This Week in Transgenderism 6/22/09

Alexis Arquette

Other famous TG’s weigh in on Chaz Bono‘s announcement. ENDA returns on the political horizon. A Turkish TS is acquitted. GLBT hate crimes on the rise. A theory on the death of actor David Carradine. 1,000 Chinese transsexuals get a roadmap from the government. Some Indian TS’s may get free SRS. A gay marriage in New York. Make reservations now for Toronto’s Trans Pride March. And of course, a TWIT of the Week. All this and much, much more in this edition of TWIT Notes!

Chaz Bono

We told you so: The announced transition of Chastity Bono is getting a lot of attention. For instance, Fox News found the first photo. And both CBS News and CNN (featuring Donna Rose) have primers for the rest of the world on what it all means. And Alexis Arquette has sat down with Entertainment Tonight to offer public advice on what Chaz is going to face. And finally, the Jewish Journal reviews Howard Stern’s thoughts.

The Anchorage Daily News has come out in favor of stronger laws protecting GLBT’s. Their editorial also politely takes one state politician to task.

The leaders of Lawrence, Kansas, are considering adding transgender to the city’s non-discrimination policies. They met last week with some local T’s to learn about our issues. The story is in the Lawrence Journal-World.

Those leaders may want to take this into consideration: The AP reports the number of GLBT murders is the highest it’s been in ten years. They believe it’s either a backlash against our heightened visibility, or that we’re more likely to report bias crimes. Either way, the Philadelphia Inquirer says the Attorney General has taken notice.

Same sex marriage

Still think same-sex marriage and gender identity have nothing to do with one another? Read the New York Post.

In the UK, the revenue department has put out a booklet to answer questions from trans taxpayers about filing, claiming pensions and other issues. The Telegraph says a lot of, well, a number of vocal people have complained.

ENDA News: There’s been a lot of criticism leveled at Democrats for promising much to the GLBT community in the last election cycle, and delivering little this year. Good news though out of Washington, as reports from Southern Voice indicates Rep. Barney Frank is getting ready to re-introduce the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and with the inclusion of gender identity.

Trans Pride March

Coming soon, to Toronto, the Trans Pride March. More than 300 people have pledged to march at the end of the month, in an event meant to bring T’s out of the shadow of the GLB’s. The Star meets the organizer.

There’s a lot to see on YouTube: old episodes of the Muppet Show, kids doped up after a visit to the dentist, and an entire channel devoted to men and women who date the transgendered. Get a review at Lez Get Real.

What makes someone a woman? Chromosomes? Surgery? Breasts? Makeup? Attitude? Facial hair? For years, the question has been debated at such events as the WomynFest in Michigan, and in countless
bathrooms around the world. With the rise of FtM’s, there’s a new spin. Xtra takes a look.

Day in the Life

China Daily has a photo gallery of a day in the life of a Mexican TG.

And since the Chinese media are focusing on Mexico, we go to the Irish Times to learn about new rules in China covering SRS.

We told you about Denise Brogran-Kator a few weeks back. And now the attorney/activist has an editorial on the murders of trans-prostitutes. What does she say? Do you agree? Read PrideSource to find out, and comment below.

Fresh Meat Festival

Asian Week says Asian trans-performers are not limited to the ladyboys of Thailand. They’re poets, and rappers, and rockers and cutting edge performers. And they took to the stage in San Francisco over the weekend for Fresh Meat.

Hey Canada! Pay attention! A state in India is considering paying for SRS for its TG citizens. DNA has the news out of Tamil Nadu.

Ohio is a step closer to prohibiting TG discrimination. Tips-Q has more.

Politics makes strange bedfellows. A trans group in Massachusetts is actively campaigning for a union issue that has little/nothing to do with gender identity. Bay Windows covers the story.

Melissa Sue Robinson (wasn’t she a disco singer?) is running for mayor of Nampa, Idaho. She’s a progressive, has a background in the communications industry and is a TG activist. And no, she’s not the singer, that was Vicki Sue. Read all about it in pinknews.co.uk.

Ugandan Activist

Wherever you go on the planet, there are common themes of persecution, isolation, and discrimination. But, as the Star points out, there are also similar stories of courage, persistance and love. Which kind reflects your life?

A trial has been set in the charges of discrimination against a Wisconsin nightclub. The Post Crescent brings you up to date.

Women, gays and transgendered people inIstanbul, (not Constantinople), are hailing the departure of that city’s chief of police. But, Bianet wonders if the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t know?

Also from Turkey, Bulent Ersoy is off the hook. She was accused of fostering a culture negative to the Turkish military. But Bianet reports she’s been acquitted.

Katheoy Culture

In Laos, they’re trying to contain the spread of HIV/AIDS. And they’re realizing that to do that, they have to better understand, and accept the katheoy culture. The details come from the BBC.

Were you aware sexpot Mae West was also a playwrite? We weren’t. And one of her plays, The Drag, is being performed at the University of Iowa. Read more at the Daily Iowan.

We think we already mentioned this, but again, a woman has been cast as a pre-op TS. And naturally, what does the character in “Cracktown” do for a living? Urban Mecca says she’s a hooker. Heart of gold optional.

History! Those who don’t know it, are doomed to repeat it. Today’s lesson is in the Dallas Voice.

Meet the TG

This week’s “Meet the Trans-woman” feature comes to us in the pages of the East Oregonian.

Raise your hand if this allegation surprises you: David Carradine was murdered by transsexual prostitutes. Holly Scoop talks to a friend of the late actor, who makes that assessment.

Ron B.

A Native American Tina Turner impersonator is more than just a drag act. She’s an accomplished actor, and activist. Meet Ron B. at the Examiner.

And our TWIT of the Week takes his cue from Norman Bates. Get the facts from AOL News.

Category: Transgender Community News