Rally planned for transgender woman arrested at Grand Central Station


Outraged after a 70-year-old transgender woman was arrested by Metropolitan Transportation Authority police for using a Grand Central Station women's bathroom, New York transgender activists and allies are staging a rally on her behalf.
Prior to her arrest on January 12 for disorderly conduct, Helena Stone, who works in an office in Grand Central, had been repeatedly subjected to "name-calling and physical intimidation" by MTA police, said Irene Tung, a coordinator for Make the Road by Walking, a New York City–based social justice community organization. "A few members of the police force have it in for [Stone]," Tung said.

***********

Gay rights enter Italian election


A transgender opposition candidate in Italy's general election this April is campaigning for improved gay rights.

Vladimir Luxuria, standing for the Communist Refoundation party, intends to challenge conservatives in her own country and Europe.
Ms Luxuria, who considers herself neither male nor female, told the BBC that having a transgender MP would be an important symbol.