1/26/10

Myra Ical Another Unrecorded Transgender Murder

The Brutal beating death of Myra Chanel Ical illustrates the absolute necessity of a Texas Hate Crimes Bill making the recording transgender hate crime murders a mandate for local and state police.



Until then only the community will recognize Myra as one more murdered Transgender person.

Please note. The last speaker said Myra's choice to "live a lifestyle" put her in jeopardy.
I strongly object to that persons statement.
Transgender people do not choice to "Live a life style" as gay and lesbian people do not live a life style choice.

Secondly the speaker may have been making a assumption that Myra was murdered because she was involved in illegal activities such as prostitution of drugs. That is a ASSumption.

Thirdly, speaking from my own life experiences I will testify that the homelessness and discrimination are the LEADING cause of transgender murders because it is those conditions that force transgender people to the street.

Source YouTube:

HOUSTON, TX A public memorial and candlelight vigil will be held on Monday, January 25 at 6 pm to honor Myra Ical, whose body was found last Monday in the 4300 block of Garrott St near Richmond Avenue.

The memorial will include two moments of silence, one for Ms. Ical and another for the 6 transgender Houstonians who have been murdered since 1999 whose crimes remain unsolved, as well as a moment of noise-making to recognize that it is silence that allows the perpetrators of crime to go unpunished.

The time for silence has ended said Cristan Williams, executive director of the Transgender Foundation of America. Myras body was discovered at 2 in the afternoon at a busy intersection. Somebody saw something or knows something about this crime. We want to encourage people to make noise about the violence that is inflicted on our community.

The press release sent by the Houston Police Department identifying the victim used male pronouns to refer to Ms. Ical, whose legal name was Ruben Dario Ical, raising protests from transgender advocates.

The local media took their cue from HPD, consistently referring to Myra as he which is disrespectful of her memory said Ms. Williams. Every media style book in the country, including the Associated Press, is clear that transgender people should be referred to using pronouns that reflect their gender identity. I am thankful that HPD is working hard to solve this crime, but they have a duty to communicate with the public in a way that respects the victim.

Houston Police have no leads in the case. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Transgender Foundation of America at 713-520-8586.

The Memorial will be held at the site where Ms. Icals body was found, at the vacant lot at 4300 Garrott. Attendees are encouraged to bring noisemakers. Candles will be provided.

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