EX TENEBRIS CRESCIT FLOS
LINGERING FEARS OF TRANNY-BASHING
We Are All Vulnerable
September 10, 2004
I live in a community which is generally quite safe. Although the dominant
culture is very conservative and religious, and would potentially be
worrisome, the people here tend not to be violent. The thought of being
attacked by a half-crazed Mormon simply doesn't cross my mind - it just doesn't
happen. However, there are still some nasty people around Salt Lake City who
probably would attack a tranny at the slightest provocation. I have never
felt especially nervous here, but as a recent post on TrannyWeb reminded me,
violence can strike anyone at any time.
Since I began going out as a woman, and especially since I went full-time,
some of my habits have changed. I used to think nothing of going to a bad
part of town, even after dark. (Note that a "bad part of town" in Salt
Lake City is a relative term; no part of this city is as bad as some parts of
Los Angeles I have wandered into.) Also, if someone invited me to a bar, the
only reasons I might decline were cigarette smoke or boredom, not fear of what
might happen. Finally, I never thought about having to defend myself if
attacked since I saw that as a remote possibility.
Now, I will not go to certain parts of town after dark, and I will not go to
bars, except on very rare occasions, and only to a bar that is definitely
safe; also, I think twice before going to parties. There are also certain
parts of the country where I would never now travel alone; for example,
redneck-infested places such as the Deep South, or generally violent places
such as Washington, D.C. Travel in various parts of the world is also a
more remote possibility than it used to be. Africa, Latin America, and
especially the Middle East are probably off-limits for good. Finally, I am
now more conscious of self defense. I have obtained a permit to carry a
concealed firearm, and I often carry a loaded gun while in Utah and in other
states that honor Utah's permit. Although I hope I never have to use it, it
helps me feel a little more confident. Even with the gun, however, I still
avoid situations in which the risk of being attacked is high.
Violence against transgendered people is all too real. In Salt Lake City and
in various other places, every November a memorial is held for transgendered
people who have been murdered. Their stories should strike fear into the
hearts of any cross-dresser or transsexual. Crazy predators seek us out
and will kill us given the chance. Even those of us who pass very well should
be nervous - no one passes perfectly, and some people are very observant. My
heart goes out to those who have been victims of violence, and I hope that one
day the world will come to accept us to the point that violence against us will
subside. Until then, we must be careful and be ready for anything.
All contents of this site, unless otherwise noted, Copyright 2002-2008
Heather Harrison. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to accredited
educational institutions to copy and use this material as desired, in whole or
in part, provided that proper credit is given.