March 2015 | Volume 8 | Issue 1 — In This Issue——————— Stiletto 2 Greetings from SJI

3 Sistahs Doin’ It For Ourselves 2014

4 Good News

6 Justice for Jennifer Laude

6 First Trans Mayor in India

7 Prisons Are Not Sexy

7 Southern Poverty Law Center Case

Micah Bazant A rt by 8 T AJA’s Coalition

9 L etters from the Inside

12 A Herstory of the #BlackLivesMatter 1230 Market St #705 San Francisco, CA 94102 Movement [email protected] 15 Reclaiming MLK’s Legacy of Militant Internationalism TRANSGENDER GENDER-VARIANT & INTERSEX 16 Black Liberation JUSTICE PROJECT is for All of Us

17 TGI Justice and #BlackLivesMatter

18 Trans Women of Color Speaking Truth to Power

20 S t. Louis Trans Liberation March

20 Outreach

21 SRLP Campaign Victory

22 “Liberation, not Deportation” #BlackTransLivesMatter 23 Ally Updates #BlackImprisonedPeoplesLivesMatter

Photo: Julia Carrie Wong Ally Updates

skills and qualifications, not past convictions. sterilization of people in women’s prisons. This NL G & Tlc The question on applications for employment, win was the culmination of decades of hard In 2015, tgiJP has expanded our relation- housing, public benefits, insurance, loans and work and organizing, both inside and out- ship with the national lawyers guild and other services, means lifelong discrimination side of prison. We forced public attention on and exclusion because of a past arrest or con- Transgender Law Center to better inform our California’s history of eugenics, and modern viction record. We have chapters throughout organizing work and legal advocacy work. day practice of controlling bodies and families. Thank you to the deepening relationships that California, with our most active chapters are in the SF Bay Area, Riverside, and Los Angeles. We welcomed the new year with a change will benefit our tgi people inside of prisons, in our leadership, to a shared, non-hierarchi- jails, and detention centers as well as those of For more information, please contact us at 1540 Market St., Suite 490 cal structure. amanda Scheper and allison us outside. San Francisco, CA 94102 Barahona, our interim co-directors, transi- tioned out of their roles as staff. We celebrate Decarcerate PA B lack & Pink their years of incredible work building this Decarcerate PA is a grassroots campaign work- organization, and are glad they will remain For those who don’t know us, Black & Pink is ing to end mass incarceration in Pennsylvania. connected to our community on our Board of We formed in 2011 to fight the $685 million an open family of lgBTQ prisoners and “free world” allies who support each other. Our work Directors. the new leadership team is Misty expansion of Pennsylvania’s prison system toward the abolition of the prison industrial Rojo as Director of Campaign and Policy, Nora amid drastic cuts to education, social ser- complex is rooted in the experience of cur- Wilson as Director of legal advocacy, and vices and healthcare. We set out to build a Hello My Precious Dolls: Hello peeps! rently and formerly incarcerated people. We Hannah McFaull as Director of Development campaign to shrink the prison system and With all the horrid things that are happen- Just want to send some love and well wishes! are outraged by the specific violence of the TRANSGENDER expand the community institutions we actually and Communication. ing, we must be cautious. No matter your living Please know we’re declaring every Tuesday as prison industrial complex against LGBTQ peo- need‚Äîeducation, employment, housing, reen- Justice now stands in solidarity with pro- GENDER-VARIANT ple, and respond through advocacy, education, arrangements, we are “prey.” Trans Liberation Tuesday! try, and health care. Our three point platform testers across the country who have raising direct service, and organizing. We send out a & INTERSEX There are some wonderful goings on - - - It’s the day’s focus and highlights showing demands 1) no new prisons, 2) decarceration, their voices to say that Black lives Matter. newsletter to our incarcerated lgBTQ mem- JUSTICE PROJECT and 3) community reinvestment. We work to We recently shared statements from people however not what there should be. Let there some love for all trans folks and that’s also the bers and maintain a national list of incarcerated build public consciousness that prisons don’t still be “HOPE.” day we here at tgiJP are responding to mail LGBTQ members whom we support in finding imprisoned at CCWF, compiled by Justice Now keep us safe and to develop a statewide move- We here at TGI Justice are doing as much as from the folks on the inside. free world penpals. If you are LGBTQ and want board member Cookie. abolishing the police TGI Justice Project is a group of trans- ment to end mass incarceration. This includes we can, with what little we have to work with. We are also working on developing our to be on our list, you can write to us at: and dismantling white supremacy is central gender, gender variant and intersex creative protests, civil disobedience, grassroots Black and Pink to our vision of social transformation. We are We will let you down and keep the light burn- grassroots re-entry plan, so if you know a sister advocacy, and community building events. people—inside and outside of prison— 614 Columbia Ave committed to continuing to draw the connec- ing for as long as we can. We’re committed to getting out let them know that we love them In the last few months we successfully stalled creating a united family in the struggle Dorchester, MA 02125 tions between the movement to end police vio- you and are here to help, as we believe in our and would love to receive them! six anti-prisoner bills intended to extract addi- 2014 was a big year for us. We have been for survival and freedom. We work lence and our work at Justice Now. community. As I have heard—tomorrow can be It’s all about keeping our community safe tional costs and fines from people convicted developing chapters across the country - of crimes, and led the outside support efforts in collaboration with others to forge and outside of jails and prison. including Boise, Buffalo, Chicago, Denver, a better day! for the 1,300 people at Coal Township prison a culture of resistance and resilience We treasure your letters and calls. it is Much sisterly love and new beginnings! New orleans, new York City, San Diego and MAR JO ! who staged a week-long boycott of the dining San Francisco. each of these local chapters to strengthen us for the fight against MAJOR!, the documentary film about Miss important to maintain our connection so we Please learn to stick together and love on one hall to protest food cutbacks and human rights has been working locally and in connection to imprisonment, police violence, racism, can build a safe haven together. another. violations. We are currently mobilizing for a 24 each other to bring in new free world penpals Major, is currently in post-production and poverty, and societal pressures. We Be safe—as safe as we can be—and stay Charity starts at home. If you are not loving hour “speak in” to protest a law that attempts and do other projects, including study groups, scheduled to be complete by summer 2015. to silence prisoners. this spring—along with The film follows Miss Major’s extraordinary seek to create a world rooted in self- strong – not physically, but spiritually, emo- your community, ask yourself if you’re loving workshops, support for recently released our allies—we will also be launching a cam- life, from her early childhood to Stonewall, tionally and mentally! yourself. members, organizing more winter holiday card determination, freedom of expression, paign to end life without parole sentencing in parties than ever before, participation in the Attica, and her tireless HIV activism and advo- Love, Please be safe and stay strong! and gender justice. PA. Decarceration now! Black Lives Matter movement, fighting prison cacy for her girls on the inside. It also includes Miss Major, Executive Director Janetta Johnson, Program Director censorship rules and advocating for our mem- interviews with over 20 community members, A ll Of Us Or None bers in various ways. We also did a survey of including many tgiJP members. We’re so our incarcerated members and received over All Of Us Or None is a grassroots organization excited to see our communities portrayed on Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, Executive Director 1,500 responses. We are currently entering all led by formerly-imprisoned people committed the results. film with dignity and love, and will share news Janetta Johnson, Program Director Greetings from the St. James Infirmary! to fighting for the human dignity of people We are excited to continue all of our work in about the film’s premiere, including photos, in Woods Ervin, Administrative Director who have been or are being held captive in 2015, and especially excited to be celebrating the next Stiletto. danni marilyn west, Development Director America. We are fighting for the full restora- our 10 year anniversary this year with a week- Te h St. James Infirmary is a peer-based health and driven towards justice and liberation. Since StormMiguel Florez, Leadership Team tion of our civil and human rights and against end of celebration, community building, heal- TGIe Justic Project was continually inspired & safety clinic for current and former sex work- TGIJP moved in with us, we’ve had some great the systemic discrimination facing us while in Malachi Garza, Leadership Team ing, skills sharing, and planning for the future. by the existence of, activism of, and lead- ers and their current primary partners. Since opportunities to collaborate on political proj- captivity and upon our release. We demand It will take place in Boston from October 16-18 Billy Chen, Leadership Team ership structure of TYSN in Minnesota and 1999 we’ve been offering services like primary ects, to support each other’s work, and to coor- to be called people and not the dehumanizing and we will be offering stipends to support for- Paper Buck, Leadership Team labels we are usually referred to, such as ex- wanted to send a salute and a thank you medical care, mental health care, massage and dinate our services to the maximum benefit of merly incarcerated members to attend. Please Kris Hayashi, Leadership Team offenders. These characterizations prevent us get in touch with us if you are being released for the legacy your organizers and contri- acupuncture, support groups, harm reduction our community. Between the legal and social from being seen and treated as human beings. soon and want to attend. butions are leaving for the movement as services, and hormone replacement therapy by support offered by TGIJP and the physical and Although we may have been to jail or prison, you transition to closing the organization. our lives are much more than the sum total and for the trans community. All of our services mental health services of the SJI, there’s a lot Justice Now Thank you! We look forward to the day that 1230 Market St #705 are confidential, non-judgmental and free to the happening by and for the trans community in of our past indiscretions or accusations. We are presently working towards building the our communities have the support we need sex worker community. In the spring of 2014 our shared space. If there’s any information JusticeNw o partners with people in women’s San Francisco, CA 94102 leadership of formerly-incarcerated people. prisons and communities impacted by imprison- to thrive as we build and maintain organiza- [email protected] we were lucky enough to welcome TGIJP into about our services we can send you, let us know! Our nationally-recognized Ban the Box cam- ment to challenge gendered violence and build tions for us and by us. TGIJP also wants to our office space. It has been amazing to share And if you’re coming home to the Bay Area, stop paign challenges the stereotypes of people a safe compassionate world without prisons. celebrate the ongoing TGI youth leadership community with an organization so dedicated by and check us out. We’d love to meet you! with conviction histories by asking employers In September of 2014, we celebrated the of BreakOut in NOLA and FIERCE in NYC! to choose their best candidates based on job passage of SB1135, a bill to end the coerced

