]

http://www.change.org/petitions/demand-that-the-employees-on-duty-at-mcdonalds-be-held-responsible-in-the-beating-of-a-trans-woman

please consider signing..

[EnderD_503]

Unfortunately, in Maryland, the answer is "be the male you are and use the men's room And look like a guy if you don't want to get beat up there."

I truly hope this events helps open their eyes. I want to see how this case unfolds, because surely they cannot dimiss this. They surely can't deny that this was an assault inspired by hatred or that something needs to be done to protect trans people.

@weatherboi and Dreams, thanks for linking us to the petition. I've signed it and passed it on. I hope everyone does the same!

[DapperButch]

Unfortunately, in Maryland, the answer is "be the male you are and use the men's room And look like a guy if you don't want to get beat up there."

I truly hope this events helps open their eyes. I want to see how this case unfolds, because surely they cannot dimiss this. They surely can't deny that this was an assault inspired by hatred or that something needs to be done to protect trans people.

@weatherboi and Dreams, thanks for linking us to the petition. I've signed it and passed it on. I hope everyone does the same!


That would certainly be fantastic, Ender, but I don't hold out much hope.

This just happened in February in Baltimore:

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/blog/2011/02/transgender_victim_struggled_f.html

[Soft*Silver]

My apologies...I used the wrong term. My sub is considering MtF, not FtM...jeezh you would think I would not mix this up...

[EnderD_503]

That would certainly be fantastic, Ender, but I don't hold out much hope.

This just happened in February in Baltimore:

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/blog/2011/02/transgender_victim_struggled_f.html

Thanks for sharing the article, Dapper. This happens far too often. One thing that I hoped would spark change in this case is that it was caught on tape and happened in front of a number of witnesses who did nothing. I don't know why I thought that would make a difference, but I thought if they could actually see the brutality many transwomen face for themselves they would finally understand how badly transfolks need legal protection.

One thing I noticed with the article about Tyra as well as Crissy (and in articles on other transwomen who have been beaten or murdered) is that the reporters always see fit to include criminal records that include prostitution as well as charges related to poverty and prostitution. Why is this relevant to their deaths? Are the reporters implying that it is relevant? The sad reality for many transwomen is that their circumstances force them into sex work that often puts them in situations where they might suffer even more abuse. Those writing about their abuse and/or murder should take that into consideration when they start revealing these things to the public.

[WingsOnFire]

I had to find the strength to watch this video. There is strength in numbers and by not watching it and not responding I am part of the silence. I cant be that. So I watched it. And I emailed McDonalds. Here was my comments.


"I am shocked and saddened by the horror that was inflicted on the woman in Baltimore County MD. There is no excuse for the inability for the employees to act quickly to protect this woman. It doesn't matter what your employees thought of a trans-gendered person. She was a human being! I cant imagine someone watching an animal be treated this way let alone a human being.

I am appalled that your employees. Yes, YOUR employees were cruel enough to laugh and record her torture. To the point that she went into a seizure and they still laughed at her. This is 2011 not 1960. I really hope that McDonald's does the right thing and fires each of the employees that were there that night that did nothing to help. It is a shame that they had to have an elderly patron come to her defense instead of your own employees.

I visit McDonald's every day, sometimes twice a day. I will be hard put to visit again if the right thing is not done in this case. This human being deserved to be treated better, deserved to be protected in a place that also has the sign of "Safe House" on their walls. This person was not safe. Your employees were just as guilty as the patrons who beat her.

Oh, by the way, this patron who spends at least $150 - $200 A month at your establishments is engaged to a trans male. So yes I am appalled."

[BullDog]

Wow, that last article especially is really upsetting.





And ignorance very obviously came into play here. She wasn't trans because she still had her "male parts" (how does he even know that?)? Really? So transwomen who haven't been able to afford SRS aren't trans now? Geez, ain't that great. I'm glad we have this genius around to tell us who is and isn't trans.

