Dos Casos Alarmantes de Violencia, en Nueva York y Texas/Two Alarming Cases of Violence, in New York and Texas
July 2, 2009
GLAAD is following media coverage of two alarming cases. One involves a young Queens, New York woman, Leslie Mora, 27, who was beaten with a belt by two individuals who shouted anti-gay insults, such as ‘f**got.’
Leslie Mora
The second case involves a bar raid at the Rainbow Lounge in Fort Worth, Texas, where bystanders say police attacked and arrested patrons without provocation. At least one patron was hospitalized and seven others arrested.
Police say they will conduct an investigation. Local residents protested the raid at the county courthouse on Sunday June 28.
This has taken place during the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which helped launch the LGBT rights movement.
Dos Casos Alarmantes de Violencia, en Nueva York y Texas
En GLAAD estamos siguiendo dos casos alarmantes. El primero es de un ataque violento en Queens, New York, donde una mujer transgénera llamada Leslie Mora, de 27, quien fue atacada con un cinturón por dos personas que gritaban insultos anti-gay en español.
Los que la atacaron a Mora, Trinidad Tapia, 19, y Gilberto Ortiz, 32 fueron arrestados después del ataque. Esto fue obviamenteun crimen de odio y se esta pidiendo que asi se trate bajo la ley, dijo Michael Silverman, el Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund.
El segundo caso occurió en Fort Worth, Texas, donde la comunidad gay y transgénera está sumamente alarmada por lo que dicen haber sido un ataque sin provocación de la policía local en un bar gay llamado el Rainbow Lounge. Por lo menos unos de los clientes tuvo que ser llevado al hospital, y estaba en cuidado intensivo. Otros siete fueron arrestados.
La policía ha dicho que investigará. Miembros de la comunidad protestaron delante de las cortes el domingo, 27 de junio. Este es el aniversario de las ruedas de Stonewall en Nueva York, las cuales ayudaron a lanzar el movimiento de derechos gay y transgénero.
Related Posts:GLAAD Reaches Out to Blog That Dehumanizes Transgender People
June 26, 2009
As the result of constituents contacting GLAAD, we have reached out to the site owners of a blog that dehumanizes transgender people and their experiences. Tranny Alert is a website that posts pictures of people who are perceived to be transgender and encourages readers to submit photos of perceived transgender people for the blog to publish and provide commentary. It is unclear whether the site’s subjects have provided consent to have their pictures taken and published in this context.
Lateisha Green
GLAAD has reached out to the blog about the defamatory nature of their content with their problematic language including the words “tranny,” “trannie” and “he/she.” We also expressed our concerns about the potential danger the site’s subjects could face as a result of having their gender identity and gender expression shared without their consent.
Given that transgender people are disproportionately targeted for violence, willfully subjecting them to this kind of online scrutiny could very well put their lives in danger. We need not look far to know how violence disproportionately impacts transgender people. Recent examples include Angie Zapata and Lateisha Green.
A Call to Action against Tranny Alert was started by a Livejournal user named gudbuytjane and it appears to have been quite effective. The blog’s Facebook page has already been taken down.
Tranny Alert remains active on Twitter. Some Twitter users have been tweeting #trannyalertfail to express their alarm and concern for the site’s questionable content.
Initially, @TrannyAlert tweeted the following in response to readers submitting their concerns:
Tranny Alert will be releasing a statement in the next 24 hours regarding the recent backlash.
Later, the blog sent out another tweet about readers concerns:
Wow people really need to get a f*cking sense of humor.
If you would like to share your own concerns about Tranny Alert and their content, you can email them at:
mayday@tranny-alert.com
You can also share your concerns about their problematic language and content with Blogger, the blog service that currently hosts Tranny Alert. You can contact them with your concerns here.
Blogger’s policy specifically states:
Blogger strongly believes in freedom of speech. We believe that having a variety of perspectives is an important part of what makes blogs such an exciting and diverse medium. With that said, there are certain types of content that are not allowed on Blogger. While Blogger values and safeguards political and social commentary, material that promotes hatred toward groups based on race or ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender, age, veteran status, or sexual orientation/gender identity is not allowed on Blogger.
Please stay tuned for more details. Please check back with us for updates on this developing story.
