The Zapata murder trial coverage - and the missed opportunity of the LGB media and blogosphere

LGB -> start earning the T

First off, much love and appreciation for Autumn's blogging of the trial. I was glad to know another trans woman was there covering it. I appreciate Autumn's work so much, and I'm glad she's a prominent voice here at the Blend. It was her writing that led me to this site, and the consistently positive writing here overall about trans issues has kept me coming back.

While disappointing, it's sadly not shocking to me this story had so little impact in mainstream LGB media. Although that T so often gets tacked on at the end of LGB, the bias in queer communities against trans people - trans women especially - seems at times worse than in straight communities. While I'm sure there are many reasons why this happens (years of queer shame and desire for approval from the mainstream seems to be a strong motivator to vote those embarrassing men in dresses off the island... cultural hatred of trans people is a separate issue from cultural hatred of homo- and bisexuality and is as prevalent in LGB's as non-LGB's... one could go on), that the LGB community has largely been willing to ignore their issues with trans women is something that needs to be called out repeatedly and loudly until people start to get it. The community seems comfortable ignoring transphobia among celebrity gays (Dan Savage, looking at you) if it's something they enjoy. For years I had to hear cis feminists fumblingly explain they were changing MichFest from "inside," when really it came down to wanting to see a band they liked more than they were willing to show solidarity for a marginalized group.

Yesterday as the verdict came out and I read reactions to the trial in my own corner of the Twittercloud, I was inspired by the positive, nuanced discussion of issues facing trans women, the intersections of trans and race, and desire to have the legacy of Angie Zapata's murder make a difference in the lives of trans women of colour, not just their deaths (and this is in a medium that tops out at 140 characters per post). When I looked to the blogsphere... nothing. The feminist blogs at least mentioned it (although places like Feministe and Feministing are still working through their own systemic issues of cisgender dominance, and marginalizing and silencing of trans women).

This silencing, shame, and marginalizing of trans women is made of the same stuff that when unchecked leads to trans women being killed. That the queer blogsphere didn't find this story to be relevant places them on the side of the transphobic culture that kills, and if that's not enough to cause some serious concern among LGB communities, I'm not sure how to get their attention.  

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by: aleisha @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 06:47:45 AM CDT

The most trouble I have ever had on the job

Was at the hands of a boss who was a gay man. When I first "came out" in 1983, my hetero manager didn't have a problem with it. In fact I was promoted. When he left and his assistant manager took over, my life became a hell.
 Not all gay men feel that way but by far the most animosity I've experienced has been at the hands of gay men. I very much prefer Lesbians for company, both personally and professionaly.

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by: Margaret @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 09:02:02 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Pam, this link

in the end of the post {Read Autumn's coverage of the trial on the Blend here.} links back to this same post.  

If I make sense? it was quite by accident.

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by: HappyCat @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 06:55:22 AM CDT

it actually links

To all of the posts with the Angie Zapata tag, if you scroll down you'll see. It just happens that this post also has the same tag, so it's at the top.

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by: Pam Spaulding @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 08:29:11 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Wish I could say I was surprised

...but it's so fucking typical. Matthew was a pretty young white man, as you mentioned, so his death was a tragedy. Hmm...wonder who runs the mainstream gay media? Some hate crimes are more heinous than others, apparently.  

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by: hardcorps80204 @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 07:02:14 AM CDT

Angie wasn't exactly ugly

I'm not suggesting that a murder victim's beauty makes a murder more or less tragic, but if even if we were to accept that others use that standard: Angie Zapata was a beautiful girl, by anyone's standard.

And, as Autumn notes, she's been receiving lots of calls from the MSM - it's the queer media that has been silent.  And I think I know why, but it's just too disturbing and disappointing to contemplate for long.

"There are two kinds of people in this world -- the kind who separate the world into two kinds of people, and those who don't."  -- Gloria Steinem

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by: red7eric @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 14:18:46 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I feel guilty

I have to admit I feel a bit guilty.  If I'd had any idea that the trial was only going to last a week, I might have been able to blow off my class this week and gone out to Greeley (as it is, we watched part of the CNN live feed in class on Tuesday afternoon.)  However, with Autumn's excellent coverage, I felt like I was there anyway.

