Welcome to Rainbow PageEditorial by Sarah Farquharson
This section of the online magazine will give students and teachers the opportunity to submit poetry, stories, photography, and questions about the LGBT community. I will be publishing editorials related to this bi-weekly. I really look forward to submissions from everyone. If you have any questions or suggestions about what I should add to this section to make it more appealing or successful, feel free to contact me. |
Transmisogyny and the Marginalization of Trans Women
By Amber Suess (4/24/13)
Trans or “transgender” women have to deal with myriad social inequalities, along with harassment, assault, gender dysphoria (a deep discontentedness with the gender they were assigned at birth and their reproductive organs/ secondary sex traits) and their emotional and psychological after-effects. In most cases, these women have no welcoming institutions in place to help them cope. Cisgender or “cis” women (“biological women”) have shelters that are only open to cis women, and counseling opportunities that all women--Cis or trans--can benefit greatly from in times of need.
Tobi Hill-Meyer of the Bilereco Project reports that Three out of five trans women have been sexually assaulted in their lifetimes. 68% have been raped. It’s difficult even for a cis woman to work up the courage to report abuse, be taken seriously, and be given the correct resources, and they HAVE resources created just for them. Trans women do not.
These women rarely report being raped, despite the terrifyingly large percentage of them being assaulted. They feel uncomfortable doing so because doctors alienate them, their fellow women deny their womanhood, and men are usually just downright hostile towards them.
In her book, Whipping Girl: a Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity, Julia Serano describes transmisogyny as “A trans person being ridiculed or dismissed, not merely for failing to live up to gender norms, but for their expressions of femaleness or femininity”. Tobi Hill-Meyer defines it as "the intersection of transphobia and misogyny that specifically targets trans women”.
In our society, to be feminine is to be weak. Most gendered insults and slurs are feminine. For a man to be associated with anything “feminine” is the worst possible insult. Even women use these gendered slurs against each other. We live in a femmephobic society. When someone who was born male “comes out” as a woman, most people are just like “Why would you want to be a woman?” If a trans woman presents “too femininely” they’re reinforcing archaic gender roles. They’re drag queens. They’re making a mockery of “real women”. When they present too masculinely they’re misgendered and called “fakers”. That is transphobia. Transphobia has a MASSIVE effect on everyday life for a trans woman.
For example, If a trans woman is in a situation where she needs to use a public bathroom, which does she use? If she uses the correct one, the women’s room, she risks being labeled a “pervert” and a creep. If she uses the men’s room, she risks being beaten up, assaulted, or even raped. If a trans woman can’t trust cis people not to attack her for using a public bathroom, how could she trust any cis person to be accommodating and safe? Why don’t these women have access to the things they need to live happy lives? Why are they treated as subhuman? If we had facilities with properly trained staff for these women, I’m sure the amount of rapes and assaults reported would skyrocket and the quality of life for all trans women will improve.
Some feminists believe that trans women are “men in disguise” trying to trick their way into sacred “womyn-born-womyn”-(“womyn” is a term used by some feminists as an alternative spelling of “woman” and as an expression of female independence) only spaces. These same “womyn” gladly accept trans men into their spaces, where the men can take advantage of the resources intended to help women. Is that fair? Most trans women and activists don’t think so. Trans women need support and a sense of community, something that is hard for them as marginalized group. If we don’t include them in our spaces, we are alienating our sisters for a very arbitrary reason. We are directly responsible for their harm. We are responsible for the fact that 1 in 3 trans women will attempt suicide during their lifetimes. Women-only spaces NEED to be trans-inclusive. Lives are at risk, and it’s so easy to help prevent these things through inclusion that it’s absolutely ridiculous not to.
Trans or “transgender” women have to deal with myriad social inequalities, along with harassment, assault, gender dysphoria (a deep discontentedness with the gender they were assigned at birth and their reproductive organs/ secondary sex traits) and their emotional and psychological after-effects. In most cases, these women have no welcoming institutions in place to help them cope. Cisgender or “cis” women (“biological women”) have shelters that are only open to cis women, and counseling opportunities that all women--Cis or trans--can benefit greatly from in times of need.
Tobi Hill-Meyer of the Bilereco Project reports that Three out of five trans women have been sexually assaulted in their lifetimes. 68% have been raped. It’s difficult even for a cis woman to work up the courage to report abuse, be taken seriously, and be given the correct resources, and they HAVE resources created just for them. Trans women do not.
These women rarely report being raped, despite the terrifyingly large percentage of them being assaulted. They feel uncomfortable doing so because doctors alienate them, their fellow women deny their womanhood, and men are usually just downright hostile towards them.