Have an update to share with GLAAD? Send Senior Media Strategist Andy Marra a Tweet at @andy_marra
Related Posts:UPDATE: GLAAD Speaks with KRXQ Management
June 8, 2009
For those just now learning about this issue, please go here to read more about this evolving controversy.
At 11:45am EST, Cindi Creager, GLAAD’s Director of National News, and I spoke with the station manager at KRXQ. GLAAD successfully made the case for a transgender person and a parent of a transgender child to appear on the Rob, Arnie and Dawn show. We are right now in the process of securing Trans Youth Family Allies Executive Director Kim Pearson and Pam’s House Blend contributor and transgender advocate Autumn Sandeen for the broadcast.
As yesterday’s statement noted, KRXQ will be airing a special show on Thursday, June 11 at 7:30am PST.
It should be noted that Autumn was one of the very first reporters to shine attention on the May 28th segment alongside Huffington Post blogger Michael Rowe.
KRXQ has assured us that the June 11th follow-up show will be conducted in a “frank and positive manner.” It was explicitly stated to us that we will hear an apology from the radio hosts and listeners will be able to call in. As always, we remind everyone to be respectful and civil when calling into the show.
GLAAD has additionally suggested a transgender media training with our community partners. KRXQ was receptive to the suggestion and we will further discuss this following Thursday’s radio broadcast.
Media have been continuing to follow the story, garnering national coverage. Local media outlets in Sacramento have been especially helpful in covering this story – including The Sacramento Press, FOX40 and The Sacramento Bee. Community blogs have also been extremely effective in sharing updates on this issue and mobilizing readers to take action.
Finally, it should be noted that yet another advertiser has dropped their contract with the station. Guitar Center Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Norman Hajjar, directly reached out to GLAAD following emails from concerned community members.
Norman has provided us with this statement to share with our readers:
Last Thursday, I asked our media agency to speak to KRXQ about the outrageous comments made by their morning on-air team. I wasn’t satisfied with the station’s response. So we decided to pull our dollars from the station.
It’s simple: wrong is wrong. We don’t want our brand associated with such epic insensitivity.
Guitar Center now becomes the 11th confirmed advertiser to pull their contract from KRXQ. You can read more about the others here and here.
Please stay tuned for more details. Please check back with us for updates on this developing story.
Have an update to share with GLAAD? Send us a tweet on our Twitter account @glaad.
UPDATE: Nissan Won’t Renew KRXQ Advertising Contract
June 5, 2009
On May 28, KRXQ radio hosts Rob Williams and Arnie States spent more than 30 minutes making dehumanizing and defamatory comments against transgender children. You can listen to the original broadcast here since it appears the audio is no longer available on radio show’s website.
Seven companies have confirmed they pulled their advertising contracts with KRXQ or will not renew in the future as a result of offensive comments made by the two shock jocks. Another company has decided to step forward and release a statement on the incident.
At 5:10pm, I received a phone call from Nissan North America. I spoke with the Director of Corporate Communications who wanted to provide GLAAD with the following statement on their advertising with KRXQ.
Nissan North America’s statement reads:
Nissan does not support the views expressed during the May 28th broadcast on the Rob, Arnie and Dawn in the Morning show on KRXQ.
Our advertising purchase with this show ended June 1 and we will not renew it.
Currently the list of companies no longer advertising on KRXQ includes:
- Chipotle
- Snapple
- Sonic
- Bank of America
- Verizon
- Carl’s Jr (CKE Restaurants)
- Wells Fargo
- Nissan North America
Please check back with us for more developments on this story.
Have an update to share with GLAAD? Send us a tweet on our Twitter account @glaad.
UPDATE: Wells Fargo Stands By Transgender Community
June 5, 2009
Today, GLAAD has received confirmations from three different companies pulling their advertising contracts from KRXQ. Bank of America, Verizon and Carl’s Jr have all publicly issued statements (here and here) that announced the pulling of their advertisements on the radio station as a result of the offensive comments made by radio hosts Rob Williams and Arnie States.
At 4:51pm EST, Wells Fargo reached out to GLAAD about KRXQ. Apparently, the radio station had placed Wells Fargo’s logo on their website leading people to believe they were current KRXQ advertisers.
Wells Fargo provided the following statement to GLAAD on the issue:
Thank you for your message. We appreciate your feedback and take such matters seriously.