Again, what does that say about the LGBT community -- when hate crimes legislation in the headlines -- that the coverage of this trial has been largely disconnected from it? Are we seeing the short shrift given to trans issues generally playing itself out again or is that an overstatement? Not out of malice, mind you, but simply benign neglect.

I'm not sure it is an overstatement.  I'm glad to know that Michelangelo is on the story (I haven't listened to his show this week; sorry) and I'm really glad to see that some other folks have noticed the clanging silence in some corners of the blogosphere.

Malice or neglect?

Think about this: If you see your ex drive by your house once, it could be stalking or it could be coincidence.  But if it happens a hundred times, then its stalking.  Its malicious.

A different example: One Republican politician says 'Democrat Party' instead of 'Democratic Party'.  Slip? Malice?  Now - Republican politicans saying 'Democrat Party' instead of 'Democratic Party' as pattern and practice.  Even if there might be some Republicans who don't get the significance and, therefore, aren't being malicious themselves, the pattern and practice is one of malice.

We live with the effects of the pattern and practice of erasure.  Yes, there may well be instances where not mentioning the T or not noticing a particular story or otherwise not seeming to 'get it' isn't intentional or malicious as to the perceived perpetrator - yet, as part of an overall pattern and practice, it is a cog in the  transphobia machine that keeps chugging along.

And that ongoing pattern and practice allows things to happen, to be justified, to be rationalized.

Things like Maryland's 2001 gay-only rights law.

Things like New York's SONDA.

Things like the trans panic defense presented on behalf of Allen Andrade.

Yes - one of those is not like the others.

Andrade's attorney didn't get away with what she tried.

>^..^<

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by: KatRose @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 07:21:39 AM CDT

Sad, sad, sad

First, thank you Autumn for such impressive coverage, and thank you Pam for the forum.

While I was pleased to see some coverage and very positive cross-posts to Autumn's on-going reporting from Towleroad and Joe My God - both stressing her excellent work - I was similarly disappointed by the lack of coverage on so many other blogs.

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by: ChlorineX @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 07:24:38 AM CDT

Throwing the T under the bus,

  My thought of why there isn't a big LGB coverage in the LGB news community is they don't want to place a sign on what side of the fence they will be on if the time comes to getting ENDA and Hate crimes though, if the only way is to throw the Ts under the bus.  Remember ENDA 2007, Ameriblog and many other were in favor of letting the Ts go so the ENDA legislation could go through the house even knowing if it passed the senate, Bush would veto it.  The wounds have not healed and many will still take the same position, and couldn't be forward on a T issue, even though the issue won.  

 Pam stood her ground in her position that we are all on LGBT community.  I know many here at PHB stood strong with us Ts.  Like I said, this is my thoughts on why.  

If I make sense? it was quite by accident.

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by: HappyCat @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 07:25:17 AM CDT

Ironically

The outcome of this trial should be at the center of why Hate Crimes legislation is a)critical, and b)why the T must be included in it.

While I am thrilled that Andrade is going to rot forever, I don't feel any safer.  He obviously wasn't deterred.  

Hate crimes legislation won't deter many folks from committing violent acts of hatred; not per se.  The environment it may create...the indignation over how some people act out their hatred, may very well lesson hate crimes in detail.

Fostering such an environment requires coverage in the press.  In the blogs.  On the podcasts.  Ultimately, it must end up at parties and at the dinner table, during Sunday School and Home Room classes: it must be part of who we are.

We must all be repulsed by the attitudes and acts of Andrade and ilk.  

We must be willing to stop them before they act out.  Before they even learn to hate.

Apparently, some people tacitly excuse what he did.

Hate stops a beating heart.

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by: KarenS @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 09:16:33 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I can't tell

you how much I've appreciated Autumn's coverage of this trial as well as her increased presence at the Blend over the years. Autumn's writings here have really brought to light and put a face on trans issues for me. I don't think you could have had a better pick for covering this trial (and I am still stunned by the verdict... I was very pessimistic.)

That said, I really hope you're right with:

Not out of malice, mind you, but simply benign neglect.

Having witnessed the ENDA debacle and the ignorance of some LGB's (and in my personal experience GWM's - After ENDA, I significantly reduced contact with a few people I thought were friends, or at least friendly acquaintances) that it exposed, it's hard not to imagine some wrinkled noses over how well Autumn has been received and the great coverage she provided; it's tough for me to imagine that some of those big-blog players simply forgot to cover this. But, like I said, I tend to be pessimistic (about people and discrimination).

