Transvestite killings on the rise in Guatemala

GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) - Two transvestites were shot dead in broad daylight on Wednesday, their bodies riddled with bullets in the latest in a wave of suspected hate crimes in Guatemala.

The transvestites, in their 20s, were gunned down together outside a bar in the crime-ridden Villanueva neighborhood of the capital. They were shot in the face and body.

"They both had long hair and long nails, men dressed as if they were women," said emergency worker Oscar Sanchez. At least 15 bullet casings lay on the ground at the murder scene.

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Transgender Teachers Growing In Numbers


(Tuckerton, New Jersey) For nine years, he was Mr. McBeth, a substitute teacher who kept things moving along in the classroom and filled in ably when the regular teacher was out sick.
And then one September, he was Miss McBeth.

The sex-change operation William McBeth underwent in 2005 roiled this rural, conservative area when she applied to be rehired as a substitute in Eagleswood Township. Parents packed a school board meeting last winter, some decrying what they termed an experiment, with their young children as guinea pigs; others supported her right to be who she is and work at what she does best.

Settlement reached in transgender case

A transgender woman from Arvada who said she was fired after she announced she planned to have sex-change surgery has reached a settlement with her former employer.

Danielle Cornwell, who lived most of her life as David, will return to work next month as part of a settlement with Intermountain Testing Company of Englewood, according to a statement released today by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Center of Denver.


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Probe into death of transgender ordered


Chennai, Nov 22: The Madras High Court yesterday ordered a probe into the "suicide" of a transgender inside a police station here, allegedly due to sexual harassment by the personnel there.

Acting on a petition filed by Jayalakshmi, sister of the deceased, Pandian, the Bench comprising Chief Justice A P Shah and Justice K Chandru held that the court was unwilling to make any observation on the contention of both the parties with regard to the death.

The Bench directed the Under-Secretary, Tamil Nadu Legal Service Authority, Akbar Ali to probe and submit a report within two months.

A Hidden Life: Being Gay in Rural China


New America Media, News Feature, Rian Dundon, Interview and Translation by Lisa Sangoi, Nov 20, 2006
Editor's Note: Homosexuality has gained some acceptance in metropolitan cities like Shanghai and Beijing. But in rural China, as one young man explains, being gay is still a secret he must keep from his family. New America Media contributor Rian Dundon is a photographer working in China. More of his work can be seen at www.dunnflicks.com.

Xiao Wang fondles the Pisces charm draped around his neck as he drags on his cigarette. "I gave the same one to my boyfriend," he says as he smiles and leans back in his chair in his dorm room. 

Wang, a 21-year-old college student in a large sprawling city in south central China, chats comfortably and confidently about his life, his sexuality and his doubts and hopes for the future. But back in his small rural hometown, he lives with the burden of a secret that he must, at least for now, keep from his family. more...

Memorial to Transgender Transsexual Suicide Victims November 21st


Most people are familiar with the terrible violence committed against Transsexuals and the Transgendered. Every November 20th we hold vigils in honor of the Transgender Day of Remembrance. This is the least we can do. However we also need to honor an even larger amount of Transgendered which are the victims of Suicide. There are literally thousands of Transgendered and Transsexuals who take their own lives each and every year. They too should be Remembered with their own Day which Is November 21st. Please think about these victims, not only that day but every day.

The National suicide rate is 3 per 100,000 People. The Transgender Transsexual suicide rate is 31% of our group. Over 50% of Transsexuals will have had at least one suicide attempt by their 20th birthday. Even more self harm themselves daily either by cutting or self mutilation.