Today, the trial of the alleged killers of Brianna Ghey began. Prosecutors presented evidence including alleged texts showing extreme anti-trans violent rhetoric that may have lead to her killing.
That really did hurt to read. She wasn't hurting anyone. She was just a person. A lovely little person, existing. Too much for a cruel world to leave well enough alone. I am at work now but I'll cry later. She deserved a life safe and free from this virulent hatred and abuse.
Helen Joyce is the worst kind of transphobe. She delivers her message in a reasonable and caring voice, and she acts like she has the best interest of trans people (particularly young trans men) at heart. Maybe she even believes that.
But her message is that trans people should not exist. Her message is that transition is ALWAYS wrong for the person and for society, *even if* the person transitioning is happy with the outcome. Which we overwhelmingly are, by the way.
What she's ultimately advocating for is forced detransition of every trans person in the UK and prevention of any future transition. And if the consequences include terrible psychological pain and suicide, well, that's too bad, but it's a necessary price to pay. People just need to learn to accept and live in the gender they're assigned at birth. In her world, there is no other option.
Ghey’s slaying proves that what’s going on in Gaza isn’t the only genocide happening right now. When people see us as less-than, they see our lives as expendable.
I'm fortunate that I've never been a victim of physical violence, but I've certainly been followed and threatened before, and that's a difficult thing to deal with. My voice was too low at a grocery store one time earlier this year, and a guy nearby looked at me hard. I left to the next store I was going to, and he parked in front of me putting me on high alert, when I left there, he very obviously followed me to two more locations. I ran into the last one, and let the clerk up front know what was happening, trying to talk while I was shaking so hard from fear I couldn't hold my own bag, and then I called some folks for help, I didn't trust the police to help me. I'm thankful I noticed him immediately.
My partner has only been about for about 18 months and was almost assaulted a few months ago, a man outside saw us, went out of his way to shoulder check her hard, and then we got away from him by going into a late-night diner. We felt safe in there, and now don't. I looked up at my partner at one point to say something and saw her face go white, the man that shoulder checked her had followed us inside, and was right next to her (We were seated in a booth across from eachother). Thankfully, a staff member showed up just then and kicked the dude out quite forcefully, he'd been an issue before. The guy proceeded to wait for us outside, so we called a few friends to show up and left as a large group.
All of this for merely existing, and the rhetoric of extremists and bigots convincing all who will listen that we're the predators, while preying on us. If being trans was a choice I'd have never done it simply because of society, but it wasn't, and I wouldn't be alive today if I hadn't made the choice to live authentically.
Reading about her always makes me so sad. She should still be here. She should have been able to exist comfortably in the world. It’s transphobes who should be made uncomfortable. I hope this and countless other stories of tragedies convince enough cishet people that it’s time to actively call out and shut down hate and intolerance
There is something seriously wrong with anyone who thinks this was okay. What kind of world do we want to live in?
Normally, you think of trans hate crimes being things done in the heat of the moment, when a person's deeply ingrained transphobia boils over and causes them to lash out at us. But this? This is all so chillingly premeditated.
So hard to read, and so important. Thank you for doing the hard work of reporting on this, and other tough stories. Your work is so important in bringing deeply necessary change. Stay safe, indulge in good self care, and know that this Mom is so thankful for you, and carries you in her heart.
Emotional read...first the tears, then anger, then sadness and now more tears. As a straight woman I feel like "we" need an adopt a transgender program. I live in Oregon our laws and proposed legislation is Queer friendly. Lesbian Gov. and multiple Queer legislators. I sit in the warmth of my own home frustrated that I feel helpless.
This was so hard to report on.
Y'all take care of yourselves out there.
That really did hurt to read. She wasn't hurting anyone. She was just a person. A lovely little person, existing. Too much for a cruel world to leave well enough alone. I am at work now but I'll cry later. She deserved a life safe and free from this virulent hatred and abuse.
Helen Joyce is the worst kind of transphobe. She delivers her message in a reasonable and caring voice, and she acts like she has the best interest of trans people (particularly young trans men) at heart. Maybe she even believes that.