And I think the fact that this was transphobia is pretty blatant in the language used. Throughout the attack the attackers keep calling her "a bitch" and other similar words. Why would they have called her that if they truly thought she was just a "man" trying to get into the women's washroom. I also question whether she would have been attacked so viciously if they truly thought she was a man trying to harrass them in the washroom. She was barely fighting back, and either way you don't continue to beat the crap out of someone who can't even fight back. Whether they admit it or not they attacked her because they knew they could, they knew she was vulnerable and probably because they thought she was a "freak." People probably stood back and watched for the same damn reason.

Calling her a bitch, etc- it is misogyny and sexism in addition to transphobia. Every time I hear about a transwoman (and almost always transmen as well) being denigrated it is full of not only transphobic language but language that denigrates women as well. Transwomen are denied being seen as women or taken seriously as women, but at the same time subjected to the worst sexism and misogyny imaginable.

[AtLast]

Thanks for sharing the article, Dapper. This happens far too often. One thing that I hoped would spark change in this case is that it was caught on tape and happened in front of a number of witnesses who did nothing. I don't know why I thought that would make a difference, but I thought if they could actually see the brutality many transwomen face for themselves they would finally understand how badly transfolks need legal protection.

One thing I noticed with the article about Tyra as well as Crissy (and in articles on other transwomen who have been beaten or murdered) is that the reporters always see fit to include criminal records that include prostitution as well as charges related to poverty and prostitution. Why is this relevant to their deaths? Are the reporters implying that it is relevant? The sad reality for many transwomen is that their circumstances force them into sex work that often puts them in situations where they might suffer even more abuse. Those writing about their abuse and/or murder should take that into consideration when they start revealing these things to the public.

This has been the case for women in general forever. Transwomen are certainly among the highest populations to be assaulted and killed within gender variant groups, yet, so much comes down to misogyny.

I am also thinking about transmen that have been assaulted because they arn't real men.

As the season of many Pride events is upon us, I hope there is more awareness of these kinds of hate crimes promoted. We all need to make a lot more noise about these crimes.

[Daywalker]

I know there is a thread already for remembering trans people lost to violence, but I really thought this deserved its own thread. Trans people are still systematically discriminated against, beaten, harrassed and killed and it seems all some people can do is sit back and laugh or act like trans people are overreacting.

The below link is to a video of a transwoman being brutally beaten by a group of women at a McDonald's in Baltimore. The video is really disturbing and I had trouble watching it all the way through, so consider yourself warned.

What's so horrible is that only the McDonald's manager and an elderly woman tried to stop the group of women from beating this transwoman. Other employees stood back and watched, laughing while filming the scene on their cellphones. What the fuck kind of idiot does that? A person is being assaulted in front of you by a group of people and you sit back and laugh, trying to catch it on film? They're lying there bleeding and you do nothing? When is this shit going to stop?

http://www.bilerico.com/2011/04/transwoman_severely_beaten_at_baltimore_mcdonalds. php


This is disgusting on so many levels it needs a spread sheet.
(w)
It is devasting to me that 911 was not the first thing on anyone's mind.

:help:



It is the deliberate intentions behind every kick she received that ultimately
scars the longest, those kind of bruises will break you from the inside out.

(w)
The bravery of the woman, who could be anyones gramma...stepping in
and risking her life...to me is a failing statistic across the World.

:|

Makes me wonder why...about a lot of things.

:sadangel:
I don't have the answer to changing the mentality nor teachings that go
on generation after generation, but I try to keep a groovy dream that the
more we all teach and do the right thing, the better things have
a chance to be for every Human Being.
:reader:

:daywalker:

[EnderD_503]

A lot of ridiculous shit is being said in the media now. The article below is picking up on a trend in some media sources and blogs talking about this being a "racially motivated" hate crime. I am literally fuming right now and here is why (and posted this in the comments in site below as well):

a) calling this anything else than transphobia and even neglecting to call it transphobia (ie. "racially motivated") seems like they are covering up the severity and brutal reality of transphobia. b) it attempts to pit marginalized group against marginalized group instead of looking at it as cisgender women (or in other cases, cis people in general) assaulting a trans person solely because they are trans.

