Shoddy work or just sensational?
Letters to the Boston editor, June 5, 2009
By BOSTON PHOENIX LETTERS  |  June 3, 2009

http://thephoenix.com/Boston/News/84400-Shoddy-work-or-just-sensational/

Regarding Adam Reilly's recent article about the transgender MBTA operator who crashed a Green Line train: unless you are transgender yourself — and given the content and tone of your article I would venture a guess that you are not — you have no right or privilege to discuss issues regarding disclosure of trans status. Much less do you have the right to discuss how disclosure, or lack thereof, may relate to issues of shame or truthful disclosure.

There are several truths about this person. One is that he is a knucklehead, to put it mildly. Another is that he has caused quite a bit of pain and suffering, not to mention property damage. And yet another is that he is a male — that is it. Whatever history may exist behind that is irrelevant. When I read print media, yes, I do see someone's gender and age listed. However, I do not see their race, religion, or lending-library fine record printed, as well. Your actions are transphobic, sensationalistic, and, quite honestly, somewhat hateful.