But her message is that trans people should not exist. Her message is that transition is ALWAYS wrong for the person and for society, *even if* the person transitioning is happy with the outcome. Which we overwhelmingly are, by the way.
What she's ultimately advocating for is forced detransition of every trans person in the UK and prevention of any future transition. And if the consequences include terrible psychological pain and suicide, well, that's too bad, but it's a necessary price to pay. People just need to learn to accept and live in the gender they're assigned at birth. In her world, there is no other option.
We don't call the UK TERF Island for nothing.
Okay. I put a heart.
It's not a "like" heart. It's a feelings heart.
I'm just an old, straight woman, but this sort of crime just makes me mad.
People are People, and all the differences we have are necessary for our survival, ultimately.
We NEED each other.
I am sad for the people who feel a need to reject diversity.
Ghey’s slaying proves that what’s going on in Gaza isn’t the only genocide happening right now. When people see us as less-than, they see our lives as expendable.
Brianna, I'm sorry. You deserved the world, but it was stolen from you.
Change is coming, I want to fight for it. Girls like Brianna shouldn't need to fear for their lives.
I'm fortunate that I've never been a victim of physical violence, but I've certainly been followed and threatened before, and that's a difficult thing to deal with. My voice was too low at a grocery store one time earlier this year, and a guy nearby looked at me hard. I left to the next store I was going to, and he parked in front of me putting me on high alert, when I left there, he very obviously followed me to two more locations. I ran into the last one, and let the clerk up front know what was happening, trying to talk while I was shaking so hard from fear I couldn't hold my own bag, and then I called some folks for help, I didn't trust the police to help me. I'm thankful I noticed him immediately.
My partner has only been about for about 18 months and was almost assaulted a few months ago, a man outside saw us, went out of his way to shoulder check her hard, and then we got away from him by going into a late-night diner. We felt safe in there, and now don't. I looked up at my partner at one point to say something and saw her face go white, the man that shoulder checked her had followed us inside, and was right next to her (We were seated in a booth across from eachother). Thankfully, a staff member showed up just then and kicked the dude out quite forcefully, he'd been an issue before. The guy proceeded to wait for us outside, so we called a few friends to show up and left as a large group.
All of this for merely existing, and the rhetoric of extremists and bigots convincing all who will listen that we're the predators, while preying on us. If being trans was a choice I'd have never done it simply because of society, but it wasn't, and I wouldn't be alive today if I hadn't made the choice to live authentically.
Reading about her always makes me so sad. She should still be here. She should have been able to exist comfortably in the world. It’s transphobes who should be made uncomfortable. I hope this and countless other stories of tragedies convince enough cishet people that it’s time to actively call out and shut down hate and intolerance
There is something seriously wrong with anyone who thinks this was okay. What kind of world do we want to live in?
Thank you for this writing; as difficult as it must be for you to tell the story.
What the actual fuck.
Normally, you think of trans hate crimes being things done in the heat of the moment, when a person's deeply ingrained transphobia boils over and causes them to lash out at us. But this? This is all so chillingly premeditated.
Thank you for reporting on this. What an utterly heartbreaking story.
I don't why it should surprise me that one of these suspects is a girl, but it still did.
So hard to read, and so important. Thank you for doing the hard work of reporting on this, and other tough stories. Your work is so important in bringing deeply necessary change. Stay safe, indulge in good self care, and know that this Mom is so thankful for you, and carries you in her heart.
That poor child. I am so very sorry.
I can’t read this yet. She looks so much like I picture my daughter will when she is older. I just can’t. Sending love to everyone. 💔
Emotional read...first the tears, then anger, then sadness and now more tears. As a straight woman I feel like "we" need an adopt a transgender program. I live in Oregon our laws and proposed legislation is Queer friendly. Lesbian Gov. and multiple Queer legislators. I sit in the warmth of my own home frustrated that I feel helpless.
Thank you for writing this story. It is important.