2 March 2015 | Volume 8 | Issue 1 Stiletto 23 We have been fortunate to partner with so And the fight continues. As we have seen in to organize with our community members in many incredible organizations to bring about Ferguson, Staten Island, and all over the coun- prison. We believe that all people are entitled this change. in particular we want to thank try, the legal system is not designed to protect to gender-affirming care. We believe that all Sistahs Doin’ It For Ourselves 2014 the legal aid Society and Willkie, Farr and our communities. We must fight for the lives people deserve to be free. We believe that the Gallagher for their incredible drive and legal of our community members, fight to end rac- fight for gender self-determination will not be expertise in guiding this case. We are grateful ism and all forms of oppression or violence and over until all people are free to self-determine b y Woods Ervin, Administrative Director to the Health Care for All New York campaign poverty will persist. their gender – and until the prison system as for supporting us and lifting up our commu- Only hours after yesterday’s news was we know it is abolished. In october of 2014, 40 members from tgiJP impact on the participants. Just sitting and away from the retreat. We went on a day trip nities. and of course, we are grateful to the announced, we received devastating news The work we are doing is the work of libera- pulled together for our semi annual retreat. We exchanging with one another what brought to Santa Cruz and visited the boardwalk for Cuomo administration for being willing to step that the appeals court in Massachusetts over- tion. This week’s Medicaid announcement is a drove over 75 miles from San Francisco to the people to the space and to the organization rides, games and beach time. Everything was up and address this long-standing injustice. turned the decision in Kosilek v. Spencer – a tremendous victory for all transgender people. Quaker Center in Ben Lomond, CA to spend 5 was powerful – especially given how brave our not open but we had a fun time just hanging The regulation is not perfect – we would like groundbreaking case where the court said days and 4 nights in the woods for learning and members were with the pieces of themselves out and playing games and standing in the sand to see care covered for young people under that a transgender prisoner has the right to It is also a testament to the power of move- bonding. that they shared. We also made sure to take near the ocean. 18, and we would like to see all forms of gen- gender-affirming surgery. The decision to deny ment building, to working together to bring The woods at the Quaker Center welcomed time and write messages of encouragement to All in all, we were able to bond more deeply, der-affirming care covered. But this is a great this right will be appealed to the higher courts, about the world we believe in, and to the com- us with towering trees and deep quiet. We set you, our beloved folks inside. which helps make it easier to rely on each start. We invite all transgender people of color, but we cannot rely solely on the legal system bined strength of legal work, community orga- ourselves up in cabins 2-people to a room and Members took time to walk through the other in times of need - which come often. It low income people and allies to join us as we to fight for healthcare access and gender self- nizing, media, and government advocacy. We settled in. The staff at the Quaker Center was woods and enjoy fresh air – but sometimes also encourages us to fight for our sisters and plot our next steps. Stay tuned for campaign determination. Just as our community mobi- could not be more proud of our communities generous and lovely, as Quakers often are and folks wanted to shake up the quiet by travelling people inside and out. updates and next steps in early 2015! lized for this Medicaid win, we must continue and our allies for the work we have done. made sure that we knew how the space was set up. the Quaker Center itself is fully stocked and set up to be a self-sufficient space so we had full reign of the space. Our beloved com- munity member Gail was chef for the week and TGI staff supported her in the kitchen to dish out delicious meals in one of the beautiful com- munity lodges that we had available to us. We made certain to set up Miss Major in an ador- able little private cottage and she had mem- San Francisco Department of Public Health bers come and visit regularly to love on her. Programming consisted of story sharing, workshops on health and community resources for trans women and time to practice healing and spirituality within community. the story “Liberation, Not Deportation” sharing – formally facilitated by Miss Major – was one of the things we did that had the most Chef Gail at Sistahs Doin’ It For Ourselves 2014 Queer & Trans Immigrants from Across the Country Denounce Deportations Statements from the Girls from the Retreat bay F milia TQLM and DeColores

President obama continues to deport queer Famila: trans Queer liberation Movement We will continue to organize and mobilize in Keep and trans immigrants. The Obama administra- and DeColores Queer Orange County are bring- order to ensure all of our families are safe and the faith! Family, tion has deported a record number of more ing together Queer and trans immigrants from remain together. Queer and trans immigrants Hello shared the to know i ’ve I I want you Kathy am a lesbian trans woman writing than 2 million people, which has resulted in across the country to proclaim “liberation and rise up to demand “not one more deportation‚“ before. My walk to and understanding you. I want you to kno the separation of parents from their children not deportation‚“ and denounce the deporta- of our queer and trans undocumented brothers pain the journey w that I spend to deal with e of life. I ask you - very second of every day making and queer and trans immigrants from their tions separating our families and communities. and sisters and our families. er. You have peo the it shall be bett world better families and communities. there are more because for you and me. Our hard- care. I love you. ships will not than 267,000 undocumented queer and trans ple who last forever, in time they Hang in there will lay down for us. We will immigrants living in the united States who Be strong. rise again Mother Toni to where we were in ancient continue to be persecuted by the current If you times, would like priestesses inhumane immigration policies of the White a pen pal, write and wisewomen, and you to TGI, att’n: and me are walking toward House. Queer and trans immigrants are com- Trisha that day ve is to love yourself Wilson even now. ing together to demand President obama to T eatesthe gr lo We are doing exactly what we need to stop all deportations of LGBTQ undocumented because I love you. be do to get there, in this (Please Note TGIJP still does not life and the immigrants and our families, and expand the next. Rest well in who you offer penpal services) are, sister. Deferred action for Childhood arrivals pro- Ms Billie Cooper Yours in power, gram for all undocumented immigrants in this S. country. Organizers protest outside an ICE detention center in Santa Ana, CA, May 2014. Photo via Familia TQLM.

