"An Act Relative to..."

Have been meaning to blog for a while, especially as I've been inspired by reading some wonderful trans, queer, and feminist blogs and wanting to add my voice to the mix. I'll probably refer to them (with links) in future entries, so stay tuned!

Anyway, I went to something on Tuesday that really made me think: this is the time to start writing about what's going on. The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held their hearing on a wide range of bills, including one of particular interest, "An Act Relative to Gender-Based Discrimination and Hate Crimes." This piece of legislation, initiated by Boston-area (and other MA) trans activists and allies, would add "gender identity" and "gender expression" to existing legislation prohibiting discrimination and punishing perpetrators of hate crimes. The hearing itself was a long, messy affair, characterized by a full room and hours of testimony. But what captivated me was who spoke up in favor of the bill: fierce transwomen, gay male union agitators, trans-masculine lawyers, parents of trans youth, religious leaders, feminist activists, and many more.

This was the kind of coalition I haven't seen in a long time (ever?). The speakers, not to mention the other attendees, were a wide range of folks who had varying stakes in the matter. I was so heartened and inspired to see allies speak out in support of trans people, exactly the opposite of what we so often see happen on a national level with regard to G(LBTQ) politics. I thought this kind of organizing only happened in Istanbul, where I know a transman who speaks passionately about the united trans/feminist/queer movement, or in Chennai, where I was thrilled to read that gay men are helping staff a lesbian help line. Tuesday's hearing was a real testament to the talent and dedication of Boston trans leaders, and to the possibilities of local politics.

Well, darlings, more to come, but I hope you enjoyed an upbeat first entry! Back to reading my rather mediocre feminist book of the day (more later), and then bed.

For more on the bill: www.masstpc.org
For a wonderful blog post about the hearing from an amazing lawyer: http://tinyurl.com/leviblogpost