When is mainstream society going to take a good hard look at transphobia? It doesn't help that half of them don't even know what being transgender means. Homophobia is a term recognised in the mainstream, and I wish transphobia carried the same status as far as awareness of existence. The lack of awareness renders many transfolks invisible in these cases.

http://www.bilerico.com/2011/04/mcdonalds_beating_updates_victim_identified_camera .php

But I am heartened by the fact that the petition going around has jumped from 4000 to 10,000 signatures in a matter of hours. When I read the comments on the petition I am both heartened and made aware of how much work there is to be done in educating people. I'm glad that many are appalled by the violence this transwoman faced at the hands of those two girls. But many seem to think transwoman = gay man in stereotypical female clothing. That needs to change. Their heart seems to be in the right place though.

Also, the "cameraman" has been fired, which I'm happy to hear. I think he should face charges, though, considering he was egging the girls on, telling them to leave before the police came and generally acting like this woman deserved to be assaulted.

[EnderD_503]

(w)
The bravery of the woman, who could be anyones gramma...stepping in
and risking her life...to me is a failing statistic across the World.


I agree, this woman was very brave for stepping in the way she did. I read that apparently she was also punched in the face as well when she first tried to step in. Authorities noticed that she had a lot of redness around one eye congruent with being struck. It's sad that someone who tries to defend another person in trouble is assaulted for wanting to defend them. This whole story is so wrong on so many levels.

[Daywalker]

A lot of ridiculous shit is being said in the media now. The article below is picking up on a trend in some media sources and blogs talking about this being a "racially motivated" hate crime. I am literally fuming right now and here is why (and posted this in the comments in site below as well):

a) calling this anything else than transphobia and even neglecting to call it transphobia (ie. "racially motivated") seems like they are covering up the severity and brutal reality of transphobia. b) it attempts to pit marginalized group against marginalized group instead of looking at it as cisgender women (or in other cases, cis people in general) assaulting a trans person solely because they are trans.

When is mainstream society going to take a good hard look at transphobia? It doesn't help that half of them don't even know what being transgender means. Homophobia is a term recognised in the mainstream, and I wish transphobia carried the same status as far as awareness of existence. The lack of awareness renders many transfolks invisible in these cases.

http://www.bilerico.com/2011/04/mcdonalds_beating_updates_victim_identified_camera .php

But I am heartened by the fact that the petition going around has jumped from 4000 to 10,000 signatures in a matter of hours. When I read the comments on the petition I am both heartened and made aware of how much work there is to be done in educating people. I'm glad that many are appalled by the violence this transwoman faced at the hands of those two girls. But many seem to think transwoman = gay man in stereotypical female clothing. That needs to change. Their heart seems to be in the right place though.

Also, the "cameraman" has been fired, which I'm happy to hear. I think he should face charges, though, considering he was egging the girls on, telling them to leave before the police came and generally acting like this woman deserved to be assaulted.

And I don't want to simplify this in the least ~ but my thought is, if I was
looking for racially motivated in this crime, it would quickly occur to me
that the woman who stepped in did not share the same race as the
attackers ~ which seems to me, she too would have sustained
an attack as well, especially since she was the
only one who had the lions heart to
roar back in the whole place.

:candle:

:daywalker:

[EnderD_503]

The victim has commented on the attack and says she's been frightened to leave her home since it happened:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-mcdonalds-beating-20110423,0,3336656.story

"My record's got nothing to do with what happened in McDonald's," she said. "Anyone in my predicament should not be afraid to walk the streets. They should not have to go into a restaurant and get gawked at and made fun of. They shouldn't be afraid to leave the house. It's just wrong."

and then they go and write this:

Polis, who has a criminal record that includes charges of prostitution and property destruction, said she plans to take legal action against the restaurant.

The first part of this sentence has nothing to do with the last. What does having a record have to do with planning to take legal action on someone who assaults you?

