When Is It Going to Stop?

[Mister Bent]

Originally Posted by sassy_girl

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.