Chris – Theatre and Arts Contributor

I also feel that education is the key.  Hans mentions the ignorance or misinformation in the general population, but I’ll go another step and say that there is still far too much ignorance within the queer community as a whole.  It’s very telling when I know people who I would describe as intelligent tell me that they just “don’t understand” transgendered people or issues.  That’s a problem and one I try to solve by talking openly and honestly.  On a side note, I’m currently bothered by the use of the word “tranny” as an adjective, as in “tranny mess.”  I don’t know if I’m just being overly sensitive or if it’s an actual issue.  It sounds I’m a cliched PSA at the end of a 80s cartoon, but really “knowledge is power, the more you know, etc.”  So far as violence is concerned, a safe environment is our right and we must settle for nothing less, whether that be for G, L, B, T, straight, etc.

Gem - Copy Editor
I think that the most important thing is to always remember that the “T” is a fundamental part of our LGBT community. The way I see it, every cisgender lesbian, bisexual and gay male person questions gender norms simply because of who they love and who they love to fuck. If butch women, femme men, drag queens and drag kings can fit into the lesbian, gay and bisexual community, the transgender community should fit in as well. The LGBT community represents a spectrum of people that blur traditional lines. Who are we to create more rules and borders when we’ve tried so hard to break the heteronormative rules that already exist and work against us? I think that it is imperative to remember that we are a community that loves together and should fight together as well.

Jean – Staff Contributor
Helping the trans community be more visible; to not be hidden. As an LGBT community we need to be ready to rally with our trans friends and to correct others who voice misconceptions about trans people. I would never stand by silently while a friend or coworker made a gay joke, so I shouldn’t when I hear one commenting inappropriately about a trans person, either.

LB – Copy Editor

In the broader LGBQ community there is a basic lack of understanding of trans lives and needs. There is a lack of visibility, and often times misrepresentation, of trans people in media and culture. This ignorance can lead to violence. Combating it starts with education and respect.If a friend (or anyone, really) uses the word “tranny” as an insult, call them out on it. If someone says transsexuals or crossdressers are disgusting, ask them why and challenge their constructs of gender. Educate people on pronoun usage and its importance. Educate yourself by reading pieces by trans activists and academics instead of cisgender people’s take on the issues (and if you don’t know what cisgender means, look it up). Make spaces and events as safe as possible for trans people, like gender neutral bathrooms. Learn what issues local trans groups are working on and do something tangible, even if it’s only signing a petition. Most importantly, don’t be silent. Silence is just as dangerous as the violence itself.

raphael – LA Editor

I’m not sure that violence against trans people is very different from violence against women in general. I think by calling out misogyny wherever we see it we can have an impact. Gay men rarely perpetrate anti-trans and anti-woman violence, but we often perpetuate sexist norms. We can stop that.

Rocky – Managing Editor

I’ll admit I never really gave much of a thought to trans issues before I met my former roommate about 3 years ago. It was one of those chance craigslist occurrences. I was living in a group house and we needed a new roommate and one night this really sweet, funny, shy transgirl came by to interview. Though it was something new for all of us, nobody actually gave a shit that she was trans. She just fit in with us and our senses of humor, so we asked her to move in.But it was definitely an adjustment at first. I wanted to get to know her and develop a friendship, but I wasn’t sure what was and wasn’t polite to ask or bring up; I think she wasn’t used to dealing with folks who didn’t see her as merely “the trans girl,” but were generally interested in knowing her and her story. There we’re definitely some awkward moments, but, eventually, all that kind of melted away and in time it wasn’t even an issue for anyone. Everyone in that house was queer in some way and we all had our crosses to bear.

Pretty soon,  we were just roommates and friends and it was cool. One night, years after our first meeting, she and I were at the Black Cat and some asshole tried to start some shit with her, so I got in his face and finished it. In my mind, this dude was messing with someone I cared about, but it wasn’t until she thanked me that it really dawned on me how similar her struggles and mine as a gay man really are. And that’s something that I always try to keep in mind. So I guess I’d say the answer is just to keep an open mind and heart, and to not be afraid to educate yourself and others, because, while obviously T issues and GLB issues are different, discrimination’s discrimination, and at the end of the day we’re all just human beings trying to get through life with our souls and sanity intact.