Thanks Autumn!

Electricity's for light bulbs!

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by: n8nyc @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 07:25:58 AM CDT

Just more of the LGB disdain for us that makes possible our abandonment

over and over and over. There is a seemingly endless stream of Trans-deaths that make up part of the statistics that LGBT organizations use to push protections, yet is we poor bastard stepchildren of the "gay rights" movement whose rights get negotiated away over and over.

Gay marriage was passed in a state recently over a governor's veto; pressure to pass and active lobbying was responsible and came from the entire LGBT community working together.

The same state's legislature passed trans-protections and the governor vetoed, no such outpouring of outrage and support for our rights occured.

I stood alone in a discrimination case, in a Federal courtroom, while an attorney pointed at me and shouted "What is America coming to when a person like THAT can demand protection from the Court?"

"A person like THAT...me." No ACLU, No Lambda Legal, no LGBT organization support, just me and two wonderful attorneys who took far less that their usual fees becuase I was out of work, which was the issue of the case.

Marti Abenathy of Transadvocate, bless her, was supportive throughout.

As I was in that case, the Trans community all too often is alone. New York still has no trans-protections from discrimination, the few scattered cases beign rendered unusable by SONDA, a law with intent to exclude trans-people.

We are the bargaining chip of LGBT; adding us to demands gives the rest of the community a negotiating point to compromise upon. We make some of our own gay and lesbian brothers and sisters uncomfortable. One has only to read the comments on many LGB blogs during the last ENDA attempt even in 365Gay.com, and certainly on blogs like Queerty and Joe.My.God

Autumn Sandeen, bless you. Your fervor has ended my self imposed silence that bgan during ENDA when I saw so much hatred toward us, not from the Christian Right from which we always expect it, but from the LGB community, which I had defended and advocated for in essay after essay, many posted by Marti.

Pam Spaulding, thank you so much as well, first for being in our corner and secondly for supporting Autumn and truly helping to give us our own voice.

I joined here after reading Autumn's reporting on Angie Zapata; I am silent no more.

Caillean McM

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by: CailleanMcM @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 07:34:10 AM CDT

Coverage

Thank you, Autumn.

Pittsburgh has no major media outlets and while our local bar rag is branching out into multimedia, they are completely beholden to the bars/bathhouses and have almost begrudging coverage of other issues.  

We have three LGBT bloggers.  I am very sorry I did not provide more coverage on this trial, especially as our County and our Commonwealth contemplate stripping gender identity and gender expression from anti-discrimination legislation.  

Your feedback about the larger LGBTQ media is spot on and part of a larger dialogue that needs to happen.  

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by: PghLesbian @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 07:41:21 AM CDT

I read Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondent

and think that you do a great job and never shy away from controversy; you don't go silent simply because something is a "sacred cow"

And Autumn, again, thank you. Your bravery in standing out there alone has brought me back into the fight..

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by: CailleanMcM @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 08:03:14 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Agree

i fully agree with you

Alex Stack

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by: alexstack @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 19:23:35 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I'll admit I am guilty of not writing about this case

I write a column for the weekly LGBT paper in Nashville and while I have covered transgender issues in the past I have not written about the trial.

I'll be writing about it for next week's piece.

Be better, not bitter!

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by: Anthony in Nashville @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 07:51:51 AM CDT

That's good news.

Might I suggest you have one or more trans people, and, perhaps, even Autumn herself, review your article before it's published?  All too many mistakes that perpetuate the transphobia and erasure that our community has experienced for far, far too long, are made by those writing about our issues who simply don't understand. You can do your part to change that by getting help from those that do before you publish.

(If I have incorrectly assumed that you are not transgender, I apologize.  If you are, I hope that those others who aren't take this advice to heart.)

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by: Abby @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 13:13:00 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Brutal honesty for me here

And I've followed Autumn's outstanding coverage, though I haven't commented on this story anywhere in the blogosphere (including the Blend and this is my blogosphere home).

It's fear, pure and simple. It's a reminder to us just how unstable gender categories can be (i.e. the association of being gay with being feminine or lesbian with being masculine). And it's a reminder that the "dominant social narrative" is that all LGBTs are like Angie Zapata, and just as deserving of death, even as brutal as this.

Myself, I push back against the fear by asserting privilege (in this case male privilege). I'm not like "those people."