In her book, Whipping Girl: a Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity, Julia Serano describes transmisogyny as “A trans person being ridiculed or dismissed, not merely for failing to live up to gender norms, but for their expressions of femaleness or femininity”. Tobi Hill-Meyer defines it as "the intersection of transphobia and misogyny that specifically targets trans women”.
In our society, to be feminine is to be weak. Most gendered insults and slurs are feminine. For a man to be associated with anything “feminine” is the worst possible insult. Even women use these gendered slurs against each other. We live in a femmephobic society. When someone who was born male “comes out” as a woman, most people are just like “Why would you want to be a woman?” If a trans woman presents “too femininely” they’re reinforcing archaic gender roles. They’re drag queens. They’re making a mockery of “real women”. When they present too masculinely they’re misgendered and called “fakers”. That is transphobia. Transphobia has a MASSIVE effect on everyday life for a trans woman.
For example, If a trans woman is in a situation where she needs to use a public bathroom, which does she use? If she uses the correct one, the women’s room, she risks being labeled a “pervert” and a creep. If she uses the men’s room, she risks being beaten up, assaulted, or even raped. If a trans woman can’t trust cis people not to attack her for using a public bathroom, how could she trust any cis person to be accommodating and safe? Why don’t these women have access to the things they need to live happy lives? Why are they treated as subhuman? If we had facilities with properly trained staff for these women, I’m sure the amount of rapes and assaults reported would skyrocket and the quality of life for all trans women will improve.
Some feminists believe that trans women are “men in disguise” trying to trick their way into sacred “womyn-born-womyn”-(“womyn” is a term used by some feminists as an alternative spelling of “woman” and as an expression of female independence) only spaces. These same “womyn” gladly accept trans men into their spaces, where the men can take advantage of the resources intended to help women. Is that fair? Most trans women and activists don’t think so. Trans women need support and a sense of community, something that is hard for them as marginalized group. If we don’t include them in our spaces, we are alienating our sisters for a very arbitrary reason. We are directly responsible for their harm. We are responsible for the fact that 1 in 3 trans women will attempt suicide during their lifetimes. Women-only spaces NEED to be trans-inclusive. Lives are at risk, and it’s so easy to help prevent these things through inclusion that it’s absolutely ridiculous not to.
Be Out; Be ProudBy Alicia Avitable
Today is Gay Day! Those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, heterosexual, homosexual, and transgender should be allowed to have pride. LGBT holds a positive stance in the face of discrimination and violence towards gays and gay marriage. Why should LGBT people be treated differently from us? Don’t they have every right to their own opinions and ideas that could be contributed to society? Prideful events regarding gays should be celebrated, especially because some do not feel as connected to the world as they should. I do not know how they feel when they are treated unequally, unfairly and disconnected, but it can't be good. There is a lot of judgment and criticism that makes gays from coming out. Some of them have families that are extremely religious and do not agree with their preferences. I recently saw a Beverly Hills 90210 episode in which a teenager was in danger. He was gay and was scared to tell his parents. He finally found enough confidence to tell his parents but unfortunately they did not accept him. His parents kicked him out of the house and he began sleeping at work, in the back room at a car wash. He was tired of not being good enough for anybody. He began to cut his wrist and was close to doing more but a friend jumped in just in time and saved his life. The friend spoke with the parents and that helped them accept the boy for who he was. So be proud of who you are and don’t be afraid to show yourself to others. Sometimes we can be surprised by how accepting people can be. Be strong and be proud! |
We Hate Proposition 8!By Sarah Farquharson (3/27/13)
The Supreme Court is discussing California's Proposition 8, which denies same sex couples the right to get married and share the same benefits as heterosexual couples. Some justices argue that this is a form of discrimination, the “equal protections clause” in the constitution entitles African Americans and the disabled to the same rights as any other American and this should extend to same sex couples. However, some protesters and Supreme Court Justices believe that the significance of marriage should be preserved and that marriage is only between a man and woman. Others, including myself, believe marriage is just a union between between two people and should not be denied because the couple is same sex. California was not always like this. On May 15, 2008 the state legalized same sex marriage. I remember that day well. I was sitting in my living room and when I turned on the television, I saw breaking news: “Same sex marriage has been legalized for the state of California.” I saw happy couple kissing and rejoicing because they felt this country was becoming more progressive, felt that they would finally be treated equal. But we all know some laws only last a short amount of time. On November 4, 2008, less than a year later, voters passed a law called Proposition 8, that banned same sex marriage but allowed those who had domestic partnerships were to keep their union. Is granting someone a right and then taking it away constitutional? The reason why this court case is so important to our nation is that if the Supreme Court says that denying someone marriage because it is to the same sex is unconstitutional, then it would legalize same sex marriage nationwide. This could be a big step for our country, leading us closer to equality. I’ll be writing more to you about updates on this issue. Below is a link that expands on the issue and includes arguments in the Supreme Court about Proposition 8 and the news coverage on it. http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2013/03/video-the-oral-arguments-in-the-prop-8-case.html |