We are strongly committed to equality for all and we do not tolerate discrimination. When we learned of the inappropriate comments made during the May 28th KXRQ broadcast we immediately removed our logo from the radio station’s Web site.
Wells Fargo was not an advertiser on the May 28 broadcast, is not currently advertising with KXRQ, and has not done so for more than a year.
We’re proud of our commitment of supporting many organizations that serve our diverse communities – which is consistent with our company values.
We very much appreciate your comments.
Diversity is at the core of Wells Fargo’s vision and values and Wells Fargo is honored to be on DiversityInc Magazine’s Top 50 list for 2009.
Thank you for taking the time to bring this matter to our attention.
Wells Fargo Communications
The list of companies no longer advertising on KRXQ includes:
- Chipotle
- Snapple
- Sonic
- Bank of America
- Verizon
- Carl’s Jr (CKE Restaurants)
- Wells Fargo
Please check back with us for more developments on this story.
Have an update to share with GLAAD? Send us a tweet on our Twitter account @glaad.
Media Coverage of Verdict in Zapata Murder Trial
April 29, 2009
For more information on Angie’s story, visit www.angiezapata.com. You can see all of glaadBLOG’s coverage of the trial, as well as the media’s coverage, here.
If you are a journalist covering the trial and the verdict, make sure to read GLAAD’s Resource Kit.
Video Coverage
CNN:
- Andrade found guilty of murder. Click here to watch.
- Andrade gets life without parole. Click here to watch.
Pam’s House Blend – Angie Zapata family statement on Angie Zapata hate crime murder trial guilty verdicts:
Channel 9 News (NBC) – Andrade found guilty of hate crime. Bazi Kanani reports:
Channel 9 News (NBC) – Andrade Sentencing. Watch the sentencing hearing for Allen Andrade:
Print Coverage
The New York Times:
The Los Angeles Times:
The Colorado Independent:
- Anti-violence groups applaud Andrade murder and hate-crime convictions
- Zapata family after verdict: ‘Justice was achieved for my sister today’
- Polis praises verdict in Zapata murder: ‘zero tolerance for hate crimes’
The Greeley Tribune:
- Andrade guilty of first degree murder
- Andrade guilty, sentenced to life in murder of Angie Zapata
- Zapata family speaks
- Justice Served for Angie
The Denver Post:
- Life in prison for killer in transgender murder
- A milestone in battling hate crimes
- Victory in fight against bias-motivated crimes
Denver Gay Examiner:
CNN:
CNN.com (In Session: Sidebar):
Blog Coverage
Pam’s House Blend:
- Statements on Angie Zapata Murder Verdict
- Angie Zapata family statement on Angie Zapata hate crime murder trial guilty verdicts
- The Zapata murder trial coverage – and the missed opportunity of the LGB media and blogoshpere
- Autumn on TruTV with Mike Signorile
- The Mario Solis Marich Show interview
The Bilerico Project:
VivirLatino:
Zapata Family Remembers Angie After Verdict is Delivered
April 23, 2009
The verdict in the Angie Zapata murder trial came a lot quicker than anyone anticipated.
The jury took only two hours to rule that the man who stood accused of killing Angie Zapata was guilty of murder in the first degree – which caries a mandatory sentence of life in prison with no option for parole. Sentencing for the other three charges will occur in May. These include a hate crime charge, car theft and identity theft.
I was in a small victim assistance/witness room visiting with Angie’s brother Gonzalo, discussing the public statement he planned to make after the verdict was issued, when we heard that the jury had returned.
The courtroom was packed as the jury filed in. I sat directly behind the defendant, Allen Andrade, and could see his face in the TruTV “In Session” television screen in the media section of the courtroom. Andrade had no reaction as the verdict was read.
After the verdict, the judge sentenced Andrade on the first degree murder count. The sentence was mandated by state law – a conviction of first degree murder required the judge to impose a life prison sentence, without the possibility of parole.
After sentencing, Gonzalo, surrounded by some of his family members, made a statement to the media. The statement was powerful, moving and showed very deeply how much this older brother loved his little sister. You can see video of Gonzalo’s statement at Pam’s House Blend.
The courtroom was packed with media – at least 14 reporters were on hand and there were two media overflow rooms outside the courtroom.
Shortly after the family left the building, Gonzalo called me. “Adam, we’re going to tell Angie the news, come with us.”