@Daywalker, I agree with you. Also, if it was racially motivated I doubt the events would have transpired over the use of a public washroom. If she had simply been a white ciswoman I don't think they would have started randomly assaulting her for being in a public washroom.

[Soon]

The victim has commented on the attack and says she's been frightened to leave her home since it happened:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-mcdonalds-beating-20110423,0,3336656.story



and then they go and write this:



The first part of this sentence has nothing to do with the last. What does having a record have to do with planning to take legal action on someone who assaults you?

@Daywalker, I agree with you. Also, if it was racially motivated I doubt the events would have transpired over the use of a public washroom. If she had simply been a white ciswoman I don't think they would have started randomly assaulting her for being in a public washroom.


It also reads:

It's not the first time, Polis said, that she's been picked on — physically — because of her sexual preferences. She said she's been subjected to beatings and even sexual assaults.

[DapperButch]

A lot of ridiculous shit is being said in the media now. The article below is picking up on a trend in some media sources and blogs talking about this being a "racially motivated" hate crime. I am literally fuming right now and here is why (and posted this in the comments in site below as well):

a) calling this anything else than transphobia and even neglecting to call it transphobia (ie. "racially motivated") seems like they are covering up the severity and brutal reality of transphobia. b) it attempts to pit marginalized group against marginalized group instead of looking at it as cisgender women (or in other cases, cis people in general) assaulting a trans person solely because they are trans.

When is mainstream society going to take a good hard look at transphobia? It doesn't help that half of them don't even know what being transgender means. Homophobia is a term recognised in the mainstream, and I wish transphobia carried the same status as far as awareness of existence. The lack of awareness renders many transfolks invisible in these cases.

http://www.bilerico.com/2011/04/mcdonalds_beating_updates_victim_identified_camera .php

*SNIP*

Ender, I appreciate you posting updates as they came in.

I noticed in the first article the police said they would "upgrade" (my quotes), it to a hate crime if they found it to be racially motivated. It was said right on the heels of Equality Maryland speaking out (about her being trans...which DOESN'T relate...I remember thinking it strange that they put it in the same paragraph as Equality MD's statement).

In the State of MD hate crimes do not include gender identity. It does include race.

If upgraded to a hate crime the penalities are more severe. I would wonder that if it is upgraded, what is the police's motivation/reason for doing so?

1) because they want the suspects to get a stiffer sentence b/c they care about transpeople?

2) because the people in charge of making that decision are of a different race than African-American and are fueled by there own racism?

3) because it makes the police/state look good to apply the hate crime law?

4) because the police force/state gets something material out of calling it a hate crime (government money, other "bonuses"?)?

Don't know, but I doubt it is number one...

[Daywalker]

It also reads:

It's not the first time, Polis said, that she's been picked on — physically — because of her sexual preferences. She said she's been subjected to beatings and even sexual assaults.

Who ever is behind that typerwriter need to give up their chair.
Her being Trans is not an indicator of her Sexual Preferences.

:coffee:

:daywalker:

[AtLast]

All state hate crime laws need to include gender identity! This is a key issue in the fight for the civil rights of transgendered people in the USA. And we continue to try and get ENDA passed.....

Sometimes I just want to scream!

Oh, and Day, yes, this "reporter" really needs to do some homework about this subject matter. Yet, my guess is that the majority of the general public is as gender-ignorant as this writer which is very much related to why this happened and does everywhere.

[DamonK]

I...just watched this video.

I don't really have any words. When I was a kid, it was a safe place to go. Even now, MBE and I will go there and hang out on our laptops.

I'm used to having to watch my back. I am soooo used to that.

But, this was the one place I could go and let my guard down just a little bit.

Now I never want to go back.

