Why Are We The Hunted
Feb
8
Written by:
Sunday, February 08, 2009 5:14:18 PM
Why Are We The Hunted?
Category: Blogging
By Janice Covington Allison.
Why are we the Hunted?
The answer can only be found in the minds of a rare but growing species of transphobic hunters that prey on us. Recent history has reflected this across our cities, especially in
Memphis Tenn.
It seems that it is open season on the whole spectrum of transgender
people. This includes Drag Queens, FTM, MTF, Fem Gays and more. None of us are immune to the violence that these vile creatures can inflict on us.
Killing us is on the rise. It's open season and no license is
required. We are being killed in the streets like dogs, and just
recently the hunter has even invaded our homes. Over the holidays, a
transgender, her significant other, and even their dog were killed in
Indianapolis Indiana. Does this hunter exclusively prey on
transgenders? Is there a new breed of killer which thinks in their
bigoted warped mind that we are an abomination that should be
eradicated from society?
This trend in on the rise across our nation, but the tally of victims
only reflects the deaths which are reported as hate crimes.
Unfortunately though, it is not a requirement of most city and state
law enforcement officials to report these atrocities as a hate crime
to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This will not be required
until the Mathew Shepard Act is passed.
You can help stop this violence and maybe save a life. If you see a
possible problem outside a club, restaurant or just on the street, ask
if they are ok or call the police if you are afraid and unsure. It's
ok to be suspicious. That's what 911 is for. Many of us have digital
cameras with us when clubbing and out and about. Take a picture. This
could be valuable to the police for identification of a suspect.
There are many things you can do. These are just a few, but no matter
what you do, never look the other way!
In the early 1970's in San Francisco, a very little known vigilante
group called the Lavender Panthers patrolled the streets of the
Tenderloin to protect Transvestites and Drag Queens from these 'Jack
the ripper' style predators. The Lavender Panthers were made up of
Drag Queens and Hustlers who patrolled with ball bats, chains and red
spray paint. [Mace was against the law to carry] Since the police
condoned violence and hate towards the Transgender and Gay Community,
we had no protection. The Lavender Panthers attempted to provide this
protection and were successful many times in foiling attempts of harm.
I'm sorry to say that the Lavender Panthers, who braved the streets
as rescuers, only lasted 4 years before being disbanded by the Police.
Did Huey Newton, Bobby Seals and the Black Panthers have the right
idea with thier method of protecting the Black Community? History
tells us the Black Panthers were formed as a community group in order
to protect the black citizens in Oakland California from racial
discrimination and persecution by the police.
They helped their community by feeding the poor and providing support
in the face of ambivalent and even hostile authorities. In 1968,
Elbridge Cleaver and several others were in a gun battle with police.
When the men surrendered, Elbridge Cleaver came out with his hands
raised high to the sky and the police shot him dead with twelve shots.
You may say as you read my comments, what can I do? Surprisingly
there is a lot you can do. We don't have to take up arms like our
brothers and sisters of the Lavender Panthers of San Francisco, but we
can still fight. We can fight with our reasoning and education. We
can fight with non-violent protest. You can fight alone by educating
your friends and neighbors about who you are. Show the people of the
world you have integrity; that you are a valuable asset to the
community regardless of your gender identity or presentation.
Community awareness is what this is all about. Most states have a
GBLT Equality organization. Make contact with them to see if you can
help. They all have a day set aside called Lobby Day. On this day,
you can go with them to speak to your legislators. You will be able
to bring to their attention the need for an Anti-Bulling Act and a
Hate Crimes Bill. If you are a member of a support group, bring it up
at your next meeting. If you are alone and do not know anyone, google
for a GBLT organization in your state and make contact.
In closing, we must do something. We cannot sit still for this
anymore. Please, for your sake and mine, and the future of our
Society, act in your own way. If you need my help, contact me
(JaniceCovington1@aol.com). I will be glad to come and speak to your
group or help by phone.