The family also invited TruTV to join them at the cemetary. The family has been very impressed with the continuous coverage of TruTV’s “In Session” and particularly the respect shown to Angie by reporter Beth Karas. 
In a caravan, I followed Angie’s family and friends to the cemetery where Angie’s buried. I held back, at the gate, for a long time. Beth and the TruTV team stood back with me until the family motioned us to join them at the headstone.
While there, Angie’s mom Maria told story after story about Angie. Friends and siblings spoke up and shared memories of Angie. There were a lot of tears – and laughs – as they remembered her.
Monica then took my hand, and we stood in a circle. Maria led us in the Lord’s Prayer, and then offered a very personal prayer of her own. It was an honor to be included in this very personal moment.
Angie was, by all accounts, a beautiful, vibrant, loving person. I wish I could have known her. Standing hand-in-hand with Angie’s family and friends at Angie’s grave at dusk last night served as a reminder for me of why it was so important to be present in Greeley for this trial. It was an honor to grow closer with the Zapata family, and to see that even in an area, which many view as not being supportive of LGBT people, hate violence will not be tolerated. The jury sent that message loud and clear yesterday afternoon. It was remarkable to see.
Most of all, I’m in awe of the example the Zapata family sets. As Gonzo said, on behalf of the family, “Remember her (Angie), like we do, as a beautiful, wonderful, precious teenager. She would want us to remember the happy times in her life. Together, and in Angie’s memory, let’s make the world a better place.”
GLAAD Issues Statement on Angie Zapata Murder Verdict
April 22, 2009
Today, GLAAD and President Neil G. Giuliano issued a statement on the verdict in the murder case of Angie Zapata. The jury found Allen Andrade guilty on four counts including first-degree murder and hate crime charges:
Today’s verdict was about justice for Angie Zapata, although no verdict will ever be able to heal the tragic loss experienced by Angie’s family.
The past few months have offered Greeley residents, as well as people throughout Colorado and across the nation, an opportunity to better understand transgender lives and the horrifying reality of anti-transgender violence. Media coverage of this case has played a vital role in broadening that understanding, and it has helped more people understand the importance of a fully inclusive hate crime law like Colorado’s.
You can follow the media coverage of the trial and verdict here: http://glaadblog.org/tag/angie-zapata-murder-trial/ .
Also, for more information on Angie’s story, visit www.angiezapata.com. If you are a journalist covering the trial and verdict, make sure to read GLAAD’s Resource Kit.
*UPDATE: Below is some recent media coverage on the news of the verdict:
Print Coverage
The Denver Post:
The Greeley Tribune:
AP:
CBS 4:
Channel 7 (ABC):
The Colorado Independent:
Blog Coverage
Pam’s House Blend:
Feministe:
More Media Coverage of the Angie Zapata Murder Trial
April 22, 2009
As the trial in the murder of Angie Zapata continues, GLAAD will be monitoring local and national media for coverage of the trial and of Angie’s story.
For more information on Angie’s story, visit www.angiezapata.com. If you are a journalist covering the trial, make sure to read GLAAD’s Resource Kit.
Video Coverage
- CNN – Transgender murder trial: In Session’s Beth Karas talks about the trial of Allen Andrade, accused of killing an 18-year-old transgender woman. Click here to watch.
- Pam’s House Blend – Beth Karas of In Session TruTV interviewed by Autumn Sandeen:
Print Coverage
Los Angeles Times:
The Denver Post:
- Family testifies Zapata never hid transgender status
- Sisters testified they found her body
- Zapata slaying suspect: what’s done is done
- Jailhouse calls show mental state
- Jurors hear “gay things need to die” tape
- Deliberations to begin in transgender murder trial
The Greeley Tribune:
- Angie Zapata’s friends, family take the stand
- Andrade murder trial to resume with taped phone calls after lunch
- Andrade’s calls from jail offer insight
- Jurors hear more phone calls from Andrade
- Attorneys rest case in Andrade trial
- Jury deliberates in Andrade murder trial
Associated Press:
CNN.com (In Session: Sidebar):
- Transgender murder trail: hate crime charge may be a first
- Defense spars with victim’s family at trial
- Jurors hear defendant’s jailhouse calls
Blog Coverage
Pam’s House Blend:
- What does “justice for Angie” mean?
- Are trans people like Angie and me deceptive?
