9/15/13

Murder of LA Transwoman, Melony Smith, misgendered and disrespected almost went unnoticed

The mainstream media reported Ms Smith's murder using her birth name, further obscuring her identity by misgendering her. Thanks to Lexi Cannes her death will not go unnoticed.
 TransPride LA has verified a way to help with the final expenses of this young immigrant, but only a couple days remain before she is laid to rest.

The following article is one of only a few mentioning her death and a prime example of why we almost didn't know about her authentic gender.
**Trigger warning:
Source The San Gabriel Valley Tribune: BALDWIN PARK - A suspect has been identified in the beating death of a 26-year-old Baldwin Park man found dead inside a motel room earlier this week, officials said.

Stephen Gonzales, 28, of West Covina, was behind bars Thursday after being arrested by deputies from the sheriff’s Industry Station Wednesday on suspicion of drug possession, Lt. David Coleman of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau said. He was expected to be charged with the murder of Vanhxay Inthichack (Melony Smith) this week or early next week.

Inthichack’s body was discovered about 1:30 p.m. Monday inside a motel room he had rented in the 13900 block of Francisquito Avenue, investigators said.

Though it was not immediately clear how he died, an autopsy determined he had been beaten to death and the case was ultimately ruled a homicide, coroner’s officials said.

A motive in the alleged slaying was not clear, nor was the relationship between Inthichack and Gonzales.

Detectives identified Gonzales as a suspect through cell phone information and surveillance footage near the crime scene.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.



Trans Pride L.A. · 1,323 like this
12 hours ago · 
Donations need to be made by the 18th. Donate at GiveForward. We need to take care of our own, but sadly I could not afford the lowest level of donations the fundraiser offered. I emailed the fundraisers author and asked her to lower the donation levels.

I have reached out to Brian Day the author of  The San Gabriel Valley Tribune's post which made no mention of her status via twitter, facebook and comments. I hope Mr Day will edit his article to at least make a mention of her transgender status



You can comment on the sgvTribune's facebook posting of their article here.


R.I.P Melony Smith dear sister.


9/14/13

Ashanti Mcalister gets life for murder of Trans Rapper Evon (YungLT) Young

One of the five men arrested for the murder of  Milwaukee rap artist Evon Young was sentenced to life in prison on September 13th.

Wisconsin Gazette: A jury found 19-year-old Ashanti Mcalister guilty on June 27 of first-degree intentional homicide in the death of 22-year-old Evon Young, a transgender rapper who also was known as Yung LT. 


On Sept. 12, Mcalister was sentenced to life in prison.

Young disappeared New Year’s Day. Police say that Mcalister and four others were involved in Young’s death and then disposed of his body in a trash bin. 



According to testimony, Mcalister shot Young’s body three times after Young had been suffocated and strangled in the basement of his home. 


Mcalister could request parole in 53 years.

Two others arrested in connection with Young’s death entered into plea agreements, which require them to testify against the other defendants. Their sentencing will take place next month.

A fourth man, Ron Allen, will go on trial in October.
And a fifth man, Young’s roommate, Billy Griffin, will have a retrial in November after a jury could not reach a verdict in the first trial


Texas Attorney General wants to sue San Antonio over new LGBT ordinance thats even more respectful of the 1st amendment

Abbott won't come out and say he hates thy gays but he will make it legal for others to, if he can.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and two leading Republican candidates to succeed him say they want to sue the city of San Antonio over its vote last week to add sexual orientation and identity to an anti-discrimination ordinance that already included race, religion and nationality. But Rick Casey says language changes in the new rules actually respect the First Amendment more than the old ordinance.






My San Antionio reports Abbott doesn't bash gays in his warning. He's just worried about language in the ordinance that he thinks will punish those who do bash gays. But such language was in the previous anti-discrimination ordinance for years.