[dykeumentary]

This story also happened this week:

Police: Father kills 2 over daughter's girlfriend
© 2011 The Associated Press
April 20, 2011, 4:42PM


AUSTIN, Texas — A man upset over his high school-age daughter's lesbian relationship fatally shot her 24-year-old girlfriend and the girlfriend's mother, Austin police said Wednesday.
Jose Alfonso Aviles, 45, has been charged with capital murder. Police say Aviles shot to death Norma Hurtado, 24, and her mother, 57-year-old Maria Hurtado, on Monday night after knocking on their door.
Aviles was arrested early Tuesday morning in a wooded area in nearby Bexar County. He was expected to be transferred to the Travis County jail Wednesday, Austin police Sgt. Hector Reveles told The Associated Press. Reveles said he had no information on an attorney.
The Austin American-Statesman reported that police and court documents said Aviles' daughter was in the home at the time and found the two after the shooting, which police say came after a months-long feud between the families.
The daughter's "family was quite upset over this relationship," Austin police Lt. Gena Curtis told the newspaper. "This had been an ongoing dispute between these families and it turned tragic, into a horrific act of violence with the death of two individuals."
The daughter told police that she and Norma Hurtado had been involved in a lesbian relationship and that her father didn't approve.
The affidavit said a witness told police that the daughter's parents would send threatening text messages to Norma Hurtado. In one message, Aviles threatened to kill Hurtado and her mother, the document said.
Friends of the daughter said she had turned 18 last month. Reveles would not reveal the daughter's age, citing the investigation.
The Travis County district attorney's office has not determined whether the case will be classified as a hate crime.
"It is something we will have to take a look at after the investigation is more complete," said Jackie Wood, an assistant district attorney and a member of the office's hate crime task force.
Police also said they are looking for a second unidentified man who witnesses said fled the scene with Aviles in a green sport utility vehicle.
___
Information from: Austin American-Statesman, http://www.statesman.com

[Heart]

This crime victim will now be subjected to the routine victim-blaming so common in the media: She has a record, she was intoxicated, she's not a "perfect victim," she brought it on herself...etc. This shifting of accountability away from the perpetrators and onto the victim continues in the criminal justice system. This is one of the primary reasons crime victims do not speak out, and do not want charges filed.

[EnderD_503]

All state hate crime laws need to include gender identity! This is a key issue in the fight for the civil rights of transgendered people in the USA. And we continue to try and get ENDA passed.....

Sometimes I just want to scream!

Oh, and Day, yes, this "reporter" really needs to do some homework about this subject matter. Yet, my guess is that the majority of the general public is as gender-ignorant as this writer which is very much related to why this happened and does everywhere.

I agree, hate crime laws do need to include gender identity and expression. In some ways I feel like "gender identity and expression" downplays the issue when it comes to transfolks, but I also recognise that it's hard to develop the language for it that includes all gender variant people. It also makes it easier for the general public to understand, I think. Anyways, all that to say that I agree...right now a new article I was reading had this quote from an investigator:

"Generally when it comes to cases that involve racial, religious, ethnic or sexual orientation from an investigative standpoint, we approach the case from the perspective of the victim," he said.

But none of these things cover her... It's also been reported that she has had SRS and I'm assuming that she's now "legally female" since the reporters have been so courteous as to not plaster her birth name in every single article like they do with many other transwomen (though they did mention it in first articles...why it's relevant I don't know). Her sexual orientation hasn't been revealed anywhere...one of her attackers apparently also started accusing her of "talking to her man" and spat in her face. Of course, that obviously clashes with them shouting "that's a dude, that's a dude and he's in the female washroom." So on the one hand the supposed worry is "she's talking to my man," and the other is this is "a dude in the female washroom"...there is no clear pattern of how they perceived her sexual orientation, but only that her sex/gender did not appear "normal" to them. They need to include gender/sex variant people in hate crime laws. Otherwise there will never be adequate protection for trans people and it's always going to be like this...a hate crime against a trans person occurs and they scramble to call it something that it isn't, or they just claim it's a "random" assault that has nothing to do with who they are.

This crime victim will now be subjected to the routine victim-blaming so common in the media: She has a record, she was intoxicated, she's not a "perfect victim," she brought it on herself...etc. This shifting of accountability away from the perpetrators and onto the victim continues in the criminal justice system. This is one of the primary reasons crime victims do not speak out, and do not want charges filed.

