TS/TV/CD Love Blog - Because Of Your Uniqueness

TG women face potential violence not only as young women, but also as transgendered women. Because we have not had as many years of socialization as women compared to others our age, especially when just starting out, it’s easy to forget that young women in their teens and twenties are the most common targets of many violent crimes. Being a young woman is a very different dynamic than being a young man. You might still feel like you, but others will perceive you and act toward you in a very different way. Violence and harassment against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community is real. Although violence is actually somewhat rare, it’s important to remember that about one TG woman a month gets killed in the US, and many more are seriously injured. Even something as seemingly small as verbal harassment can be pretty terrifying under certain conditions. It is possible to reduce your risk by avoiding common problems.

The highest risks transgenders take can be when dating, especially if your date doesn’t know our TG status. A good friend of mine once called me from a restaurant and said triumphantly, “I’m on a date with someone who would beat the shit out of me if he knew!” While this may seem like some sort of ultimate validation that you pass, it’s an excellent way to find yourself in an extremely dangerous situation.

Many young TG women, especially in large cities, don’t have cars and have to walk or take public transportation a lot. If it gets past a certain time of night, you might consider a cab or a ride from someone you know before heading out on foot. Even a bicycle is a better option than walking. I have been walking alone in relatively safe places like midtown Manhattan or Chicago’s loop and been approached by men in very aggressive ways.

Being out on the street at night is especially dangerous, even more so if you’re alone. For TG women, groups of young men are often the most dangerous types of street encounters. They can sometimes get a pack mentality, especially if you are clocked. It’s very important to be careful when walking alone, especially at night or in unfamiliar areas. If you’re going out, there are certain types of bars and party situations where you need to be even more careful, and they usually involve young men (and probably alcohol). Read the rest of this entry »

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