- Beth Karas of TruTV in session talks about the Angie Zapata case, other cases, and great coffee
- Angie Zapata hate crime murder trial: pink vibrator with only Andrade’s DNA entered into evidence
- “I can’t cry over spilled milk”
- Andrade contemplated selling the homicide story of Angie’s death for 50K
- Prosecution and defense rested yesterday afternoon; closing arguments anticipated later this morning
The Bilerico Project:
Denver Westword:
- Transgender murder trial starts next week in Greeley
- Jury selection underway in Angie Zapata transgender murder case
- Opening arguments expected in transgender murder trial expected today
- Live blog: the Angie Zapata trial, April 16
- Live blog: the Angie Zapata trial, April 17
- The Angie Zapata Trial: summary of the evidence so far
- Live blog: the Angie Zapata trial, April 20
- Live blog: the Angie Zapata trial, April 21
- Live blog: the Angie Zapata trial, April 22
Continuing Media Coverage of the Angie Zapata Murder Trial
April 17, 2009
As the trial in the murder of Angie Zapata begins, GLAAD will be monitoring local and national media for coverage of the trial and of Angie’s story.
Below is a collection of media not included in our last post and up until today.
For more information on Angie’s story, visit www.angiezapata.com. If you are a journalist covering the trial, make sure to read GLAAD’s Resource Kit.
Video Coverage
- Channel 9 News (NBC) – Transgender murder sparks debate over hate crime laws. Adam Chodak reports.
- Channel 9 News (NBC) – The trial regarding a transgender murder started Tuesday. Adam Chodak reports.
- Channel 9 News (NBC) – Transgender murder trial set to begin Tuesday. Anastasiya Bolton reports.
- Channel 9 News (NBC) – Transgender murder trial could spark national conversation. Cheryl Preheim reports.
- Channel 9 News (NBC) – Question before jury: Intentional or impulse? Adam Chodak reports.
- Pam’s House Blend – Voices from the Angie Zapata Family Vigil (April 14, 2009)
Print Coverage
The Denver Post:
- The Angie Zapata Murder Trial
- Zapata: Gender issues to define trial
- Jury selection begins in Greeley transgender killing
- Greene: Road to new life longer than Angie’s
- Polis: Greeley trial puts focus on hate crimes
- Process begins in transgender case
- Greeley slaying suspect snapped after “deception”
- Transgender victim, man had hours of texts, talk
The Greeley Tribune:
- Zapata remembered at candlelight vigil
- Angie Zapata honored with stories, smiles, tears
- In transgender murder trial key question looms: When did suspect know?
- Andrade: Stunned victim or homophobic killer?
- Prosecutors display crime scene photos
Channel 9 News (NBC):
- Defense: Andrade did kill transgender teenager
- Transgender murder trial could spark national conversation
The New York Times:
- Greeley tribune changes course in coverage of transgender murder
- ABC news changes coverage of Greeley transgender teen murder
- Suspected killer arrested in transgendered teen’s murder
- Accused killer of transgendered woman faces additional charges
- Judge plans to rule on confession in killing of transgender woman
- Judge tosses confession, gang links in Greeley transgender murder trial
- Jury selection starts Tuesday in trial of man charged with Zapata slaying
- Prosecutor: Accused Zapata killer didn’t ’snap’ at transgender ‘deception’
Public News Service:
AP:
- Transgender slaying advertised to bring awareness
- Trial set to begin in slaying of transgender woman
- Defense: Colo. transgender slaying about deception
Blog Coverage
The Bilerico Project:
Pam’s House Blend:
- Voices from the Angie Zapata family vigil
- Angie Zapata hate crime murder trial yesterday, today…
- Summary of Wednesday at the Angie Zapata hate crime murder trial & what’s expected Thursday
- Hey, that’s the wonderful thing I noticed! — This is how community is supposed to work!
- 9News: Defense: Andrade did kill transgender teenager
- The bombshell dropped in prosecutor’s opening statement at the Angie Zapata hate crime murder trial
- Q of the day: Angie Zapata hate crime murder trial jury look diverse enough?
NYC LGBT Center Hosts “Real World” Debut Party
February 11, 2009
If you’re going to be in New York City tonight, you should stop by XES Lounge to celebrate the NYC LGBT Center’s debut on this season of “The Real World: Brooklyn.” This season is The Real World’s most LGBT inclusive yet, with the Center playing a prominent role as three of the cast members’ place of work.