I do the same thing as regards to race issues. Sure I'm African American. But don't get it twisted, I'm not like those "poor, unruly, negroes."

It's not like I'm unaware that I do this, and it's not my intention to flame (even though that will be the result of this more than likely). Or maybe it is my intention to flame, who knows.

But you can't solve a problem until you admit that there is a problem. And I'll admit it...I have a problem.

Gotta hit the purple line now.

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by: kevinchi @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 08:03:11 AM CDT

It is a first step...

I think admitting things like this is actually a really important step, and I am not going to flame you for it. Admitting we have attitudes or behaviours we're less than proud of is the first step to make changes. I find often what happens with queers is that we're so invested in wanting to seem open and progressive that we get really defensive when we have to consider that we can be oppressors and marginalizers too.

There are complex and powerful cultural influences which lead us to behave certain ways with race, gender, sexuality, religious belief, and on and on. Some (many?) of those influences are negative and harmful, so it's a really creepy feeling to acknowledge that we've been influenced by them to be people we might not like being. It's at that point, though, when we decide to have an honest assessment of ourselves and make changes, or we stick our head back in the sand (or pour another scotch) and pretend we're fine.

Acknowledging your fears and the privilege you have to hold those fears is a brave thing. I hope you can find the resources, relationships, or experiences to start changing them.

I'd much rather see comments like this one than what often feels like lip-service solidarity from queers.

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by: aleisha @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 08:17:16 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Indeed

As a married middle-aged straight woman, so many of the issues I read about here at the Blend and throughout my evergrowing links list on my own site are not my own personal experience- but reading, learning, asking and blogging have given me far more awareness than I ever could have acknowledged.

And it IS SCARY, to take those first steps and miscues. I will never know all that I should, but I do try to learn and carry forward. That's the only way I know how to show my concern and support.

THIS IS WHY I LOVE THE BLEND.  

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by: Louise @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 08:40:46 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Excellent post!

A deserved calling out.

Autumn, I am just so damned pleased for you... you put so much of yourself into raising awareness, educating (what a teacher you are!!) covering this story fairly and accurately- I can't imagine how exhausting this entire process has been.

Not just this past 2 weeks, but for the entire time since we first heard the name Angie Zapata.

Well done, dear. WELL DONE.

(get some rest!) ;)

Love, Louise

 

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by: Louise @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 08:35:20 AM CDT

I'm scheduled to be on the Mike Signorile show today @3:30

...unless, of course, I'm bumped again by Autumn, lol. That's what happened the last time.

I do hope that I get on to talk about this subject on the show, since we're at a critical crossroads for new media and old media and the blurring of lines for journalism and advocacy.

It's pretty clear we have some problem areas; I don't know  how much of it is legacy bias, disinterest, lack of imagination, or worse competitive fear for some that manifests itself in this silence. All I know is if advocacy for rights is truly a goal, none of those things should stand in the way of good coverage of all angles of a major trial like this.

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by: Pam Spaulding @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 08:40:00 AM CDT

Hope you're feeling better, Pam! :)

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by: Louise @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 08:42:12 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

thx, not really, but it's better than 6 feet under

It took forever to write this post last night, with my limited concentration and searing pain (tears were literally streaming down my face because it burned my fingers to type). There has to be a better way to deal with fibromyalgia, but like many who have it, there's only so much you can do when a flare is bad. I've just started a course of Vitamin B3 to help with the involuntary tremors/spasms that occur all the time nowadays, but are just worse during a flare. Woohoo brain malfunctioning pain centers -- what a feeling!

And believe it or not I'm at work today, still in pain, because I only have a couple of days of paid leave left after burning it all up last year during the election cycle. Talk about wearing one's self out for the cause. Anyway, I'll be offline most of the day, I look forward to more reaction to this column.

BTW, dealing with fibro makes it clear I probably would have crashed and burned physically if I had to do all Autumn accomplished in Greeley, something I could have easily done only a year ago. It's depressing.

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by: Pam Spaulding @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 08:52:00 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Lots of sympathy

I know 2 women locally who have fibro; one is mild and the other to the levels you describe. Plus Charlie has had arthritis since he was in his 30s (now almost 50) that is a 24/7 pain range from 4-10. His pain sometimes is so acute that he can't think clearly and it affects his temper- which is hard for all, as he is the gentlest, most reasonable and calmest of people. (versus me, the family hothead!)