Yeah, just read that new update saying she was intoxicated, and of course they must mention in every article that she was a sex-worker. Have the police claimed that this is relevant to the assault on her at all? Not that I've read, so it just seems like the media want to make sure we know she isn't as "innocent" as she seems. If it hadn't been caught on tape, I wonder how people would spin it to further question whether she was truly a victim. She was "lucky" in that sense, the video footage speaks volumes even though it was taken by an idiot who didn't care to help her.

Also, media like Fox are apparently continuing to put a racial spin on this. It's so angering, because it's obvious these people couldn't care less about a transwoman being beaten and are just using her pain to further their own racism. The horrific actions of her attackers had nothing to do with their race or her race.

[Diva]

I watched in horror as Crissy was attacked ~ over and over again ~ and can only imagine what might have happened to her had those maniacs successfully drug her out of the building.

Bless that woman's heart who stepped in and tried to help.

I'm not sure what kind of mentality ~ or lack thereof ~ allows a person to think it is OK to attack a person as they did. I just cannot wrap my brain around it.

I hope they get the maximum punishment.

[DapperButch]

They need to include gender/sex variant people in hate crime laws. Otherwise there will never be adequate protection for trans people and it's always going to be like this...a hate crime against a trans person occurs and they scramble to call it something that it isn't, or they just claim it's a "random" assault that has nothing to do with who they are.

I'm guessing we will get gender identity included in hate crimes in about 2-3 years.

Also, media like Fox are apparently continuing to put a racial spin on this. It's so angering, because it's obvious these people couldn't care less about a transwoman being beaten and are just using her pain to further their own racism. The horrific actions of her attackers had nothing to do with their race or her race.

I agree that it was not racially motivated.

-----------

[AtLast]

This crime victim will now be subjected to the routine victim-blaming so common in the media: She has a record, she was intoxicated, she's not a "perfect victim," she brought it on herself...etc. This shifting of accountability away from the perpetrators and onto the victim continues in the criminal justice system. This is one of the primary reasons crime victims do not speak out, and do not want charges filed.

Exactly! Think of how many victims are scrutinized by the defense at trial. They are re-victimized.

[AtLast]

This story also happened this week:

Police: Father kills 2 over daughter's girlfriend
© 2011 The Associated Press
April 20, 2011, 4:42PM


AUSTIN, Texas — A man upset over his high school-age daughter's lesbian relationship fatally shot her 24-year-old girlfriend and the girlfriend's mother, Austin police said Wednesday.
Jose Alfonso Aviles, 45, has been charged with capital murder. Police say Aviles shot to death Norma Hurtado, 24, and her mother, 57-year-old Maria Hurtado, on Monday night after knocking on their door.
Aviles was arrested early Tuesday morning in a wooded area in nearby Bexar County. He was expected to be transferred to the Travis County jail Wednesday, Austin police Sgt. Hector Reveles told The Associated Press. Reveles said he had no information on an attorney.
The Austin American-Statesman reported that police and court documents said Aviles' daughter was in the home at the time and found the two after the shooting, which police say came after a months-long feud between the families.
The daughter's "family was quite upset over this relationship," Austin police Lt. Gena Curtis told the newspaper. "This had been an ongoing dispute between these families and it turned tragic, into a horrific act of violence with the death of two individuals."
The daughter told police that she and Norma Hurtado had been involved in a lesbian relationship and that her father didn't approve.
The affidavit said a witness told police that the daughter's parents would send threatening text messages to Norma Hurtado. In one message, Aviles threatened to kill Hurtado and her mother, the document said.
Friends of the daughter said she had turned 18 last month. Reveles would not reveal the daughter's age, citing the investigation.
The Travis County district attorney's office has not determined whether the case will be classified as a hate crime.
"It is something we will have to take a look at after the investigation is more complete," said Jackie Wood, an assistant district attorney and a member of the office's hate crime task force.
Police also said they are looking for a second unidentified man who witnesses said fled the scene with Aviles in a green sport utility vehicle.
___
Information from: Austin American-Statesman, http://www.statesman.com

Every identity within the LGBTI-Q community/population is at risk for violence and for me, is the main reason I try support us all. I feel such a need for us to break-down obstacles within our diverse sub-communities under the Queer umbrella (every single one of them), communicate, organize, share resources, build political coalitions and fight this violence.