22 March 2015 | Volume 8 | Issue 1 Stiletto 3 Good News Special THANK YOU to Kathy and Beja for compiling the Good News Section Medicaid programs will now cover

after her exclusion from the Auckland final of The eeoC concluded that Cabela’s probably January 2014 Battle of the Babes Worldwide. Friends quickly violated the law when denying Blatt access to transgender healthcare following T ransgender hero CeCe McDonald walks took up the cause and also complained on her the women’s restroom and issued Blatt a right- free after being paroled two thirds of the way behalf. Organiser and spokesman for Battles of to-sue letter. through her sentence. McDonald, who had the Babes Andrew Featherstone then decided U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck hagel stated SRLP’s twelve-year campaign been serving out her time in a men’s prison, was Brosnahan could still compete. on network TV news that the Department of greeted by Orange Is the New Black star and The u.S. Department of education (DOE) Defense should review the military’s policy that fellow trans woman Laverne Cox upon her exit. issued guidance which makes clear that prohibits open transgender military service. By Elana Redfield, Sylvia Rivera Law Project, reprinted from SRLP website Cox is producing a documentary on McDonald, the federal Title IX law prohibits discrimination slated to be released in 2016, titled Free CeCe! against transgender students.This announce- June 2014 Yesterday, governor Cuomo and the new • We held health care focus groups for Department of Health. We met with the ment was a huge breakthrough for transgen- York State Department of health announced trans people of color and developed a Health Care for All New York Coalition San Francisco Pride grand Marshals this year der students and made it clear that they can that our Medicaid programs will now cover Cost-Benefit Memo gathering all available (HCFANY) to join forces. included tgiJP’s founder, Miss Major, as well seek protection from the DOE and the courts if transgender healthcare. This is a momentous data on transgender health care • May 30, 2014 – U.S. Department of as Jewlyes Gutierrez, a transgender teen from the schools fail in their responsibility to ensure victory for SRLP community members and all • When Governor Patterson was unwilling Health repealed transgender healthcare Hercules, CA, who made headlines when she that they are safe and respected. (Recent transgender New Yorkers. to overturn the regulation, we partnered ban under federal Medicare program defended herself against schoolyard bullies research indicates that 4 out of 5 transgender The proposed regulation will allow trans- with Housing Works and the Empire State after Denee Mallon case and advocacy by and ended up being the only one charged. The students feel unsafe at school). gender people to access hormones and surger- Pride Agenda to bring it to Governor organizations including GLAD, ACLU, and charges were later dropped. NCLR. The u.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal ies under Medicaid. introduced on December Cuomo’s Medicaid Redesign Team, with th from a studio that refused to photograph a 17 , the regulation is open for 45 days of 500 signed petitions. Assembly Member • In June 2014 we filed Cruz v. Zucker – the lesbian couple’s commitment ceremony, let- public comment. the announcement comes Richard Gottfried and Senator Brad same week TIME Magazine hailed “The ting stand a New Mexico high court ruling that in response to Cruz v. Zucker – a lawsuit the Hoylman declared their support. Transgender Tipping Point.” helped spur a national debate over gay rights Sylvia rivera law Project brought in partner- • When the Redesign Team refused to • December 10, 2014 – As a result of and religious freedom. The justices left in place ship with the legal aid Society and the law overturn the regulation, we started our our lawsuit and advocacy by HCFANY, a unanimous state Supreme Court ruling last firm Willkie, Farr and gallagher – and to the healthcare media campaign with GLAAD Governor Cuomo released a bulletin clari- TGIJP at the SF Trans March year that said Elane Photography violated New incredible persistence of our communities in and Callen Lorde this time with videos, fying that private insurance that covers Mexico’s Human Rights Act by refusing to pho- 2014 marked the 11th anniversary of the San demanding this care. infographics, and thousands of signed mental health care must cover transgen- tograph the same-sex ceremony “in the same Francisco trans March. it started in 2004 as It may be useful to share a little history of petitions. der health care way as if it had refused to photograph a wed- a protest march in response to the murder of this regulation. Passed in 1998, the regulation • Working with Make the Road NY, GLOBE, • December 17, 2014 – New Medicaid ding between people of different races.” Tobias Gwen Araujo. This year, around 7,000 people banned access to hormones and all surgeries and the Audre Lorde Project, we then Regulation introduced for 45 days of commonly sought by transgender people. The used direct action to keep transgen- public comment. Poster by Micah Bazant Barrington Wolff, a University of Pennsylvania participated. impact was quick and deep, as thousands of der healthcare on the agenda for the law professor representing the couple, said “no As proof of the changing views toward trans low income transgender people and transgen- F ebruary 2014 court in the United States has ever found that issues and people, orange is the new Black’s der people of color were cut off from life-sav- a business selling commercial services to the trans actress laverne Cox was featured on Author and trans activist Janet Mock’s memoir, ing care and denied much-needed treatments. general public has a First Amendment right to the cover of the June 9 issue of time maga- Redefining Realness, debuted at Number 19 on Since SRLP opened our doors in 2002, one turn away customers on a discriminatory basis. zine next to the headline: “The transgender New York Times’ nonfiction bestsellers list. of our primary goals has been to bring down Tipping Point: America’s next civil rights fron- this discriminatory ban. Here is a brief history M ay 2014 tier.” Cox the first transgender person to ever of this incredible campaign: Medicare has lifted its ban on coverage for gen- appear on the magazine’s cover. • In collaboration with other transgender der reassignment surgery thanks to the con- and queer groups, such as Queers for clusions of an independent review that found July 2014 Economic Justice, Audre Lorde Project existing policy was “not reasonable” given cur- President Barack obama signed an executive and the Gender Identity Project of the rent understanding of the procedure. The deci- order extending workplace protections for NY LGBT Center, we began organiz- sion responds to an administrative challenge gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people ing and strategizing to take down the filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, Gay working for federal contractors. regulation. & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, the National With California, New York and Oregon imple- • Working with the New York Legal Assistance A pril 2014 Center for Lesbian Rights and civil rights attor- menting new legislation this year, seven states Group (NYLAG) and Orrick, Herrington A New Zealand trans teen made history when ney Mary Lou Boelcke last year. and the District of Columbia now allow trans- & Sutcliffe LLP, we filed the first lawsuit she became the first trans competitor in a Kate lynn Blatt, a Pottsville, PA transgender gender people to change the sex designation to challenge the ban, Casillas v. Daines. national beauty pageant. Amy Brosnahan, 18, woman, has received a favorable finding from on their birth certificate without undergoing • When the court was unwilling to overturn almost did not get to compete in the finals the federal equal employment opportunity surgery, but most states still require it. ohio, the regulation, we partnered with the after initially being dumped when she said she Commission concerning the workplace antibias Tennessee and Idaho still prohibit reissuing or Legal Aid Society to bring a challenge to was trans. She had been in the process of mak- complaint she filed in 2007 against Cabela’s, a amending birth certificates for transgender Governor Patterson. ing a human rights Commission complaint store that specializes in outdoor sports items. people under any circumstance.