Born This WayBy Kerry Tucker (3/18/13)
There is much controversy about the topic of homosexuality throughout the United States and the world. The people we see around us greatly influence our decisions, especially those we see in the media, such as on social networking sites like Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, as well as the more common attention-grabbing media like television, and even from the world around us. Believe it or not, the people you look up to have their own stories and their own lives, which they try to proudly and shamelessly every day. Who are some of these well-known people who aren’t afraid to mingle with the same sex? Jim Parsons. Many of you may know him as Sheldon Cooper on the CBS sitcom, The Big Bang Theory. He stated his sexuality and admitted to being in a ten-year relationship with his partner, Todd Spiewak, who he proposed to after winning an Emmy in 2010. Wanda Sykes. A popular actress and one of the top stand-up comics in the business, Sykes came out to a crowd at a same-sex marriage rally in Las Vegas in 2008. At the time, California’s “Proposition 8” banned gay marriage, stating that “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." She said this made her feel personally attacked. A State Supreme Court decision legalized same-sex marriage in California on May of 2008, due to multiple protests and complaints directed towards the unlawful proposition. |
Coming OutBy Kerry Tucker (3/18/13)
Coming out is one of the hardest things to do when you are part of the gay community. Fear of non-acceptance, hate, discrimination, and all of the other terrible subcategories that fall into the same area arise. Some frequent thoughts include: 1. Will my parents still love me? 2. What will they think? 3. Will everyone hate me? 4. What will my friends think of me after I tell them? 5. Will things just be awkward from this point on with everyone I come into contact with? People struggling with this issue, as well as those who love them, might want to read a coming-out story by Jeremy Jordan King, a 28-year-old New York City writer, author of ‘In Stone: A Grotesque Faerie Tale’ http://www.rucomingout.com/). |
Gay MarriageBy Kerry Tucker (3/18/13)
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is a worldwide LGBT organization and is, in fact, the largest in the nation. It envisions a union where the entire LGBT community can feel open to their orientation, and are ensured about their equal rights and opportunities. The HRC was founded in 1980 and provides education for fair-minded individuals about the LGBT community and public issues.The HRC rencently announced that for the first time, the U.S. Government has called a law banning marriage for gay and lesbian couples unconstitutional. The Obama Administration made history on March 1, 2013 by arguing that “denying loving and committed gay and lesbian couples the ability to marry is unconstitutional.” California Proposition 8 discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation and violates the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of equal protection of the laws, thus creating Obama’s lawful and logical view on gay marriage. |
Same Sex HallelujahBy Sarah Farquharson
Hey guys, I’m back here again talking about what’s the latest news in the LGBT community. For a refresher, nine states have legalized same sex marriage, thirty-one states have amendments banning same sex marriage, and six states have laws banning same sex marriage. But for the nine rainbow states of the union one question is asked, “Can you be both religious and homosexual?” The Catholic Church has strict laws stating that homosexuality is a sin and that it should not be socially acceptable. However, we are supposed to respect those who are homosexual and give them justice and pastoral care. But does this mean they can marry in the Catholic Church too? Recently Reverend Tim Clark refused to sign Referendum 74, which was going around D.C. in Catholic Churches to motivate preachers to refuse to marry same sex couples. He stated, “I am happy to report that Our Lady of the Lake parishioners have been overwhelmingly, and thus far, unanimously supportive of the decision I made NOT to gather signatures in support of this Referendum.” This was part of his letter to Archbishop Peter Sartain. Another priest in Seattle refused to sign the same referendum because he felt it would divide the community. He sent an email to his parishioners and 110 out of 115 were supportive of his decision. The Catholic Church, around the world, has a lot of power. With the Pope now on twitter and priests in America having an impact on the upcoming generation, their decisions impact us as a whole. The decision two priests make against Referendum 74 to actually allow same sex couples to marry in Catholic Churches is just one step closer to marriage equality for the LGBT community. The Pope opposes same sex marriage, but he’s not in America. Our first Amendment right is the right to freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly. If one couple in the same sex community has a right to practice their religion of Catholicism and be married in the Catholic Church, that’s one step closer to living the American Dream; that all men are created equal. |
Legalization of Same Sex Marriage
By Sarah Farquharson
Did you hear? As of November 7, 2012, same-sex marriage has been legalized in nine states (ME, MD, MA, CT, IA, VT, NH, NY, and WA). What does this mean for our country? Well, that is to be seen, but I wanted to start with seeing how people in our school feel. To start this section off, I interviewed students and staff about their positions on same sex marriage. The answers to this question span across a lot of age groups. From long-time teachers to newly-arrived freshmen, a lot of people shared the same opinions. In total, I received a majority opinion of "yes, it should be legalized," while three students and staff who wish to remain anonymous shared with me that they they feel it should not be legalized.