As you may remember, GLAAD was able to get exclusive interviews with many members of the cast. If you haven’t yet seen the interviews with Ryan & Chet, J.D. and Scott, Sarah, or Katelynn you should check them out!
The cast will be at XES Lounge, 157 W 24th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues, tonight from 8-10:30pm. You can read more information on the event here by clicking here.
Indiana’s WTHR-TV Changes Story GLAAD Named “Worst”
January 26, 2009
Thanks to a “worst” mention in GLAAD’s latest “Best & Worst of National News,” and coverage of the mention at the Bilerico Project, a problematic news story has been changed on the website of WTHR, a local NBC affiliate.
Michael Hunt and Taysia Elzy
Near the end of December, 2008, a transgender woman, Taysia Elzy, and her partner, Michael Hunt, were found murdered in their Indianapolis home. Local news media began to identify the Elzy by her male name. They also used male pronouns. GLAAD and local advocates, including Bil Browning of The Bilerico Project, reached out to reporters to talk with them about how to report on transgender people in a fair and accurate way.
The Indianapolis Star took the most proactive approach in their coverage. Both The Bilerico Project and GLAAD were able to speak with one of their news reporters, Francesca Jarosz, who made sure to use appropriate terminology when referring to Elzy.
Local station WTHR-TV was another story. Their news reporter Steve Jefferson referred to Elzy as a man in his news story, and was unwilling to use terminology resources provided by GLAAD, which included GLAAD’s Media Reference Guide, which lists the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook’s section on transgender issues:
Transgender: Use the pronoun preferred by the individuals who have acquired the physical characteristics of the opposite sex or present themselves in a way that does not correspond with their sex at birth.
If that preference is not expressed, use the pronoun consistent with the way the individuals live publicly.
After receiving an e-mail back from Jefferson, it was clear he was not interested in changing his story to 
adhere to AP guidelines. (He said he did not use female pronouns because he said the transgender victim “was NOT post-op.” )
Thanks to all of those who took action after seeing our “Best & Worst” on glaad.org, Bilerico, and many other blogs. Check out the change it’s making on the media landscape in Indiana via Bilerico’s Update:
UPDATE: I spoke with Carolyn Williams, the News Director for WTHR. The offensive article has been edited to conform with the AP Style Guide. Ms. Williams will also be speaking with her Station Manager about coordinating a diversity training session on LGBT issues with all area television stations.
Ms. Williams was very kind and understanding. E-mailing Ms. Williams with kudos for her prompt response and leadership would be more appropriate at this point!
For those interested in thanking Williams: CWilliams@WTHR.com
It’s exciting to see media professionals take the time out to ensure that stories about transgender people are fair and accurate! In a time when GLAAD still has enough “worst” stories to publish a “Best & Worst of National News” every month, it’s a big step to see a major news station make a change like this.
The next time you see a problematic story about the LGBT community, reach out! Let us know here at GLAAD by filling out a quick Incident Report on glaad.org and write to the media professionals involved letting them know how you feel! And if you see a great story, let us know, and thank the reporter as well!
EXCLUSIVE – Interview With Katelynn From The Real World: Brooklyn
January 12, 2009
As I posted about on Friday, GLAAD was able to sit down with some of the cast members from this season of MTV’s The Real World. It’s the most LGBT inclusive season to date.
If you missed the first few interviews, you can click here to watch them. And if you missed the first episode, you can visit MTV’s website and watch the entire thing along with video dailies from the cast members. The next episode airs this week on Wednesday, January 14th.
Below is our exclusive interview with Katelynn, The Real World’s first ever transgender housemate.
It’s encouraging to see MTV provide greater visibility and a larger platform for transgender issues. Katelynn worked at the New York City LGBT Center while filming, which we’ll hopefully learn more about as the season unfolds.
You can read more information on the cast members from the MTV press release:
Katelynn, 24 – West Palm Beach, FL
Katelynn is a native of West Palm Beach and was raised in a religious Italian household, where she dreamed of being as good of a mother to her children as her own mom has been to her. Yet, this goal seemed unattainable since Katelynn was born male. In high school, she realized that something was missing in her life, and she began the slow transgender process by starting to dress in more feminine clothing. By age 17, she began living as a woman. This past July, Katelynn traveled to Thailand to undergo surgery to complete her transformation. She is a self-proclaimed computer geek and holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. After a string of bad relationships, she hopes to one day marry her current boyfriend, Mike.