4 March 2015 | Volume 8 | Issue 1 Stiletto 21 St. Louis Trans Liberation March

portrayal of a late-life transitioner, Maura, and Organizers Speak Out Against Police Brutality & Violence O ctober 2014 her decades-long struggle to come out to her January 2015 very complicated family. The show is partially The voices of transgender people, our Bank, on the corner of Sarah St. and Chouteau “There is no such thing as a single- based on Soloway’s own experiences after her beloved trans sisters and unfostered people of Ave. We will have a guest speaker at 9:30pm, issue struggle because we do not live parent came out as transgender in 2011. color are at the vanguard of our movement! and begin marching together around 10:15pm. single-issue lives.” We are shouting on behalf of those who do Dress warm, bring a sign or flag to carry, and Attorney general eric holder announced in – Audre Lorde not have a worldwide platform. We are tired prepare to be make a statement. 226 lives lost. December that the Department of Justice will From January 1st, 2014 to today, 226 trans of fleshly human beings being shoved to the We remember and we will never forget. the no longer argue that transgender people are women have been murdered. Just let that margins of our political, social and emotional street is our medium for change!!! not covered by title VII, the federal law that number soak in—that’s almost one life lost consciousness. #blacklivesmatter #blacktranslivesmatter prohibits sex discrimination in employment. Portrait of Monica Jones, by Micah Bazant every day this year. the transgender Day of We will meet in the parking lot of Commerce #nojusticenopeace L averne Cox’s TV show, The T-Word, debuted A ctivists across the u.S. celebrated a vic- Remembrance is a time to grieve as a commu- on MTV. The T-Word follows seven transgen- tory when Monica Jones, who was arrested nity. But on this day, we will not be silent. On der youths (between the ages of 12 and 24) in May 2013 in Phoenix under a local law tar- the eve of “Thanksgiving,” the busiest night for who tell their stories. “For many of us, the ‘T’ geted at sex workers, won an appeal of her bars and clubs, we will take to the streets of in LGBT means more than transgender, it also conviction. The aCLU tells the story: “When The Grove and demand justice for our sisters. means truth,” said Cox. “The cast members an undercover officer saw Monica Jones, a This is the time to bring your fire and passion in this documentary are fearlessly living their black transgender woman, walking down the and prepare to be visible in a huge way. truths and in sharing their stories will send the street, it was enough to convince him that This is a formal complaint! We will cry aloud! message to other trans youth that it’s OK to be she intended to engage in prostitution. It was This a large expression, a declaration of objec- who you are.” Left to Right: Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and on that basis that he approached, stopped, tion. Reservations are for restaurants—our dis- Eric Holder and arrested her.” On the news of her acquit- approval will be heard. We will be peacefully N ovember 2014 tal, Jones had this to say: “I am so grateful to uproarious. We will utter, articulate, sing, chant. Photo from the march. Ferguson is just a few miles outside of St. Louis. Photo © Mike Sport I nitial Victory in Trans Prisoner Case - Michelle Janet Mock launched a trans Book Drive my legal team and all of my supporters across Norsworthy, a transgender woman held in a on indieGogo that’s raised $10,000 to send the country and world. My conviction being California men’s prison, was denied gender- reading materials and care packages to trans vacated is important but it is a small win in our affirming surgery, even though her treating To those in solitary confinement in California inmates through her organization partner larger fight for justice.” psychologist had repeatedly concluded that it LGBT Books For Prisoners. CriticalR esistance has been heavily involved in order to create better inside-outside working to answer some questions? If so, please reply was medically necessary to treat her gender For the first time in United States history, the President of the united States has acknowl- supporting efforts by those in solitary confine- relationships, and to learn about your ideas for to this letter at the below address, and we will In the world of online dating, oKCupid dysphoria. She was also denied a legal name edged the importance of legal protections for ment through our work to amplify the mes- how to move forward. We also want to increase send you follow up questions. Please send your responded to mounting pressure to expand change because the name she would like to use transgender people during his State of the sages and demands of past peaceful actions. our contacts with family members and loved response to: gender and sexuality options by rolling out is a traditionally feminine name. her lawyers Currently we are working to identify a campaign ones in order to deepen our collaboration and ATTN: Solitary Project nine new sexual orientation and 19 new gender Union address to the American people. In his Critical Resistance Oakland argued that the prison system’s discrimina- choices. Google+ recently announced that they speech President Barack obama stated, “As that will most effectively succeed in meeting support their needs. 1904 Franklin Street, Suite 504 tory actions violate fundamental constitutional those demands. As a part of this process, we We would love to have your thoughts, expe- Oakland, CA 94612 will accommodate “infinite” genders by allow- Americans, we respect human dignity… That’s guarantees, including the Eighth Amendment are asking people in solitary to correspond with riences, and ideas included in this project to With respect, ing users to type in their own gender. why we defend free speech, and advocate for prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment members of our Solitary Project workgroup in help inform our work. Would you be willing Critical Resistance Oakland political prisoners, and condemn the persecu- December 2014 and the Equal Protection Clause. In a recent rul- tion of women, or religious minorities, or people ing, the federal judge hearing the case rejected who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. the defendants’ motion to dismiss the case. We do these things not only because they’re Outreach to Trans Men and Intersex People The judge held that the facts asserted in the right, but because they make us safer.” Masen TGIe Justic Projects centers and has tradition- the conditions for our people inside and out- about issues impacting intersex people and will complaint were sufficient to allege a violation Davis, Executive Director of Transgender Law of the eighth amendment based upon the ally focused on trans women’s leadership, par- side of the prison industrial complex. We feel continue to be thinking about the impacts of Center, commented, “President Obama’s pub- denial of surgery, because the denial may have lic recognition of transgender people in his ticularly, currently and formerly incarcerated that centering trans women of color’s leader- institutionalized gender binary and control sys- constituted “deliberate indifference” to her State of the Union address was historic. While trans women’s, and most frequently Black ship is strategically necessary and we want to tems. In addition to building relationships with “serious medical needs.” the judge also held it seems like a simple thing – saying the word trans women’s leadership. trans Women of build power in our community in the broadest more of our people, we also are trying to find Color’s leadership will always drive tgiJP and that discrimination against transgender people ‘transgender’ in a speech – President Obama’s sense. As we work to identify interventions and out more about the conditions of folks inside at TGIJP we recognize that any movement for is a form of sex discrimination and thus that statement represents significant progress solutions to the massive violence targeting TGI and the current context for our people, all of liberation of trans people will include all tgi T ransparent was honored with two golden Michelle’s claims alleging discrimination based for transgender people and the movement people, especially TGI people inside of prisons, our people. Please be in touch if you are trans people. In relationship with California Coalition Globe nominations: for Best Comedy and upon the denial of surgery and the denial of a towards equality for all.” for Women Prisoners and Justice Now, in 2015 jails and detention centers, we want to keep a masculine or an intersex person and would like Best actor in a Comedy (Jeffrey tambor). legal name change are entitled to a heightened TGIJP will be expanding our organizing work focus on trans women while ensuring that our to engage with us in the endeavors to see a Transparent, created by Jill Soloway (of Six level of scrutiny under the equal Protection F ebruary 2015 to include more trans men and intersex people scope advances towards freedom and justice radically different system of justice. Thank you Feet under and united States of tara), has Clause. The case will now proceed to the dis- Tennessee holds first trans visibility march, to most broadly and accurately work to better for all TGI people. TGIJP will be doing education for your resilience and leadership! garnered acclaim for its humanistic, layered covery phase. attended by over 100 trans people and allies.

