The Good, Bad, And Mixed.

First the good:

Thank you all who took last year’s trans survey. When we were trying to pass the gender non-discrimination law we were asked questions like, how many? What types of discrimination do we face? What are the needs of the community?

We couldn’t answer because we had no data.

Why the largest transgender survey ever could be a powerful rebuke to myths, misinformation

USA Today

By Susan Miller

February 23, 2024

When Ashton Holmes saw the results of the largest-ever transgender survey in the U.S., the data elicited ripples of joy: “It made my heart happy.”

The survey by the National Center for Transgender Equality of over 92,000 binary and nonbinary transgender people offers a window into a world often clouded by misconceptions. Nearly all respondents – 94% − said they were satisfied with their lives after transitioning.  

Holmes, 39, a Black transgender man who navigates life with a “let’s love on each other” philosophy, says the statistics give powerful proof “that people are satisfied when they are seen, when they are affirmed.”

Transgender advocates are hoping the data not only shows that validation − but also cuts through a tornado of misinformation about transgender people that has swirled in the past few years.

“This survey is tremendously significant for the quality, the quantity and frankly the timing,” says Cathy Renna, communications director for the National LGBTQ Task Force. “We could not need this more than we do right now.”

Except the right-wing conservatives will ignore it… fake news. They live in their own little world devoid of reality. But those with any education will see through the Republican deceit.

The Bad:

Nassau County bans transgender athletes from competing at public facilities

Spectrum News

By Rebecca Greenberg

February 22, 2024

A first-of-its-kind ban on transgender athletes in New York state is happening on Long Island.

"If there is a league or team that advertises themselves to be women's or girls, then biological males will not be able to compete," said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who signed an executive order Thursday which prevents transgender girls and women from participating on girls' and women’s teams. 

In New York state, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination against transgender individuals in employment, housing and public accommodations.

“It’s a reflection here in New York of what’s happening around the country and the ways in which trans people are targeted. I only hope that we can offer some comfort here in New York state. We have very clear laws that this cannot be happening and this will not stand,” Hodgson said.

In a tweet, Schools Chancellor David Banks wrote, “New York City Public Schools strongly condemns this transphobic order, and we are assessing the practical implications for our athletes.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul, State Attorney General Letitia James and the New York Civil Liberties Union have all called the ban illegal, and are exploring legal action.

They don’t take them to court just say if you do this you will lose all state funding, that would really hurt them more than a long drawn out court battle.

Okay all my Long Island friends you got you work cut out for you.

The Mixed:

Man guilty of killing transgender woman in hate crime trial over gender identity

NPR

By The Associated Press

February 22, 2024

A South Carolina man was found guilty Friday of killing a Black transgender woman in the nation's first federal trial over a hate crime based on gender identity.

After deliberating for roughly four hours, jurors convicted Daqua Lameek Ritter of a hate crime for the murder of Dime Doe in 2019. Ritter was also found guilty of using a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting and obstructing justice.

A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. Ritter faces a maximum of life imprisonment without parole.

"This case stands as a testament to our committed effort to fight violence that is targeted against those who may identify as a member of the opposite sex, for their sexual orientation or for any other protected characteristics," Brook Andrews, an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of South Carolina, told reporters after the verdict.

While federal officials have previously prosecuted hate crimes based on gender identity, the cases never reached trial. A Mississippi man received a 49-year prison sentence in 2017 as part of a plea deal after he admitted to killing a 17-year-old transgender woman.

Why is this mixed results when he is going to jail? Because we lost one of our own.