For example, “I don't believe that people of the same sex should be together," the anonymous interviewee stated. "I'm a religious person and in the Bible it does not say homosexuality is okay. I don't have anything against gay people; it's totally their choice. While I personally don't agree with same-sex marriage, I respect [those that want it].” This anonymous contributor explained that because of their religion they don’t feel it is acceptable.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but how does that affect the LGBT population as a whole? What if senators, congressmen, and state representatives all had this opinion? Same-sex marriage would not be legalized. There is the question of whether this view interferes with the natural human liberties specified in the first amendment. Should freedom of speech also mean freedom of marriage? Also freedom of religion comes into play when addressing this topic. If one were to decide same-sex marriage unconstitutional based on religious views would it be violating one’s first amendment, right?
However the majority opinion at Coop is that same sex marriage should be legalized. We go to an arts school and we’re filled with diversity and the freedom to be ourselves. We don’t really have the clique system like normal high schools, each person is encouraged to be an individual. We have the LGBT community here and even if it bothers some people, they still respect those who are part of it.
Ms. Englart, a Creative Writing teacher, said, “ It's an equal rights issue and everyone should have the same rights in America. People should not be treated differently; they should be treated the same. Socio-economic status, gender, sexual preference, race, and differences of all kinds shouldn't matter when it comes to fairness and equal treatment under the law. Who people love doesn't have anything to do with how they should be treated.”
Another teacher, Dr.Sapienza from the English Department, says, “I believe what interferes with religious culture [can be seen by some people] as sinful, but I believe it should be legalized.”
Autumn from the freshman Creative Writing class says, “To say somebody is not entitled to have their true love is wrong. Love is love and even if the sex is different it shouldn't matter. It's humanity.”
I personally support same-sex marriage because if someone loves someone of the same sex they should be able to marry them and have the same opportunity to health benefits and to visit their better half in the hospital; same as heterosexual couples. To me, love knows no race or gender and if two people can develop that bond of love and make it last a long time, then that is special.
Did you hear? As of November 7, 2012, same-sex marriage has been legalized in nine states (ME, MD, MA, CT, IA, VT, NH, NY, and WA). What does this mean for our country? Well, that is to be seen, but I wanted to start with seeing how people in our school feel. To start this section off, I interviewed students and staff about their positions on same sex marriage. The answers to this question span across a lot of age groups. From long-time teachers to newly-arrived freshmen, a lot of people shared the same opinions. In total, I received a majority opinion of "yes, it should be legalized," while three students and staff who wish to remain anonymous shared with me that they they feel it should not be legalized.
For example, “I don't believe that people of the same sex should be together," the anonymous interviewee stated. "I'm a religious person and in the Bible it does not say homosexuality is okay. I don't have anything against gay people; it's totally their choice. While I personally don't agree with same-sex marriage, I respect [those that want it].” This anonymous contributor explained that because of their religion they don’t feel it is acceptable.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but how does that affect the LGBT population as a whole? What if senators, congressmen, and state representatives all had this opinion? Same-sex marriage would not be legalized. There is the question of whether this view interferes with the natural human liberties specified in the first amendment. Should freedom of speech also mean freedom of marriage? Also freedom of religion comes into play when addressing this topic. If one were to decide same-sex marriage unconstitutional based on religious views would it be violating one’s first amendment, right?
However the majority opinion at Coop is that same sex marriage should be legalized. We go to an arts school and we’re filled with diversity and the freedom to be ourselves. We don’t really have the clique system like normal high schools, each person is encouraged to be an individual. We have the LGBT community here and even if it bothers some people, they still respect those who are part of it.
Ms. Englart, a Creative Writing teacher, said, “ It's an equal rights issue and everyone should have the same rights in America. People should not be treated differently; they should be treated the same. Socio-economic status, gender, sexual preference, race, and differences of all kinds shouldn't matter when it comes to fairness and equal treatment under the law. Who people love doesn't have anything to do with how they should be treated.”
Another teacher, Dr.Sapienza from the English Department, says, “I believe what interferes with religious culture [can be seen by some people] as sinful, but I believe it should be legalized.”
Autumn from the freshman Creative Writing class says, “To say somebody is not entitled to have their true love is wrong. Love is love and even if the sex is different it shouldn't matter. It's humanity.”
I personally support same-sex marriage because if someone loves someone of the same sex they should be able to marry them and have the same opportunity to health benefits and to visit their better half in the hospital; same as heterosexual couples. To me, love knows no race or gender and if two people can develop that bond of love and make it last a long time, then that is special.