The Rainbow Times
Tynan Power
http://www.therainbowtimesmass.com/2012/02/28/fried-oppenheim-case-when-transphobia-arrives-were-all-on-trial/In February, my community was gripped by the unfolding trial of David Fried-Oppenheim, founder of a popular local performing arts center. Fried-Oppenheim, a cisgender man, was charged with multiple counts of child rape, stemming from a sexual relationship that began when the victim, now 20, was only 14. The jury convicted Fried-Oppenheim on all counts, after a week of hearing testimony from numerous witnesses, including a young FTM who also had been involved at the center.
In any case that draws significant media attention, there is likely to be an element of trial by public opinion. Often the accuser ends up being "tried." In this case, the witness seemed to be on trial for his gender. The witness's transition was referenced in almost every news story, even when his previous gender was not relevant to the point being made.
