Violence: The Transmen on Both Sides of the Story
"I would prefer my transgendered background to remain private to the world at large, which is how most people treat their personal issues... John never was given that choice. Brandon was never given that choice. I can't help wondering if the choice is, ultimately, mine." - Dr. Max[1]
Typically trans individuals are only thought of as victims of violence. The annual Trans Day of Remembrance creates a litany of those who have passed away throughout the year. The ability of trans individuals to pass, often means that the trans folk are only discovered to be trans at their death or through tragedy. Trans mentors, who forgo their own privacy in order to educate and advocate for others, have "come out" in order to reveal the truth: that trans individuals are living healthy and successful male lives.
Violence, like all issues that affect the trans community have trans men on all sides of the issue. Some trans men protect others from violence, while others are the victims. Below are the stories of some of the trans heroes that have been lifted up in FTM Newsletters.
Protecting from Violence
After serving for 10 years, Sergeant Thorne "came out" and became the first openly transman to serve in the San Francisco Police Department.
Victims
Heroes memorialized as victims of violence: How my friend John was Murdered Twice
References
- Dr. Max, "How my friend John was Murdered Twice," FTM Issue 44, Spring 1999. (see above)