Diego Sanchez to Assist Congressman Barney Frank
December 19, 2008
Diego Sanchez (L) and Congressional Representative Barney Frank (R ). Photo from Pam’s House Blend.
Transgender activist and prominent AIDS leader Diego Sanchez has just been appointed Congressional Representative Barney Frank’s top legislative assistant, making him the first transgender staff member on Capitol Hill.
If his name sounds familiar, it’s because Sanchez has consistently made headlines through 2008 since his appointment as the first transgender person named to a Democratic National Committee was announced early this year. Since then he was named among the Top 100 Most Powerful Latinos in Corporate America by Hispanic Business magazine and one of the 100 most powerful Latinos in Massachusetts by El Planeta newspaper. Sanchez is also the director of public relations and external affairs for the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts and has served on numerous health-related committees.
Sanchez told the Bay Windows that his top priorities would be to advise Frank on issues regarding healthcare, veterans, labor, the U.S. Census, and LGBT rights. Sanchez also said that Frank’s top items for LGBT issues would be the passage of transgender-inclusive hate crimes legislation and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). From Bay Windows:
“I believe that the opportunity for impact is one-on-one, and Barney has consistently said that the most important part of getting an inclusive ENDA passed is getting people to meet with their representatives,” said Sanchez. “I think what this does is give us an extra opportunity. … What I envision in my head is I will find it most interesting to sit with someone and have them tell me why they think I’m less than human and why they think my community should be treated as less than equal.”
Despite Frank’s introduction on a transgender-exclusive ENDA in 2007, Sanchez told reporters he was confident of the congressman’s commitment to a fully inclusive bill for 2009.
“I think that leadership has its obligations as well as its privileges, and Congressman Frank’s leadership means that he has to ensure that the appropriate numbers, the necessary number of votes are present,” said Sanchez. “He clearly has appointed someone in the trans community who is going to be part of his initiative to push forward a fully inclusive ENDA with gender identity and sexual orientation.”
Autumn Sandeen, a transgender blogger at Pam’s House Blend has a wonderful first-hand account of Sanchez’s appointment here. In her column, Sandeen mentions that Minnesota Republican Norm Coleman has employed a transgender staffer, Susan Kimberly, as his Chief-of-Staff for several years in his home office.
Jennifer Gale, Austinite Transgender Leader, Found Dead
December 19, 2008
A memorial to Jennifer Gale at City Hall in Austin.
The people of Austin awoke to a shock on Wednesday when they heard that former marine and perennial mayoral candidate Jennifer Gale, had died early that morning.
According to Austin EMS Director Ernie Rodriquez, Jennifer, 44, died from cardiac arrest. EMS employees said that the cold might have been a contributing factor to her death, although they are not certain. Jennifer’s body was found outside the First English Lutheran Church near the Austin campus. Jennifer had been occasionally homeless, although so far reports are not indicating if she was recently homeless.
KVUE-TV reported that Fire officials received a call around 7:30 am and spent 30-45 minutes performing CPR.
According to The Dallas Morning News, Jennifer was known as “a quirky Austin personality”. Jennifer ran for mayor several times, and had already filed paperwork for the upcoming 2009 race. She had also previously run for city council, governor, and school board in Dallas and Austin.
On Friday Equality Texas released a press statement calling on the state to review the non-discrimination policies for shelters to insure that transgender people can safely use homeless shelters throughout the city. Texas Civil Rights Review reported on the statement, saying that had Jennifer been able to find proper shelter her death might have been avoided.
Austin Mayor Bruce Todd was quoted as saying:
“Jennifer was a constant presence at various public hearings, forums and meetings in Austin and displayed a great love for and interest in our city. Her well-known catchphrase was ‘Keep Austin, Austin.’ While Jennifer no longer is here to physically trumpet that slogan, her personification of that expression will never be forgotten.”
In 2007 Jennifer’s platform for Dallas mayor was the only one calling for legal recognition of gay and lesbian unions and to extend publicly subsidized health benefits to Dallas residents.
We’ll keep readers updated as we find out more about Jennifer and how people are honoring her legacy.