I've gotten sort of good at recognizing when the flareups in his pain are starting and trying to help him deal with it- rest, stay warm, relax, do something he enjoys to take his mind off of the constant pain. We're WAY/YEARS past "aches".

It is so debilitating for the person who suffers such afflictions and frustrating for a loving spouse who doesn't- all we can do is try our damnedest to help as much as we can and be patient/understanding as hell. So lots of support for Kate, too- it must be so hard for her as well.  

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by: Louise @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 09:07:05 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Pam, maybe you could write a detailed post about fibro at some point

People are starting to "get it" better, but Fibro Myalgia is still widely misunderstood; in no small part due to out-dated myths that just don't seem to die. The first big flare-up I had after Phyllis and I got married, she absolutely did not understand what was happening and her attempt at getting accurate information was an exercise in frustration, with all the misinformation on the internet, made worse by well-meaning people giving unasked for and wrong advise...

Louise, you are so right about it being hard on our loved ones. I have fibro and rheumatoid arthritis and I think my flares are actually harder on Phyllis and the kids than on me.

susanferman.wordpress.com

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by: Susan_F @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 12:51:36 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Agreed

I'd like to see a Durham column at some point, maybe?

Of course, when Pam's in alot of pain PROBABLY isn't the right time to ask...  ;)

I baby the hell out of Charlie when it's cold (AND WE LIVE IN FREAKIN' MAINE) and make sure he has meds, hot tea, warm rooms- when I'd just as soon open the windows and have it about 64 in here all the time. If I stiffen up, 2 Tylenol and 15 minutes cures it; then I can zip right along. He can't.  

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by: Louise @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 14:24:17 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

in sync

Wow, we were just talking about that on the cast we did last night (should be up tonight) and how it was really nice to see an LGBT blog like Pam's really get involved the way they have. Good job Pam and Autumn!

co-host of trans-ponder

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by: Jaynatopia @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 08:50:05 AM CDT

Aravosis thinks transgendered Americans are hijacking "his" movement

"...unfortunate that Americablog, so often cited in the MSM as a major LGBT blog, has no coverage to date that I can find of the Zapata murder trial, from any angle"

Actually after his ranting last year against a fully inclusive ENDA bill, I don't find this so much "unfortunate" as I find it typical of him. Why anybody on the left or in the LGBT community still cite him is beyond me. It seems to me like if a liberal blog had said that black people don't deserve the same rights as white people, nobody would link to them, cite them or send them traffic. Guess it's still okay to say that trangendered people should be denied the same civil rights enjoyed by everybody else and THAT'S WHAT HE DID, because most left blogs and LGBT blogs still link to him. When you are expecting fair treatment from a known bigot, you're going to be dissapointed often.

BTW, I followed Autumn's trial blogging and I thank her and you from the bottom of my heart. The only traditional media coverage I've ever seen was on CNN and they continued right up through after the conviction to repeat the defenses' story over and over. They never bothered to mention that the killer accompanied Ms. Zapata to a traffic court hearing 36 hours before the murder. They just mindlessly repeated the deception lie over and over. Thanks Autumn and thanks Pam for getting this done.

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by: Margaret @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 08:58:30 AM CDT

"Citizen Crain"

...is equally silent.

Hate stops a beating heart.

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by: KarenS @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 09:52:46 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Quelle Surprise

I'm shocked, shocked I tell you.....

There is no situation so complex it can't get even worse

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by: ZoeB @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 12:34:59 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thank you for saying what I wanted to

You said what I was thinking better than I could.  

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by: AngelOfConfusion @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 14:16:22 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

It's not just the lgbt media

Though Aravosis' silence on the issue speaks volumes. Where's the coverage on major progressive blogs like Kos & the Huffington Post; who often write about important cases or criticize when the media runs away with missing white woman stories, but doesn't speak about women of color?

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by: Kathleen @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 08:58:35 AM CDT

I've been wondering the same thing.

Still more though, I wonder why they still link to Americablog after that temper tantrum last year.

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by: Margaret @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 09:08:18 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Good question

I link to them & Kos, but also link to FauxNews. Still in "learning" stages and doing compare/contrast of what stories are or are not being covered.

The older and more populated blogs- who knows their reasoning?