“No person shall be appointed to a (city) position if the City Council finds that such person has, prior to such proposed appointment, engaged in discrimination or demonstrated a bias, by word or deed, against any person, group or organization on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or handicap,” the language said.

This is very disturbing language. Under it, any Christian who said she thought Jews were going to hell might be barred from office. But it didn't seem to disturb anyone until Councilman Diego Bernal sought to add gays and transgendered persons to the list. Bernal, himself a civil rights lawyer, took out that language early in the drafting process. It is no longer in the ordinance.

A surviving section, however, does include similar language. It says, “No appointed official or member of a board or commission shall engage in discrimination or demonstrate a bias, by word or deed, against any person, group of persons, or organization (based on race, color, sexual orientation, etc.) while acting in their official capacity while in such public position.”

A board member or other official who violates this section can be removed by City Council.

This is the section Attorney General Abbott has focused on. “I believe that violates the First Amendment — both freedom of speech and freedom of religion,” he said.



Nikki Araguz firefighters widow denied survivor benefits, now denied a Texas marriage license

HOUSTON (KHOU) -- The transgender widow of a Wharton County firefighter, whom a judge ruled was not entitled to her late husband’s death benefits because she was born a man, is challenging Texas law once more by attempting to get married again.

Nikki Araguz, 38, was the transgender wife of Wharton firefighter Thomas Araguz. He died fighting a blaze at a Wharton County farm in 2010. His family, when they found out Nikki Araguz was born a male named Justin Purdue, challenged her rights to the benefits. They argued that the marriage should be declared null and void because the Texas Constitution effectively bans same sex marriages. A judge agreed that although Araguz had her original California birth certificate amended to show that she is now female, that Texas law goes by the original birth certificate that shows Araguz/Purdue was born male.

"This is an acceptable form of identification according to your 2009 family code but you're denying me one,” Araguz said.
"Denying it per the constitutional amendment,” Stanart said.

KHOU 11 News Legal expert Professor Gerald Treece of the South Texas College of Law says Araguz is following the same argument she already lost in court. Texas law, as was the ruling in Araguz’ original case, goes by the original birth certificate, not an amended one. Araguz’ original birth certificate shows she was born a male. Under current Texas law she would always be considered a male. Therefore the Harris County Clerk denied Araguz a marriage license based on the interpretation she was marrying another man.

The three words keeping Nikki from getting a marriage license and the Achilles heel for all of us transsexual Texans "Original Birth Certificate".

A traditional family's three year olds transition from Manuel to Manuela

At age one Manuel wanted a pink stroller. Patricia and Eduardo figured what's the harm and bought him one, but it became the only toy he would play with. His mother worried perhaps he identified too much with her so she took the stroller away and had his father become more involved him hoping this would masculine his behaviour.

But Manuel still only wanted to play with his Barbies. Patricia was devastated even admitting she felt humiliated. This is the critical juncture all trans people experience when we are embraced or estranged by our families.

Patricia and Eduardo decided to learn more and went to the Yes Institute in Miami were they learned some children are just born that way. They started calling her Manuela and let her embrace her femininity at age four.

WSVN-TV - 7NEWS Miam Ft. Lauderdale News, Weather, Deco

This is a great article by Lynn Martinezand can be read at VSVN 7News Miami Florida.

YES Institute:
YES.Institute on facebook and on twitter @YES_Institute.


9/13/13

North Carolina Transgender College student considering quitting due to death threats

Vishon Murphy a transgender student at Edgecombe Community College told WNCN that constant harassment, bullying and death threats have forced her to consider dropping out of school.

She said people have spit at her, thrown objects at her and have even made her run in fear for her safety. According to the colleges student handbook Ms Murphy has the right to a prompt investigation of the complaints she has made but she says that isn't happening.



Transgender people are being murdered st a rate of 50% higher than gays and lesbians even though we make up only 3% of the worlds population. And as a blogger I will attest black transgender woman make up the highest percentage of those murdered. We should be very curious to know why this institution of higher learning is allowing this murderous condition to continue on its campus.