20 March 2015 | Volume 8 | Issue 1 Stiletto 5 outside of the LGBTQ community feel violence Obama’s Executive Order to protect LGBT against trans people is “not my issue,” which government employees from workplace dis- further contributes to the silencing of trans crimination. What was that experience like for Justice for Jennifer Laude! women of color’s experiences and to a lack of you? political mobilization by people who should be U.S. Out of the Philippines! allies. What does it mean to be a good ally? KG: Yes, i was asked to go the White house for the executive order signing. it was an by GABRIELA USA KG: thank you for asking this question. this amazing experience to be in the same room Wee ar deeply saddened by the murder of because of the overwhelming pressure from is one of those issues that rarely gets talked as the POTUS and to walk the corridors of The L eft-to-right: Nala Simone Toussaint, about! i don’t get folk who follow that man- Jennifer laude, a 26-year old transgender the people. However, the U.S. still is not fully Katrina Goodlett White House. However, I have to be completely woman from the Philippines, and express our surrendering jurisdiction to the Philippine gov- tra of “this is not my issue.” um, actually it transparent. I was disappointed in the lack of deepest condolences to Jennifer’s family and ernment and proper detention, investigation is a Human Rights issue, so we all need to be that the mainstream media reports on trans persons of color represented at the event. i friends. on october 11, 2014, Jennifer was and justice has yet to be served. the VFA is involved. the fact is at the root cause of all women of color? was the only (to my knowledge) “out” trans found dead, clearly the result of a violent hate an obstruction to justice and enforces unequal this violence against trans women of color is woman of color at that event, and that is unac- crime towards transgender people. her mur- relations KG: So for me these stories don’t get it right. racial injustice, and until we eradicate that, we ceptable. D.C has plenty of amazing folk doing der also underscores the ongoing inequality of The extent of u.S. deployment in the The reporting is often times shabby and sensa- will most likely continue to be attacked. the the work, including Ruby Corado, who founded Jennifer Laude. Photo via Facebook joint US-RP agreements like the Visiting Forces Philippines costs an annual $30 million allotted tionalized and is focused more on victim sham- facts are my white trans sisters are not being Casa De Ruby. But it’s like I said on my radio Agreement (VFA) and the Enhanced Defense by the U.S. Congress and hundreds of millions long-term benefits to the people of either the ing and blaming than actually reporting facts. attacked as frequently as my trans sisters of show this week: trans women of color are often Cooperation agreement (EDCA) are military of taxpayer dollars in other assistance. U.S. or the Philippines. Filipino citizens have The fact is trans women of color are being color; this is not a coincidence! it all comes an afterthought in this society. pacts that govern the entry and presence of Such a practice, however, becomes uncon- staged an escalating number of protests to viciously attacked and murdered. In most cases back to race, class and privilege, and that is American troops in Philippine territory, basi- scionable when U.S. funding is used by a regime voice their opposition to the agreement and the attacker was a longtime lover or friend what I wish our allies in the black community cally giving US military personnel impunity. that – to borrow words from President Barack its violation of Philippine sovereignty. who knew about her truth (so that old meme would understand. Allyship is not a retweet; it’s Goddess Queen sister Katrina Goodlett is an U.S. Marine PFC Joseph Scott Pemberton Obama- “clings to power through corruption In October, GABRIELA USA and BAYAN of “the guy didn’t know she was trans” is bull not a Facebook “like.” Allyship is actually doing African american transgender Woman of accused of killing Jennifer laude in the and deceit and the silencing of dissent,” by organized and led protests across the USA crap). Every time I hear another story it’s like the work to help elevate the lived experiences Color who is also the Producer/Host of The of transfolk. It is providing a platform for trans Philippines, is now detained in Camp Aguinaldo using extrajudicial-killings, enforced disappear- to protest transphobia and imperialism. In a dagger to my gut. I have stopped reading the Kitty Bella Show on Blog Talk Radio. Katrina, women of color to tell their stories, providing who was born and raised in NYC, faced many under the “joint-custody” of both u.S. and ances, forced evacuation of rural communities, SF a hundred people, mostly cis-gender articles due to all the misgendering and trans- resources or guiding them to resources that struggles growing up including Transphobic Philippine authorities. We believe that both illegal detentions, and torture. came together with leaders of El/La Para phobic comments that people bring up. Just help them, holding other folks accountable attacks and violence. Katrina overcame governments are making it appear that The VFA, despite the military exercises and TransLatinas and TGIJP to advance towards look at the recent murder of Mia Henderson, who misgender, victim shame, or use trans- some of her oppression and graduated col- Pemberton is under Philippine authority aid, provides absolutely no short-term nor justice and liberation. for example. The murders will get reported in the news spin cycle and then forgotten about phobic language in daily conversation. Allies lege in 2005 and has worked as a govern- a day or two later. The fact is society and the can also donate to trans-affirming organiza- ment employee for 10 years. Katrina brings media sees the lives of Trans women of color as tions like the Trans Women of Color Collective, her past experience as a journalist and writer disposable and invisible. Folks have to educate the Audre Lorde Project, the Sylvia Rivera Law into her new show. She strongly believes the First transgender mayor themselves; we live in a digital age for crying Project, or Trans Tech Social. voices and actual lived experiences of trans- out loud. Willful ignorance is not an excuse. folk need to be heard!! Katrina loves watch- NST: People outside the lgBTQ community ing basketball and traveling. Katrina created TCF: How can we raise awareness of vio- who feel it’s “not my issue” are allowing world the empowerment campaign #tgirlsrock elected in central India lence against trans women of color and move destruction. have we not witnessed and/or in 2013 to raise the visibility and empower towards eradicating the violence altogether? transfolk thru clothing. Editing by Alisa Tang, Reprinted from Reuters | January 5, 2015 learned about the historical legacies of seg- regation, discrimination, racism, imperialism, NST: Education is key to the process of creat- NEW DELHI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - and dancing in trains - said that she was over- While the landmark judgment was wel- capitalism, classism, sexism, and other kinds Nala Simone toussaint works with the ing change. We must broaden our understand- A city in central India has elected the country's whelmed by her election. comed by human rights campaigners, many of oppressive hierarchies that lead to wars and Center For hiV educational Studies and ing of ‘violence’ against trans folks. Violence is first transgender mayor, nine months after a "People have shown faith in me. I consider say it contradicts the court's reinstatement of death? The lack of involvement also is a reflec- Training (CHEST) as a Peer Health Navigator not just a stranger holding a knife; it can come court ruled that transgender be recognized as this win as love and blessings of people for me. a gay sex ban that has resulted in an increase tion of internalized phobias and self-oppres- working with trans women to support their from intimate partners, friends, family, and can a legal third gender, local media reported. I'll put in my best efforts to accomplish their in the persecution of lesbian, gay, bisexual and sion for those who have allowed the ‘system’ health goals and wellbeing. in May 2012, be as simple as someone kicking one out of a Madhu Kinnar, 35, won the mayoral elec- dreams," Kinnar was quoted as saying. transgender (LGBT) people, forcing many to to drive their thoughts and actions. What if She earned her BFA in Fashion Design bathroom, calling a trans women a ‘man,’ or tion in raigarh in the mineral-rich state of "It was the public support that encouraged me conceal their sexual identity. (cum laude) from the Fashion institute of certain states not allowing the change of gen- those murdered were someone in your family: Chhattisgarh on Sunday, beating her opponent to enter the poll fray for the first time and because sisters, daughters, cousins, etc.? Being an ally Technology. although her concentration der markers on state iDs. We must acknowl- and degree were centered on fashion design, from the governing Bharatiya Janata Party of their support only, I emerged as the winner." means supporting trans women, speaking out edge that it usually starts at an institutional she also has extensive experience working (BJP) by more than 4,500 votes, the Press Activists say there are hundreds of thou- against the violence on trans women of color level. For this reason, there is a call for action with at-risk youth as a youth mentor and Trust of India reported in a story published on sands of transgender people in india, but when you see it, placing them in leadership from trans folks and allies to unite, rally, and outreach liaison. tousaint plans to start the news web site Firstpost.com. because they were not legally recognized, roles, and funding works/organizations that lobby until justice is served for the countless an organization that helps trans women Television images showed a sari-clad Kinnar, they faced ostracism, discrimination, abuse are for trans women of color and lead by trans murders of trans women of color. and youth receive professional makeovers, with a large red bindi on her forehead, greet- and forced prostitution. women of color. attend educational workshops, and develop ing supporters who placed marigold garlands Last april, india's Supreme Court recog- TCF: Violence and criminalization are issues strategies that will guide them as they enter around her neck. nized transgender as a legal third gender and that affect our society as a whole (particu- TCF: Katrina, you were invited to The White Kinnar - who is from the Dalit or "low caste" called on the government to ensure their equal the job market. larly people of color), but far too often people House last month for the signing of President community and used to earn a living singing treatment. Madhu Kinnar, India’s first transgender mayor

