Transgender People Face Violence, Obstacles

[LostInTime]

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From schoolyard bullying to street harassment to brutal murders, violence is often a part of the transgender experience. The term transgender refers to anyone who transgresses traditional gender boundaries and includes cross-dressers and transsexuals.

"Most folks who... have a gender presentation that is somewhat non-conforming or different from the gender they were assigned at birth have had some experience with isolation, discrimination and violence," said Avy Skolnik, a coordinator with the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, who is transgender himself.

[gennee]

The high school years are times when young people are trying to find themselves. I don't think it's any different for transgender youth. I believe that, IMO, the transgender teen has a better sense of who they are and are willing to cross the boundaries. 

I'm no expert by any means. I only discovered my ->-bleeped-<- 2 years ago at age 56. There's peer pressure among any group and grown-ups are no exception. I thank my mother (rest her soul) for instilling in me that I could be whatever I want to be.

Transgenders are going to have to stand up and say "no more!" I hate to fight myself and will do everything to walk away from confrontation. I will not take any physical abuse fron anyone. Niether should anybody else.

Gennee

[Melissa]

I thank my mother (rest her soul) for instilling in me that I could be whatever I want to be.

Lol, mine told me the same thing growing up...until I came out to her.

Melissa

[LynnER]

Violence towards the TG comunity is sad but true... and even in citys and states where they have laws against it.... who is there to enforce it....

It can get to where its pointless to even report an incodent....  Twice Ive been attacked, assulted... one was deffinatly sexual, the other was trying to get to that point.....  Because the attacks were performed by gay men, the cops wouldnt take it as far as needed.... and I flaked and just gave up on the whole thing...  Now I either carry pepper spray or only go out with friends in a group... localy atleast....  Its sad when your home town... a place thats considered one of the safest in the US... is the least safe place youve ever been to in your life.....

[Owen]

It is truly a sad thing that we as a group wherever we may be in life have to put up with this kind of violence. I hate violence of any sort, and will take great measures to avoid it at all costs. I dont like being treated agressivly by anyone. It's just not nessesary. And will only serve to hurt all invovled, especially the one who is initiating it. In my home town here in Brooklyn, NY there is a lot of assault's, mostly aganst women, especially minorites, but not limited to. A lot of it involves young men engaged in illegal activity.  The point I'm making is to be a transgender, crossdresser, or simply expressing the gender you want to be in there is cerntainly a lot of discrimination....


Linda Ann

Love being female