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by: Louise @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 11:21:53 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yes

In this case the mainstream media was all over it, and their coverage was pretty good on the whole (though not without the tireless work of folks from several organizations behind the scenes). But the coverage in the progressive blogosphere was basically zilch.

Usually we're talking about the reverse--the media focuses on the most banal subjects (high speed chases, imaginary shark attacks, missing white girls) and the progressive blogs are screaming about it.

In this case, a landmark court test of a major piece of progressive legislation, not to mention human tragedy and the full weight of the religious right bearing down, involving a district attorney who is the presumptive Republican candidate for United States Senate in 2010, and the progressive blogs ignored it.

I find that troubling.

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by: Janus303 @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 10:04:11 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

You won't hear anything from Kos

DKos is the foot of the Democratic party pedestal where people go to worship at the altar of the One. And neither the Party nor President Separate But Equal gives a shit about LGBT issues, especially the T part, so no one at Kos will, either.

Kos himself recently wrote something really offensive about "how those silly queers should just call each other husband and wife and soon EVERYONE will follow." Asshole. As though a straight man has any business telling queers how to define our relationships just to make him feel better.

God save ornery old queens! - kevinchi

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by: Keori @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 10:44:41 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Kos has his uses but LGBT rights is not one of them

Markos does well in evaluating elections and strategies to get progressives elected. I believe he does care about LGBT rights as a matter of principle but it is peripheral to him. I agree he should have covered this if for no other reason than because it was a test case for a very progressive piece of legislation but no, he has no business telling anybody how to live or how to act. I'll give him a pass, mainly because he and his site are more concerned with elections, though that's a cop out too. Since they hired Jed, they seem to be getting into Crooks and Liars' territory of calling out wingnutty talking heads and I believe that does nothing more than give those bigoted idiots viewership and traffic. Still, Aravosis has no such excuse or any use to me.

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by: Margaret @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 11:11:28 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Indeed

The Democratic Party's utmost concern for winning elections is why LGBT people still don't have equal rights. Markos can keep his little slice of the internet; I have next to no use for it. Those who comment there in support of more progressive LGBT policies, and who criticize Obama for his barely-disguised bigotry on the subject, are always shouted down by those waving pompoms and chanting, "Give it TIME! Give it TIME! We have to WIN! We have to WIN!" They reinforce the idea that being a progressive and being a Democrat are somehow mutually exclusive. Not the kind of friends we need.

Still, at least there are a whole nine diaries at DKos referring to Angie over the past year, which is more than I can say for Washington Monthly. As good a progressive blogger as Steve is, he hasn't said one thing about Angie Zapata's murder or the landmark trial or verdict.

As Pam pointed out, most LGB blogs don't want to cover T issues, most progressive blogs don't want to cover B or T issues or any LG issue besides marriage and DADT, and most feminist blogs refuse to recognize Ts as real people. WTF, really? REALLY?

God save ornery old queens! - kevinchi

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by: Keori @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 13:19:50 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Autumn and I confirmed on the air w/Mike Signorile today

Autumn's on The Michelangelo Signorile Show Tues. at 2:30 ET and I will be on at 3:30 ET.

Listen in for free with 3-day pass.

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by: Pam Spaulding @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 11:31:20 AM CDT

major FAIL: not reporting the case as "Matt Shepherd, Part II"

The timing is right for a current legislation link.

The victim was photogenic, and more importantly, had a large loyal family who have been very public.

There is still some media novelty factor about transgender people - recent TV characters, movie, etc

As Janus pointed out, this is a major test of newly passed state inclusive hate crimes legislation.

The D.A. is aiming for the Senate, and undoubtedly the Dobson / Haggard groupminds up in Colorado Springs are issuing statements in local media about the case and the CO law.

This is not a hard choice to report. The story practically marches up to the reporter and hands them copy. (No offense, Autumn, I know reporting takes work, it's just that some reporters wouldn't know a story  if it came up and kicked them in the shins.)

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by: NancyP @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 12:07:25 PM CDT

The only Gay commenter on the murder at the CNN site

The only one I could find, anyway.

Tim April 19th, 2009 8:37 pm ET

I am a gay man and I hope that the defendant is not convicted of murder. You cannot deceive people like this and then expect them not to be pissed.

That says it all, really.