Edgecombe Community College on facebook and on twitter @EdgecombeCC

Update: Edgecombe responds-



The facebook post on Edgecombe Community College facebook wall and the response:

Like ·  ·  · 13 hours ago near Fort Worth
  • Judithe Frances likes this.
  • Judithe Frances Why is she getting death threats? What exactly is the Administration doing, to correct this?
  • Edgecombe Community College Edgecombe Community College does not tolerate harassment of any nature toward a student or any other member of the college community.

    The Student Code of Conduct in the Edgecombe Community College 2013-2014 Student Handbook clearly defines harassment 
    and its consequences. Any student found to have committed or to have attempted to commit misconduct including “verbal, physical, or psychological abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, and/or other conduct, including but not limited to stalking or bullying, in person or by electronic means, which threatens bodily harm to self or another person or persons in the College community or endangers the health or safety of any person,” is subject to disciplinary sanctions, which may include suspension or expulsion.

    In compliance with the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the college may not disclose information regarding its students. In accordance with FERPA, we are able to confirm that Vishon Murphy is enrolled at Edgecombe Community College.

From sex worker to teacher a Turkish Trans woman is forced back to the streets

From sex worker to teacher to sex work Sinem Kuzucan kept her dream alive.

Trans woman Sinem Kuzucan knew she was different from the other students in high school and so did they. It was very bad but she persevered with the help of a math teacher.

"I finished high school with his help and I went to Istanbul. I worked as a sex worker in Istanbul for two years. You do not have any other choice as a runaway child. You don’t have any other example either, all trans people do this. This was 20 years ago, so there were no rights or any recognized organizations. Your existence or non-existence is barely noticed. It is a dead-end."

This was before the Internet so communication between trans people was limited to personal conversations and long before the world became aware of the inhuman conditions that the Turkish government forces on their transgender citizens.

After two years of living on the street Ms Kuzucan decided she had enough, cut her hair and was accepted to a university. But even with her attempts to physically conform to the gender binary her academic studies were difficult as it was apparent to students she was transgender. They would not sit with her at the lunch table.

Her teachers were even worse. Calling her weekly to meet and slamming the door in her face. Literally.

Eventually she graduated and was employed as a teacher but this was only the beginning of her struggles..

We are taught by society that there is either man or woman. In my teaching job, even though I am a trans person, I was forced to tell the same story about the nuclear family to my students. This is how it was taught to us as well. Egalitarian legal regulations are important for transforming these discriminative attitudes. If this society is in its current situation due to monotypic laws and regulations, then it can be transformed through new regulations. We should start with the law. When it comes to trans murders, they reduced penalties on the pretext of provocation for years. In the past, trans murderers would be sentenced to two years or they would not be punished at all. Now at least they are sentenced to fifteen years. As laws become more egalitarian, society will have to adapt with time. Temporal periods are never easy.

By reading her full heart wrenching yet inspiring story here you are committing a powerful act of advocacy. You are helping to bridge the link, making sure our Turkish trans family is no longer cut off from the world by linguistics, religions or governmental oppression.


9/12/13

Audio: Transgender 11 year old, Wren Kauffman sister and mom talk about his coming out

Wren, a female to male (FTM) transgender youth has at eleven, begun talking puberty blockers and begun his life on our shared road less traveled.

Wren's sister and mother share a delightful moment with cbc.ca/news Canada talking about their shared experiences transitioning with Wren.

Wren and his families understanding of transsexualism is a triumph to those of our community who have preceded him. Be proud. You have the right to be.

Click here to listen, opens to the CBC player


Watch a tribute to Murdered Texas Trans woman Konyale Madden

Denton County sheriff’s deputies continue to investigate a possible homicide that occurred in a community-style development off U.S. Highway 380 during the weekend.

Konyale Madden, 34, was found dead in her home on Hayden Lane in Savannah Estates by friends shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday, Sgt. Larry Kish said.

