Transgender London

You Are Not Invincible

As a teen, life is tough. Sometimes a lot of adults forget that but most of us do remember. Even the "most popular" have problems in their teen years. The very few who do not usually do find many problems when they graduate to the real world. Life for a transgendered teen is doubly difficult.

For starters, most do not feel safe at school or in public for that matter. This is particularly true if you are in the process of transitioning. It is possible that you are already very stealthy but the danger always exists. Danger is a word everyone should take very seriously. Believe me when I say, you are not invulnerable that, "It wont happen to me." can happen.

The story of Gwen Araujo who was a 17 year old transsexual teen should make that point all too well. She went to a party in her Newark California neighbourhood and was outed by another girl who discovered her secret in the washroom. Gwen was beaten to death in front of the others at that party and her body taken over 150 miles from home and buried in a shallow grave. No one would come forward. These were her friends; the friends who betrayed her and caused her death.

Brandon Teena was a 21 year old who moved to live his life in Nebraska as a male. His true identity was also discovered by his "friends". He was raped, beaten and murdered. The 1999 Oscar winning film "Boys Dont Cry" was based on his story. (This film is brutally stark in its reality and should be a must see by everyone who is transgendered.)

Fred Martinez, Jr was a 16 year old transsexual teen from Cortez Colorado who also lost his life. He was beaten to death by another 18 year old youth who bragged he had "beat up a fag"/ Martinez body was found with the abdomen slashed and skull shattered from a rock.

In each case above, the victims were acquainted with their attackers. In each case, they were assaulted when they should have felt safe. It is not logical for anyone to point the finger and say that it the States not Canada. Dont think for even a split second that it cant happen here. It can and has and will again.

Canadian transsexuals have been assaulted, sexually assaulted, beaten and murdered. We are no safer here than anywhere else. Age has absolutely no bearing on your safety. Only you have control of that. It is not possible for any of us at any age or at any point of transition to assume our safety. Gwen Araujo was beautiful by any measure and yet she was discovered despite the fact she was living stealth.

It is your responsibility to ensure your safety. You cannot step outside that zone for any reason without risking yourself. Socializing is a major part of your teen years. Still, you must be absolutely vigilant about your safety. This might mean you have to sit at home on long weekends or avoid the popular parties but it is for your safety. Where alcohol or drugs is involved a normally safe situation can quickly fall into a disaster for you.

Even though I am an adult, I can state that there is nothing so cruel as teen girls in a mall. How many does it take to swarm you? Who will stand up in your defense against the mob? What about walking home from your friend's house after dark? Think you are safe?

As adults, we learn how to be safe. Time is a luxury you dont have. You need to get educated now and you need to be aware of your surroundings as well as those near you at all times. Never think you will always be safe. Even with a friend you can still be a victim.

The key to all of this is to make sure you never put yourself in harm's way. If you are the least bit uncomfortable with a situation, get out of it, call someone you know you can trust.

It IS your life you could be risking.

Every November 20th we remember those in our community who have suffered violence or lost their lives. Dont become a name on that list.

Kimberley,

January 2009

This site was last updated 08/11/10