Public Trans Aggressions: It’s Fucking Bullshit

Very much

Violence against transgender individuals in the United States remains a critical issue, with varying impacts across different gender identities. This article examines the prevalence of violence against trans feminine, trans masculine, genderqueer, and gender-fluid individuals, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive protections in all public spaces, including businesses.,,

1. Trans Feminine Individuals

• Disproportionate Fatalities: In the year leading up to November 2024, at least 36 transgender and gender-expansive individuals were killed in the U.S., with Black trans women comprising nearly half of these deaths.

• Intersectional Challenges: This statistic underscores the compounded challenges of transphobia, racism, and misogyny that trans feminine individuals face.

2. Trans Masculine Individuals

• High Rates of Sexual Assault: The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey revealed that 51% of trans men reported being sexually assaulted in their lifetime.

• Data Limitations: Comprehensive data on violence against trans masculine individuals is limited, indicating a need for more targeted research and interventions.

3. Genderqueer and Gender-Fluid Individuals

• Vulnerability Due to Stigma: Genderqueer and gender-fluid individuals often face unique challenges due to societal misunderstandings of non-binary identities, leading to increased vulnerability to violence and discrimination.

• Lack of Specific Data: The scarcity of specific statistics highlights the necessity for inclusive data collection to address the needs of these communities.

4. The Role of Businesses in Protecting Transgender Individuals

• Obligation to Maintain Safety: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) mandates that employers maintain a harassment-free environment, extending to interactions involving customers.

• Immediate Action Required: If a customer harasses another patron, businesses are expected to take immediate action to stop the behavior and protect the victim, ensuring equal help, consideration, and protection for transgender individuals.

5. Prevalence of Discrimination in Public Spaces

• High Incidence Rates: A study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health revealed that nearly two-thirds of transgender residents in Massachusetts experienced discrimination in public settings, including restaurants and stores.

• Verbal Abuse and Poor Service: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 53.9% of transgender women faced verbal abuse, and 39.1% received poorer service in establishments like restaurants and stores.

6. Impact on Health and Well-Being

• Adverse Health Outcomes: Discriminatory experiences in public spaces are linked to negative health effects, including increased stress and avoidance of necessary medical care.

• Avoidance Behaviors: Due to fear of discrimination, many transgender individuals avoid public spaces, leading to social isolation and unmet needs.

7. Public Support for Anti-Discrimination Protections

• Majority Favor Protections: A Pew Research Center survey found that 64% of U.S. adults support laws protecting transgender individuals from discrimination in public spaces like restaurants and stores.

Conclusion

The violence faced by transgender individuals in the U.S. varies across different gender identities, with trans feminine individuals, especially Black trans women, experiencing the highest rates of fatal violence. Trans masculine, genderqueer, and gender-fluid individuals also face significant challenges, though data limitations hinder a comprehensive understanding of their experiences. Businesses play a crucial role in protecting transgender individuals from harassment and violence in public spaces. Ensuring that all patrons receive equal protection is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative to foster inclusive and safe environments for everyone.

References

• Human Rights Campaign. (2024). The Epidemic of Violence Against the Transgender & Gender-Expansive Community in the U.S.

• U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2022). Violent Victimization by Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, 2017-2020.

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (n.d.). Small Business Fact Sheet: Harassment in the Workplace.

• National Center for Transgender Equality. (2016). The Report of the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey.

• Human Rights Watch. (2021). United States: Transgender People at Risk of Violence.