There's been a long list of awful news in the last few days, from yet another horrifying murder of a rising star in the transgender activist community to the less severe but sadly distasteful media sensationalizing of trans people from folks (looking at you Silver Fox!) generally seen as LGBT allies.
I'm saddened and angered by these and other tragedies large and small, but in an effort to raise some flagging spirits, I've put together some good news. Hope you find some peace here.
Last month, the Chicago Police adopted a policy to preserve the rights of transgender detainees. Basic human decency is now going to be enforced by the PD, according to the Windy City Times. Police must "not use someone's gender identity as assumed cause for a crime." Additionally, looks like no more "derogatory language against trans people" will be tolerated. Glad to welcome Chicago PD out of the Dark Ages!
Who's seen this super-hot Toyota ad? Male model Stav Strashko isn't trans, and that's half the fun of this amazing video: I dare one of you to say you wouldn't do him if he drove up in that Toyota (that's what you're supposed to buy, right?) this minute.
Speaking of hot guys, San Francisco hosted Original Plumbing's release party for their latest issue last month at the Elbow Room. The "jock issue" is not out until October 1, but you can pre-order your hunks now if you missed the party.
On jocks: trans man Seth Knop of Grosse Pointe South High School in Michigan is suiting up for his football team this year. Apparently his town of 5,000 is "largely supportive." Best of luck, Seth!
Oh, hey, do you know that Topside Press is releasing an amazing collection of trans literary fiction called The Collection (ed. by Tom Leger and Riley MacLeod) this fall? I've read it, and Red Durkin's "A Roman Incident," about competitive eating, is worth the price alone. If you pre-order now, they'll even list your name in the book's first edition.
Didn't expect to ever say this but, Washington D.C. in the house! The city government is launching the U.S.'s first government-sponsored campaign to "promote awareness and understanding" of transgender people, which will be advertisements featuring trans folks from the district. Here's hoping for some half-decent graphic design. A guy can only dream, I know.
Speaking of D.C.'s bread-and-butter, politics seems to (sort of) have a special place in its cold, cracked heart for trans folks lately. It's pretty neat that the DNC had a sizable transgender delegation this year, 13 folks in total. Historic numbers, and, if you need further proof that things aren't all bad, here's this adorable photo of delegate Kylar William Broadus with the man himself:
To better days ahead!