As Pride events are nearing here in the SF Bay Area, I continue to feel sadness with the separations that exist between the L-B-G and T-I-Q comunities. it is better than it used to be, but, we have a long way to go.

I really struggle with having 3 different "parades"- one for Gays, another for Dykes and one for Trans. On one hand, I understand this dynamic and individual celebration aspect, on the hand, I feel like it impedes really raising consciousness and money to fight these fights.

[EnderD_503]

There was a rally yesterday to speak out against violence in light of what happened last week in Baltimore:

More than 300 spectators gathered and sang “We Shall Overcome” yesterday in a rally to draw attention to violence against transgender individuals after the violent attack on Chrissy Polis, a transgender woman violently attacked in a McDonald’s bathroom in Rosedale, Md.

The rally, which brought out politicians, community leaders, and supporters, called for an end to violence and was “surprisingly upbeat and jubilant,” according to The Washington Blade.

“The turnout tonight is wonderful, I’m so happy,” Renee Carr, Polis’ mother, told The Blade. “I didn’t think that McDonald’s was a dangerous place, all she wanted to do was eat and use the bathroom,” Carr continued referring to the April 18 attack.

According to a police report, the incident began when the two female attackers—one 14 years old and the other 18 years old—became upset after seeing Polis enter the women’s restroom.

The attack, recorded in a three-minute video by a McDonald’s employee, went viral over the past week with more than 500,000 people having watched it on one site. Since then, the video has been removed from YouTube and the McDonald’s employee has been fired by the franchisee.

“This is truly an LGBT moment,” Mary Washington, a lesbian member of Maryland’s House of Delegates from Baltimore City, said. “Our allies are here as well. I see this moment lasting and we will resume the fight to pass HB 235.”

The Gender Identity Non-Discrimination Act, or HB 235, failed in the Maryland legislature earlier this year after not garnering the needed support from lawmakers.


http://glaadblog.org/2011/04/26/lgbt-community-sends-powerful-message-against-violence-we-shall-overcome/?utm_source=feedburner

[Luv]

Hello *****:



Thank you for sharing your comments with McDonald's and for giving us an opportunity to share some information with you.

There's no room for violence under the Golden Arches. We strongly condemn the videotaped assault in one of our Baltimore franchised restaurants. Working with the authorities, we now have more facts, and we want to share our actions with you.

First and foremost, our thoughts are with the victim during this time.

Our franchisee is investigating the behavior and response of his employees. Action has been taken, and the crew member who made the video is no longer employed by his organization. Appropriate action regarding other employees will take place as warranted.

We want to reassure our customers that your neighborhood McDonald's is a safe, welcoming place for everyone. We share our customers' concern, and we are doing everything possible to make sure the right thing is done.

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact McDonald's.



Jessica
McDonald's Customer Response Center

[greeneyedgrrl]

[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]McDonald's Employee Took Credit For Filming Brutal Beating In Baltimore Fast Food Joint

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/buster/mcdonalds/mcdonalds-employee-filmed-brutal-beating-640128?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

:praying:
[/LEFT]

i read this article, and i'm wondering... wtf the victim's "rap sheet" has anything to do with anything? and bringing up her birth name?

[greeneyedgrrl]

I really struggle with having 3 different "parades"- one for Gays, another for Dykes and one for Trans. On one hand, I understand this dynamic and individual celebration aspect, on the hand, I feel like it impedes really raising consciousness and money to fight these fights.

you should come down to so. bay today :) ...we're having our dyke/trans march (hopefully since it's raining). we do it in conjunction with our larger pride celeb (tomorrow). we got crap from sf for doing it as a collab, which i don't understand..especially since we have a small community here and many of the trans people are also part of the lesbian community. i don't get the separation either..way i see it, we're all in it together.