6 March 2015 | Volume 8 | Issue 1 Stiletto 19 Trans Women of Color Prisons Are Not Sexy Speaking Truth to Power TGIJP leads in community response to Pride At The Armory’s prison theme party A Conversation with Activists Katrina Goodlett On June 28, 2014, the world’s largest Pride incarceration of generations of people of color, privatization of prisons has created a phenom- after party took a strong step towards injustice gender variant, trans people, and queer people enon of mass incarceration of young Black and Nala Simone Toussaint by throwing a prison themed play party called is not a sexy trope to throw a play party around. and latino men, and increasingly women By Tanisha C. Ford, Reprinted from The Feminist Wire With Permission “Prison of Love.” At a time when public discus- It’s not that we don’t love sex, sex parties, sex too, which has economically, socially, and sion and media finally had an eye toward the workers, and kink. It’s that we love it as much as politically devastated these communities. Trans women of color are fighting to gain greater visibility for trans issues while truth. Youths of all experiences should have daily systemic violence against trans and queer we love justice, and are appalled by the casual We are not interested in yucking anyone’s classes dealing with topics like gender identity. people, this party theme and promotions were use of the Prison industrial Complex, which yum or shaming anyone who has fantasies or also creating safe spaces for themselves. Prominent figures such as Janet Mock especially harmful and trivializing. Miss Major, destroys the lives of millions of people and In order to dismantle the dehumanization of fetishes about ideas of this real-life violence. TGI Justice Project, Janet Mock, el/La Para kills thousands every year, as a party theme. and Laverne Cox have brilliantly used their public platforms to address the crim- Trans folks, we all need to educate our youths We are not interested in censorship or policing TransLatinas, Community united against The united States has the highest incarcera- anyone’s sex life. We are interested in public inalization and social “othering” of trans women of color in popular media and at an early age; allowing Trans youth that are Violence, Trans March, and many other orga- tion rate in the world. In our own LGBTQI com- space and party themes that get us closer to basking in their journey of living in their truth nizations and individuals organized against and munities, incarceration and significant abuses culture. But far too often the voices of the other women at the vanguard of the liberation from systemic and administrative to live comfortably. this process can happen sent an open letter to Pride at the armory perpetrated by the Prison industrial Complex violence and do not recreate a culture that movement—those who do not have a global platform—are pushed to the mar- once the adults open their minds and hearts, promoters letting them know why prisons constitutes no less than a crisis. According to normalizes or continues our oppression. our continue to educate each other, and create a are not sexy and demanding that they change the National Center for Transgender Equality, gins of our social and political consciousness. This creates a dangerous silence push back is about navigating the legal and their theme. Organizers with Gay Shame and nearly 1 in 6 transgender people have been that muffles the diverse narratives and experiences of trans women of color as popular language that recognizes the fact that extra-legal targeting and criminalization of our LAGAI organized a protest at the party. incarcerated at some point in their lives. gender never stands alone. communities. well as their radical political perspectives and strategies. Among Black transgender people, 47% have From our open letter: been incarcerated at some point in their lives. The party promoters did not respond by TCF: You’re both active in the TWOCC. How Prisons Are Not Sexy Id ha the opportunity to speak with two that shifts the focus off the real issues. Also, for These rates overwhelmingly reflect the expe- meeting our demands to change the theme was the organization founded, and what are women committed to grassroots activism for me, radio is just a safer platform for my guest T t his year a least three SF Pride grand mar- riences of transgender women and especially nor to donate proceeds to trans and queer trans sisters of color. Katrina Goodlett and Nala as well as myself. When I say safe, I mean the its major goals? shals are trans women who have been directly trans women of color, who are housed in community anti-violence organizing projects, Simone Toussaint are co-founding members of interview can be done from their home or bed- affected by the prison industrial complex. men’s prisons and face catastrophic rates of but lots of community power and collabora- the new York-based Trans Women of Color room via a telephone or computer; there’s no KG: The TWOCC was founded in the wake of Chelsea Manning is currently incarcerated, physical abuse, psychological terror, rape and tive relationships was built. Not the total vic- tory we wanted, but momentum was built for Collective (TWOCC). The TWOCC is devoted need to meet in public or at a studio. online Islan Nettles’s death last August 2013. Several Miss Major is previously incarcerated and was sexual assault, and death. according to Just justice, and when our communities come away to “creating revolutionary change by uplifting radio also allows me to podcast every single amazing leaders in the community including: politicized at Attica just after the 1971 uprising, Detention International, 67% of LGBT prison- and Jewlyes Gutierrez was arrested for defend- ers reported being assaulted while in prison. stronger, clearer, and more able to push back, the narratives, leadership and lived experiences show i’ve done, and that is recorded history, Lourdes Hunter, Koko Jones, Nala Simone, ing herself from bullies in her high school. Not only is our queer community being then the movement wins! Onwards towards a of trans women of color.” Goodlett is the host/ something we lack in the trans Community Vanessa Victoria, Kiara St. James, Janet Mock, The prison industrial complex and the harmed, the War on Drugs and the increasing day without prisons, jails or detention centers! producer of Blog Talk Radio’s “The Kitty Bella (a historical record of our lived experiences). Octavia St. Lewis, Laverne Cox, and a few oth- Show,” a weekly radio show dedicated to high- Whew, i have had some amazing guests, ers took the pain and hurt that we experienced lighting trans people of color in various indus- Tanisha! New York Times best selling author at the Islan Nettles vigil and said, “ENOUGH is tries and trans-centered social justice issues. Janet Mock, awarding winning filmmaker and ENOUGH,” “NOT ONE MORE.” During the vigil, Southern Poverty Law Center Case Toussaint is a fashion designer and youth advo- visual artist Dr. Kortney Ziegler, activist-educa- Islan was misgendered and called out of her cate for the Center for HIV Educational Studies tor Lourdes Ashley Hunter, youth activist Nala name by the event leaders who were not inclu- and Training. Together, they offered insight on Simone, blogger Monica Roberts, and psychic sive of any input from trans women of color. We SPLC demands Georgia Department of Corrections provide the most pressing issues facing trans women healer Noah Alvarez have all been on my show. are the ones that are being killed everyday, so of color, what it means to be a good ally, and The beauty of my show is the diversity in not we need to be the ones leading the memorials transgender prisoner with necessary hormone treatment President obama’s LGBT non-discrimination just content but in the actual lived experiences for our sisters. We decided to form our own col- When ashley Diamond was sentenced to The need for transgender inmates to con- Executive Order. of my guest. lective to have our own voice and to hold folks, prison, she didn’t realize the state of Georgia tinue such hormone therapy has been rec- including ourselves, accountable. The collec- would force her to change her gender as well. ognized by the national Commission on TCF: Katrina, why is radio such a powerful TCF: Nala, what do you feel are the most press- tive is also about fostering sisterhood and love But since entering prison in 2012, the trans- Correctional health Care and the national gender woman has been denied the female Institute of Corrections. Federal Bureau of medium through which to share the narratives ing issues trans youth of color face today? amongst each other in order to pull each other hormones she has been receiving since age 17, Prison standards require that inmates in and perspectives of trans women of color? up when we are down and to always “check-in”. roughly half her life. Diamond’s situation receive hormone treat- Who have you had on your show? NST: Trans youth of color face a variety of bar- I’m a co-founding Board member and Chair of “I am only asking for respect,” said Diamond, ment and access to mental health providers riers just for living unapologetically in their Membership. We can be found on Twitter. who is currently held at Valdosta State Prison. “No familiar with transgender care. KG: Radio is a great medium to tell our stories. truth. Trans and gender nonconforming youth one would deny a diabetic prisoner insulin. No one TGIJP salutes Ashley Diamond for continu- would sentence a person to a gender change.” ing to pursue appropriate medical access and Radio takes the emphasis off what the person need love, compassion, and justice. They also TCF: Several trans women of color have been The georgia Department of Corrections’ an end to cruel and unusual punishment and looks like and makes the “audience” focus more need proper health care, financial stability, murdered this year (and most murders go (GDC) actions violate the Eighth Amendment’s appreciates Southern Poverty Law Center for on what is being said. transfolks’ looks and housing, and environments that are conducive unreported). How were you were affected by ban on cruel and unusual punishment as well as representing Ashely. Thank you all for your bodies are often objectified in the media, and for them to learn while living their authentic these murders and the often problematic ways the prison system’s own policies. leadership! Be safe and stay strong!

18 March 2015 | Volume 8 | Issue 1 Stiletto 7 San Francisco Organizations TGI Justice and #BlackLivesMatter form TAJA’s Coalition Transgender Gender Variant Intersex Justice Project is in in the Spirit of Taja de Jesus Solidarity With the People of Ferguson August 22, 2014