And meanwhile, I've been writing comments in many different local papers in MA and NH, two of the states which have anti-discrimination protections for GLBs, but not Ts, and are re-visiting that issue

Support from gay commenters? Zero. But at least they haven't commented saying they oppose the legislation.

It would be nice to have a little help. But failing that, please don't get in the way.

Even if you do, I'll still support GLB rights. Because it's the right thing to do.

There is no situation so complex it can't get even worse

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by: ZoeB @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 13:11:36 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Flashback

I am a gay man and I hope that the defendant is not convicted of murder. You cannot deceive people like this and then expect them not to be pissed.

Sounds like this came from the author of the letter that Michael Magidson read at his sentencing hearing in the Araujo trial.

>^..^<

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by: KatRose @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 13:44:23 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Zoe's been everywhere...

I have gone online in the past week for trial-related information. Or at least that is how it has seemed.

She has been making solid, intelligent observations and rebutting some serious hate and ignorance in the Comments sections following news stories. I have referenced her blogsite to others a number of times. I don't know how many minds she has changed or opened up, but she has definitely been working long and hard for us before and during the trial.

THANK YOU, ZOE!

And once again, THANK YOU, AUTUMN!

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by: Cathy Cat @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 16:51:22 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I didn't stop to think...

... just how far up its butt most of the gay media have stuck their heads. But yeah, seems pretty clear.

It makes me appreciate what a treasure Autumn is for us here! And what a great place this is.

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by: dewdrop_world @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 13:16:26 PM CDT

Part of what needs to be understood

This is not simply transphobic. It's homophobic too.

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by: kevinchi @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 14:58:02 PM CDT

It's a continuing problem

And I think it is neglect, but not really benign.  The neglect isn't harmless at all.  It gives the haters something to point at, first of all, allowing them to say, "Look, even the queers don't like 'em."  It also increases the distance between the dominant culture and the margin where trans people are situated.

And it's an ongoing problem.  In my locality, there is a GLB conference being planned for this coming September.  I met the main organizer of the conference and offered my services to her, and gave her my contact information, last August.  I have heard nothing from her since.  They have a website up and have an almost completely gay/lesbian centric lineup, except for a "Transgender Issues Breakout Session" (whatever the hell that means) which runs concurrently to the gay/lesbian sessions.  Not one of the planned workshops have a trans related theme.  Not surprisingly, all the information I've been able to glean says they have had zero trans input.  I don't think it's malicious at all, they just haven't considered the western New York trans community.  It's thoughtlessness.  Neglect.

(I'm torn between providing a link to their site and giving them publicity that I feel they don't deserve versus not documenting my allegations.  I'll leave it up to you to decide what to do with it:  http://www.rainbowprideconnect...

I guess it can be attributed to cisgender heebie jeebies about people that change their apparent sex.  It doesn't matter if a person is straight, gay, lesbian or bisexual, they are all still cissexual people.  I find it more astounding that trans people get so much support from the GLB community than that they are routinely marginalized and I'm grateful that it happens.  It remains a fact, however, that cisgender people more often than not just don't get what it's like to be transgender and too many are not willing to make the leap that must be made to get over their own antipathy and work towards acceptance.

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by: Emelye Waldherr @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 15:53:52 PM CDT

The link didn;t work when I tested it

Here it is again:

http://www.rainbowprideconnect...

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by: Emelye Waldherr @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 15:56:45 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

There are a number of Latina Transwomen in the Dunkirk area, Emelye

I doubt that they even know that this is happening, no outreach to them....

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by: CailleanMcM @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 16:50:31 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Very true

I agree 100% about GLB media often avoiding trans issues.  

There's a sure lack of solidarity, I'm always having to seek transgendered news/topics on other sites.  I always want to keep up with what affects my T friends.  

I really hope that they include gender identity in the hate crimes bills, I've written my senators several times about it... I'm not really liking what I hear back.  But I'm hoping for the best.

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by: flyerfier @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 20:28:33 PM CDT

TransGriot Covered it as well

I posted the trial observations of Crystal Ann gray form the Colorado GLBT Center on my blog

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by: MonicaR @ Fri Apr 24, 2009 at 02:29:51 AM CDT

The critique begins...and it's what I expected

NGblog: It's wasn't about you, Autumn
http://nlsngrc.blogspot.com/20...

And before I continue, in the interest of full disclosure, I've been critical of Autumn Sandeen previously. Why? For this very reason.