Friends told the Denton Record that Ms. Konyale a Longview Texas native was a warm, lively and loving person and will miss her dearly.



Ms. Konyale's death strikes home for this blogger as she lived in the same county as I.

R.I.P Konyale Madden.

Those with information on Madden or information leading to the death are asked to contact Sgt. Larry Kish at 940-349-1665.

9/10/13

NY court denies Catholic schools request to dismiss fired Transgender teachers lawsuit

Victory In Queens!

Marla Krolikowskii, 60, was fired after 32 years of teaching at St. Francis Catholic high school in Queens.

She was summarily dismissed after coming out as transgender to school officials.


St. Francis Prep Attorney Phil Semprevivo claimed  in court "She was fired for appropriate non-discriminatory reasons. She was insubordinate" asking that the judge dismiss her lawsuit.

The judge did not buy it.

"Insubordination after 32 years of teaching? And the insubordination seems to coincide with the expression of being transgender?" Judge Hart said.

Judge Hart then rejected a separate motion by the school that Krolikowski's was essentially a minister, and that religious institutions have the right to hire and fire those employees without court interference.


Her firing...



Her Victory.....




9/9/13

Berlin Trans man gives birth, Seine ein großer Tag für Trans-Menschen!



Officially the child has only a father as there is no mother registered. The transgender man has been on male hormones but retained his reproductive organs. He was impregnated by a donor and according to Das Bild the child was born in April at his home in the Neukölln area of Berlin.

The childs parent does not wish to have his identity revealed.

Seine ein großer Tag für Trans-Menschen!

9/8/13

15 year old transgender teen missing in Silver Springs Md

Police in Montgomery County are looking for a missing teen who family members describe as transgender.

Montgomery county family crimes division are asking the public for help in finding Nathaniel Martin-Malone, 15, who was last seen Saturday just before 6 p.m. in the 2700 block of Norbeck Road in Silver Spring and may be presenting as either gender.

Martin-Malone is described as an African-American male, approximately 5'03" tall and 160 pounds was last seen wearing black pants with a black shirt over a leopard print shirt.

Police and family are concerned for Nathaniel's well being. Please call the Montgomery County police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000. Callers may remain anonymous.

Nathaniel, if you read this, know the trans community is only concerned about your well being. You have the rest of your life to enjoy your true gender, If I misgendered you, as I probably did, I deeply apologize. Please message me on facebook email me at kellibusey@yahoo.com or mention me in a tweet.

Source:  WTOP  Follow @WTOP on Twitter.


9/7/13

Trans student Cassidy Lynn Campbell among top ten contenders for Homecoming Queen

Update! Great News!! 

Cassidy won Prom Queen last night!!


Cassidy Lynn also has a very popular video channel with millions of views...

How do Russians view the LGBT Witch Hunt? #Russia4Love

It's critical we learn about the cultural differences between Russia's people and the west. When Pussy Riot held their artistic disobedience the target was the Russian people. The message was not meant for consumption by the the west. Their plight kick started the wests interest but unfortunately we superimposed our cultural perceptions over their message. This only serves to alienate us from the Russian people regardless of our intent.

This video is a great place to begin understanding and could influence our advocacy in a positive way. #Russia4Love



For slower internet speeds (like mine) you can watch the abreviated You Tube version



On Tuesday, Russian LGBT activists were invited to meet with President Obama at this week's G20 summit in St. Petersburg. With Putin's anti-gay laws in place, will Obama's presence make a difference? How are Russians reacting to the witch hunt?
Originally aired on September 3, 2013
Hosted by:
  • Dena Takruri
Guests:
  • Scott Wooledge  (New York, NY) Writer & Activist
  • Wes Hurley  (Seattle, WA) Filmmaker; Author of "Growing Up Gay In Russia"
  • Yelena Goltsman  (New York, NY) Founder & Co-President of RUSA LGBT