TAJA’s Coalition organized Trans Liberation Tuesday on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 T he leadership team of tgi Justice holds freedom. We work in collaboration with others essential dignities as humans, and we are here solidarity with the family of Mike Brown and to forge a culture of resistance and resilience to say that we join you in the struggle against routed instead to trans community program- the people of Ferguson, who have endured to strengthen us for the fight against impris- the racist police state and towards a future of ming, especially re-entry support and anti-vio- unspeakable human rights abuses at the hands onment, police violence, racism, poverty, and self-determination for our communities. lence work, with respect for the depth of work of law enforcement including and following societal pressures. We seek to create a world As an organization led by formerly incarcer- not the quantity. the police murder of Mr. Brown on August 9th. rooted in self determination, freedom of ated Black transgender women, we are cer- 3. We demand safe, affordable, and acces- TGI Justice Project is a group of transgender expression, and gender justice. tainly no strangers to police profiling, systemic sible housing for trans people. The rising cost people—inside and outside of prison—creating We share your pain and outrage at the loss criminalization, and brutality at the hands of of living in San Francisco, fueled by munici- a united family in the struggle for survival and pal protections for corporate interests at the of yet another young Black man’s life and the law enforcement. We are with you in heart, expense of our most vulnerable residents, has subsequent assault on your community by spirit, and action as you push back against those forced countless trans people into unsafe living police, and call these assaults out as clear and in power who would try to kill, harm, degrade, situations. additionally, the massive gentrifi- irrefutable examples of the deep, systemic rac- and silence you. The revolutionary work you are cation of the Mission, tenderloin, and SOMA ism that informs the Prison Industrial Complex doing in the streets of Ferguson, standing tall neighborhoods in the past two years has dis- in this country. This is a system that leaves our in the face of what must be unbearable grief, Trans women of color participate in a die-in at Trans Liberation Tuesday, February 10, 2015 placed countless residents. San Francisco must brothers, sisters, and loved ones dying in the empowers and emboldens us. shift its priorities away from protecting corpo- streets or locked up in unconscionable numbers We want you to know that the eyes of the unsafe in their daily lives than cisgender peo- The trans activists for Justice and rations and toward providing affordable hous- in a dehumanizing network of jails, deportation world are on Ferguson, and that your sisters, Accountability Coalition (“TAJA’s Coalition”) ple, and experience pervasive safety concerns ing for all who need it and particularly creating centers, and prisons. this is a system deeply brothers, and loved ones in the San Francisco is united in anger and outrage over the mur- about where to live, socialize, and receive affordable housing services, safe housing pro- rooted in a long and consistent history of gen- Bay Area join you in demanding justice. der of taja de Jesus. taja gabrielle de Jesus basic services according to a just-released grams and more safe spaces for trans people. dered racial injustice in the United States. This Be safe and stay strong, was stabbed to death on the streets of San LGBTQ Violence Prevention Needs Assessment 4. We demand that San Francisco form a Woods Ervin and danni west is a system that seeks to rob us of our most TGI Justice Project Leadership Team Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood on February compiled by the SF LGBT Center and the San transgender commission. 1, 2015. Taja was only 36 years old and friends Francisco Human Rights Commission. and family describe her as a sweet, light- A call to action issued for Trans Liberation December 24, 2014 hearted and caring woman with a passion for Tuesday demanded an end to the systemic TAJA’s Coalition (the Trans Activists for Justice and Accountability Coalition) music and a love for fashion. She was deeply violence targeting trans communities. the T o our beloved members, supporters, friends, and unity as binary jail housing is enforced on Trans lives, Black Women’s lives, Black involved in her community and her faith, vol- agenda for the action included a powerful dem- #TransLiberationTuesday and allies: Genderific greetings from the [work] protestors, the looking out for each other as Queer lives, Black Poor lives, Black People- #TurnUp4TAJA #TurnUp4TransPeople unteered at her local food bank, always had a onstration on the steps of SF City Hall, includ- in the SF Bay Area! TGI Justice Project salutes tear gas is shot, and all the ways we are hold- with-Disabilities’ lives, Black Survivors’ lives. smile and a story to share and constantly lit up ing speeches from local movement leadership the militant, focused, non-violent and popu- ing, loving and supporting one another in this While policing and criminalization dispro- a room. Taja was close to her family in San Jose who are trans women of color, a symbolic “die lar actions in Ferguson and across the world struggle as we make sure no is left behind. portionately affect the Black trans commu- and found acceptance and community in San in” and a very passionate testimonial session at rising up against policing and state violence Amidst the uprisings, we have endured the nity, it is the entire reach of our family that Francisco. She remained positive and resilient the City Board of Supervisors meeting. while affirming that #BlackLivesMatter. We are continued violence against trans women of is endangered by the devaluing of Black and in the face of many struggles and was relent- TAJA’s Coalition has issued the following proud of tgi Justice Project’s participation in color that was so present in 2014. early in Brown lives. TGI Justice Project celebrates this less in pursuing her wellness. demands in advance of Tuesday’s action: the response to police violence and the non- December, our siblings in the trans liberation moment as a movement moment, a time when We recognize this epidemic of violence 1. We demand that cisgender people end indictment of the murderers of Michael Brown struggle down in l.A. lost a wonderful com- we are part of a collective process of changing against and murder of trans women, particu- violence against trans communities, and and Eric Garner. Our staff and members have munity leader to gun violence. Rest In Power the course of everyone’s lives by strategically larly trans women of color, as being deeply particularly transgender women of color. been out in the streets, in coalition meetings, at Deshawnda Sanchez. Days later, our commu- focusing on changing the conditions of Black rooted in systemic racism, trans misogyny, Transphobia and violence against trans people actions, in each-one-teach-one conversations nity in georgia had a sister torn from them life in this country. We are here among and with class inequity, and lack of access to afford- is not a trans problem. It is a problem rooted in with people as we move through the world. We when Keymori Shatoya Johnson was mur- you all in the Bay Area and across the country. and created by cisgender people, and there is a able housing for trans communities. this is have been alongside other TGI people showing dered. in this moment of anguish and anger, We at TGI Justice Project believe that we will a national crisis in which the most vulnerable call to see active support of and participation in up to demonstrate that no business as usual in a year of heightened violence against Black win! #TransPeopleInTheStruggle #Solidarity members of our community are fighting for local and national efforts to create resources, Taja Gabrielle de Jesus will be tolerated, that this ends today. tgi trans women and trans women of color, #BlackLivesMatter their lives. In Taja’s memory, we will not relent access and justice for our trans communities. In Her Spirit ¡PRESENTE! Justice Project appreciates the consideration TGI Justice Project has been heartened and in demanding justice. 2. Trans communities need safety and access Never Give Up! WE DEMAND: and solidarity being extended to tgi people grounded by the truth that the fierce queer Be Safe and Stay Strong! Our communities are chronically under- to resources, not jails. We demand that all affordable, accessible housing for trans people who are putting their bodies into the action women’s leadership behind #BlackLivesMatter served, over-policed and criminalized, and plans for a new jail in San Francisco be ceased, cisgender people: Work to stop anti-trans violence no new jail in sf! resources and safety for trans people of resistance and survival; appreciates the care is building a movement that understands Love, subject to violence at every turn. Trans women and that no new jail construction is included in DESIGN BY DESIGN ACTION from community in police vans, the attention that Black lives means all Black lives: Black The TGI Justice Family of color are up to 7 times more likely to feel any City planning or budget with funds being Poster from the event

