Think Pink Radio

Media coverage of the proposed federal hate crimes legislation, which would protect Americans based on gender identity and sexual orientation, has been sparse given the attention paid to ENDA. Despite a strong start, it is looking like the Matthew Shepard Act may have difficulty passing. Ironically, the potential for less than success may end up being a direct result of the sneaky moves used to get it voted on to begin with!

Like many other controversial bills, the hate crimes legislation was attached to a defense-spending bill, which would provide additional funding for the Iraq war. There are speculations at this point that the military spending may be the downfall of the bill: as many (possibly 20) House democrats who are pro LGBT equality may vote against it because of their opposition to the war. Considering the AP story reporting hate crime rates rising 8 percent in 2006, voters need to take notice.

Moving forward on this particular legislation is especially timely as November 20th brings the 9th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance ,with events taking place in major cities around the world. It is day of healing and mourning for transgender victims of hate. A major goal of the day is to raise awareness about the frequency and brutality of hate crimes against transgender people, and how they remain some of the most vulnerable within our community. More information about the Transgender Day of Remembrance including a listing of events can be found at: http://www.rememberingourdead.org/day/

–Sassafras Lowrey