While I can only speak or write for myself, I believe it is safe to write that many of us are appreciative Autumn's efforts with regards to her blogging and twitter updates.

However, the notion that we or certain bloggers ought to have been more attentive to Autumn's me ism is somewhat arrogant, both for Autumn and Pam.

This was and for Angie Zapata and her family. Everything else, that includes Autumn's participation and or involvement in the trial, is secondary.

I don't know what to make of this critique because, for whatever reason, NG thinks that Autumn is the issue, as opposed to the fact that she was the transgender citizen journalist on the ground, and it was a story of significance. I never suggested it was the primary story. All the reporting was for the purpose of highlighting the pain suffered by the Zapata family and to bring a perspective to the coverage that has always been missing in the MSM. That the coverage was significant in the wake of the hate crimes bill being marked up, and to show the base kind of defense tactics that dehumanized Angie Zapata.

None of these goals are tied to Autumn at all; whether it was Autumn or another transgender blogger, my argument would be the same -- how can the traditional LGB press completely ignore the precedent setting work with the MSM on the ground to correct and educate the press to shape how transgender issues are covered? I know here at the Blend we would have covered this angle had it been someone there from another blog -- the issue is important.

As I said in the post, clearly the MSM understood how a trans reporter's perspective could improve their coverage -- thus all the interviews and air time she received while there. That it's Autumn, who did a terrific job is great, but I would have been thrilled to see any good transgender citizen journalist help pave the way during this trial. This is about the larger community and moving the equality bar forward. For whatever reasons, the LGB press and many blogs missed the opportunity to acknowledge this and that's too bad.

It sounds like NG's personal issues (I have no idea what they are) with Autumn is getting in the way of his analysis.  

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by: Pam Spaulding @ Fri Apr 24, 2009 at 08:16:10 AM CDT

Comprehension

NG's score: FAIL.

Wonder what other backlash there will be? Predictable but tiring...

Click HERE and sign up: Campaign For Military Partners

Click here for DADT photobook

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by: Louise @ Fri Apr 24, 2009 at 08:28:16 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I didn't read most of Autumn's coverage

It had nothing to do with the subject, or Autumn.

I absolutely understand why Autumn wanted - needed? - to be there. I also understand why this trial was so important, and I'm glad it turned out the way it did. But for something like this, what I needed to be able to read it was a detached, calm, impersonal type of coverage. Autumn's wasn't. In reading the first couple of posts, it was very clear how much this struck right at her heart, and it was too much for me. I didn't read Autumn's coverage as "ME! ME! ME!", but it was clear what it cost her to sit in that courtroom and hear the testimony. Some people - I'm one of them - find that disturbing on a level they can't get past. I'm not comfortable with any public displays of strong emotion, but anguish is one that I'm particularly uncomfortable with. I see it as intensely personal and private.

Cause any fool knows, a dog needs a home; a shelter from pigs on the wing

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by: QueerInSoCal @ Fri Apr 24, 2009 at 08:45:13 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

it wasn't a want or need for Autumn

Remember, I forwarded Jen's query about covering the trial since I couldn't do it, and Autumn actually was a bit reluctant to agree to do it because it was close to home, and was concerned about its effect on her ability to report without any emotional impact. I gave her no instructions to report a certain way for the Blend.

The MSM provided plenty of "detached, calm, impersonal type of coverage," so there wasn't necessarily much to gain by replicating that. Citizen journalism can be dispassionate and detached (I've worked in that mode plenty of times), other times my coverage, say of lobbying state legislators, was personal and I was affected by it and said so in my report. That's the difference between traditional journalism and what bloggers often do, except that bloggers don't have to hide their biases or the effect of the coverage on them, while the traditional media has to work hard (or pretend) to ensure there are no biases in that coverage, or effect on them in their writing.

Anyway, that's the beauty of having so many sources of news. If Autumn's or my coverage of a particular event isn't your cup of tea (or java), there is a bumper crop of blogs and news outlets usually covering an event or story.

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by: Pam Spaulding @ Fri Apr 24, 2009 at 10:49:26 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Wow.

Thanks for spotlighting this.  Props to Mike and OutQ News -- and the mainstream media (go MSM!) Rotten tomatoes for everyone overlooking this in the LGB world.

jon

jon

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by: jonpincus @ Fri Apr 24, 2009 at 20:29:56 PM CDT