Yesterday marked a momentous historical event, President Obama signing into law the Byrd-Shepard Hate Crimes Bill, which intends to protect American citizens from violence based on, among other things, sexuality and gender identity. Many in the transgender community are excited about this news and I am certainly no exception.
It just so happened that my support group was gathering last night, so I dropped by and we discussed it for a bit and it seemed that everyone was on the same page. After some thought, I wondered if this would change how we as cross-dressers and transgenders live our lives.
For every one of us that is out and about, there are likely several more who are in the closet for a variety of reasons, but more often than not fear of violence keeps us from expressing ourselves. Now, while I realize that the bill isn’t a magic spell that will keep everyone out of harm’s way, but any way you look at it this is a huge deal.
We must keep in mind that while the law has changed, many people’s perceptions may not have and thus we still must be vigilant in our daily lives. By making good decisions and staying aware of your surroundings you will be doing a lot to keep yourself safe.
Personally, I am encouraged by this bill in that I feel more confident in leaving my house en femme, but it’s hard to put into words why I feel this way. I suppose that I feel like this is yet another domino falling in the fight for equality in society.
So I have a couple of questions for you. If you are already out in public, how does this change your outlook and in what way do you think this will personally affect you? On the other hand, if you are closeted and have never been out of your house while dressed, will you now venture out with this new knowledge of protection from violence based on gender presentation?
If you live outside of the US, I would still love to hear your opinions and reactions to the Hate Crimes Bill.
I hope that we can have a lively discussion here, please leave your comments below 
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I know for me if someone gets an urge to “smear a queer” around these parts, there’ll be a pretty fair-to-middling chance of more consequences. As I posted yesterday, now I feel like our government actually cares about me to a degree.
That’s a good point, the government is finally acknowledging us other than to officially state that we are suffering from mental disorders.
Well I’m already living full time so nothing will change there but I am ecstatic that this law finally passed. Shows mighty progress
I was excited too and am happy that things are finally moving toward a positive goal
I don’t know how to feel about this. I guess a harsher punishment might stop some people
It is tricky because it’s only a bill and won’t magically stop people from being accosted and then there’s the perspective that not everyone will know or respect this new law.