8 March 2015 | Volume 8 | Issue 1 Stiletto 17 movements, our communities and our families. cops and militarized repression against our “THIRD WORLD RESISTANCE” Participating For centuries, the devastating consequences people. Organizations and Allies: Anakbayan-USA, of u.S. imperialism have been the order of In the words of Malcolm X: “It is incorrect to AROC: Arab Resource & Organizing Center, the day for third world people from Vietnam classify the revolt of the Negro as simply a racial Asians4BlackLives, AYPAL, BAYAN-USA, BASAT: Letters from the Inside to Korea, from the Dakotas toHaiti, from the conflict of Black against White, or as a purely Bay Area Solidarity Action Team, BLIS: Black/ Philippines to Palestine to Pakistan, from American problem. Rather, we are today seeing BrownLatin@s in Solidarity, Catalyst Project, Hawaii to Mexico, and from Ferguson to Staten a global rebellion of the oppressed against the Critical Resistance, Freedom Archives, Island. We stand together today in the name oppressor, the exploited against the exploiter.” Gabriela-USA, Haiti Action Committee, HOBAK: If you want to know me A Place I’ll Never Call U nconquered of Dr. King, Malcolm X, the Black Panthers, Justice for Michael Brown, Eric Garner, By B. “Shyla” Thompson Hella Organized BayArea Koreans, IJAN: By Fatima Shayla Pearl, California Home Brown Berets, Red Guard, and AmericanIndian Tamir Rice and all victims of police: End State International Jewish Anti Zionist Network, the Veins run with women’s blood Movement who took on the state-sanctioned Violence! International League of People’s Struggles, I f you want to know me then you need to know By D. Nelson which burns within of hatred attacks on our communities directly, elevating From Palestine to Ferguson to Haiti to the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, Ruckus how I flow, because there’s more to me than discrimination The pain and hurt always endured Born into the world of oppression the struggle against state violence and for an Philippines: Fight Back! Society, VietUnity, Xican@Moratorium looking pretty and the way my hips sashay to end to the capitalist system that deploys killer Long Live International Solidarity! and fro, more to me than my fashion forward Shame and blame I knew that could, They seek to suppress our ways clothes or how I stand tall like an African queen Could continue its path with no regret To deteriorate my spirit-n-minds in my four-inch stilettos. Nightmare and hatred posed with a threat, The native woman is worthy If you really wanna know about me, then you Wish I could move dozens of mountains, of the ancestor’s ways Their legacy been handed down need to know about all those dark nights, and Pursue a dream with love and confidence, through many generations all those dark years I spent crying for redemp- All I do is home and hope to no avail, My blood flows freely through A place on earth I’ll always call hell, tion, shedding buckets of tears. The soul sear- which society tries to diminish ing pain I suffered trying to conquer my fears. What’s the measure of wrong or right, my own very being Black Liberation is for All of Us You need to know about how looking like a boy Death creepin’ within my sight, Constructing concrete but living like a girl damn near killed me, being I don’t know whether to run, or give, With twisted metal, sharp-n-shiny judged and mis-judged by a hateful jury of my It’s gonna always take over and win, Enforcing made-up laws by Annie Danger hateful peers, you wanna know me you need to Where are the things I can do, Trying to contain and break me know about those tears. So messed up on old and new, My image does not conformed But makes my desire—everlasting Black lives matter? Oh yes, please. As a white And as a low-income, white, trans woman We will make all lives matter and right now our You wanna know me, you need to know Places I can’t go can abolish me, about my life on the street accumulating mil- Hell in home it could never be. Goals of mine ever expanding woman (as a person with a heart!, but also par- I have it easier than black trans women in my job (our current sentence in the story of libera- The skin I’m into woven lions of emotional scars, and girl i got some A place I’ll never call home! position. If I look deeper into every part of my ticularly as a white woman), I am avidly in sup- tion) is to bring a halt to the genocide being stories to tell about jumping in and out of ran- Derive from this beautiful land Yet I’m outcast into a Misfit port of anything and everything black people life where I have access or safety or a trust that enacted on black people in this country still. dom cars, and the backseat fights for my life My crimson red color bleeds for are doing to get free. I am not worried about I’ll be okay, it is built on the legacy of white And when we win—when all black people that gave me physical scars. Let me tell you the Bravery and Honor consumes my being how to get mine, i am only concerned with people enacting violence on black, brown, and are free to flourish—we will have fundamen- T he Person Inside Me… story of how my best friend had his best friends Our people ways outright rejected how I can best support this new expansion of native bodies and very much on the legacy of tally changed the whole system. The same one gang rape me. How the thought taking turns By Punkin Scovil Defined by the war battle scars the Black Liberation Movement of the 50s, 60s, white people lifting ourselves through the sub- that oppresses me as a low-income person, as a fucking me would only hurt me like all I did was I knocked down repeatedly and 70s. jugation of black people. My comfort is tied to trans woman, as a woman. Because this whole scrape my knee, I’ll tell you all that, since you It’s a different world than where I come from Though, still standing strongly For me, it goes like this: I see anti-black rac- this genocide. system which is enacting genocide on black want to know me. And so I must adjust. Torn through—fully compromised Knowing me means knowing i’ve seen just ism somewhere near the center of every issue As a person conscious of these issues, I view people in the US is all one big knot of oppres- I find it hard to be myself Despite all my afflictions as many of my sisters die in dark alleys on cold But yet, I know I must. These chains can’t bind of oppression in this country. Be it outright it as my responsibility to take part in libera- sion and profit. Racist police violence enforces my worthy red woman’s spirit nights as I have my brothers die on dark streets I do not hide my feelings anti-blackness or the pervasive bias based on tion struggles which seek to right this horrible gentrification. Prisons make money off of each Their lies don’t hold me down in gun fights, truth is in all these high profile Or who I chose to be relative darkness of skin color, the prison sys- imbalance power. accordingly, i have nothing inmate and offer the only jobs in some commu- rainbow fights no one really gives a damn about nor does these walls Because I want this world to know tem or the job market, the ongoing legacy but love and support for this new blossoming nities to COs willing enact their racist policies. a “tranny whore’s” gay rights, or her drug addi- That restrict my sight The person inside me. of the enslavement of black africans during of black liberation struggle in the US. What a Giant corporations make money exploiting the tion, or her HIV condition, and believe me that Because why… And so I just oblige the first few centuries of colonialism in North privilege to get to fight for the liberation of needs and job insecurity of poor people with dude with his dick in my mouth ain’t hittin’ on I am an unconquered woman! I give them all I’ve got. me with a better job proposition, all he’s offer- America touches everything we do and are. other people! What a scary challenge to try and few options, many of whom are people of color I do not hold back nothing ing me is another $50.00 to put me in the face The legacy of slavery forms the foundation of do it well and in ways that use the resources I and immigrants. It’s all tied together. You can’t I teach what I’ve been taught. every institution and taints every social inter- have to add to the struggle, not make it about pull one strand without pulling the whole ball down ass up position so his friend can fuck me U ntitled too, the way these cops and judges do. I answer every question action in ways that daily attack the lives of myself. of yarn. So if we get freedom for black people, By Steven Thomas See, you seem to think it’s easy being me but That is thrown my way black people in this country. When i hear people correct “Black lives we will have had to get it for everyone. shit like gang rape can change your percep- I tell this world about myself The walls and stones of every prison are imbued When you start counting up the ways that Matter” to “All lives matter”, i hear people There are many inroads to the better world tion of reality, but, you said you want to get I have so much to say. with the memories and folklore of the convicts anti-black racism impacts the daily lives of trying to get theirs instead of supporting this we all wish we lived in. Picking and choosing to know me… you wanna know me you need Although there may be times who made their lives therein—steeped with all black people in this country (rates of impris- moment of liberation for black people. So which one is right won’t get us anywhere to know that this hard look in my eyes comes In which I must refrain their many sorrows and fears—laughter and onment, police murders, economic imbal- many lives matter. But bringing justice into our fast. if we respect the fact that black people from too many years of selling my ass in unfair The person who’s inside me tears—who if could speak—would whisper of them across the passage of years. back alley deals to people who don’t care about Rejects the inner pain ances and biases, lack of access to housing/ society is a lifetime of work to be done. We will need freedom and trust that there is room for Those within the free world are amazed my bills, only how good my head game feels. Her will is very strong food/healthcare/education/jobs...) you count have to work together every step of the way everyone at the table of liberation, we’ll fight by the innumerable anecdotes of events and A credit to this race quickly past “hard times”, “racism is bad”, and if we want to truly get liberation. and that hard to make this moment into a movement. So you can spare me the i want to get to experiences which abound and circulate within know you better bull—because i won’t be You can see that life’s been hard on her “oppression is harsh on all of us” all the way story won’t get told all at once. it happens a Centering the liberation of black people right prison cultures—some of which achieve the doing any interviews for any of your sensa- By the look upon her face up to genocide. Genocide is being enacted on sentence at a time. Which means the sentence now means lunging toward liberation for all of status of legend among the convicts—the tionalist puff piece talk shows, cheesing for But yet she still stands strong details of most are lost within a generation or black people in this country. we’re on right now is just that: the next step. us together. the camera while your disrespectful producers With dignity, with pride two—for rarely are they given written form— try to disrespect my femininity with dumb ass And love and understanding shared orally among only the prisoners and before and after photos. From the person who’s inside… their families.

16 March 2015 | Volume 8 | Issue 1 Stiletto 9 OFFICIAL STATEMENT: Third World Resistance for Black Power L etters from the Inside (continued)

Give This Day A Goal Dear Society A ll My Lovers Ways To Me Reclaiming MLK’s Legacy By Al Cunningham By Okey By Soleric Gulbronson Gy ive this da a goal, or two or three or a dozen. Strong in my Resolve It t’s wha I feel in your arms that makes me who Then set about one by one, to make them to Dissolve I am of Militant Internationalism happen. The labels This one of a kind love when we’re walking You can accomplish just about anything you hand in hand ask of yourself, “You” Place I’m standing on the edge and I could fall forever Yet in order to accomplish, you do need to ask. To Disgrace my Linking Third World Struggle With Black Resistance Baby you’re the only one who makes me feel Make your goals specific and clear. Wo-man-Hood this way When you know exactly what you intend to do, “You” call me “Before long they must know that their government has sent them into a struggle deportation, and militarization of their schools You’re well on your way to getting it done. Everything about you and every single day Transvestite! and communities, both here and in their home- Make your goals meaningful and memorable. I just wanna hold you until this pain goes away among Vietnamese, and the more sophisticated surely realize that we are on the Faggot! lands, are connecting the dots and linking The more they mean to you, And I know this is a once in a lifetime thing side of the wealthy, and the secure, while we create a hell for the poor. Somehow the less likely you are to become sidetracked Homo! To be your lover and know the joy you bring these issues with the systemic problem of set- by all the distractions that will come your way. Queer! When we’re together I begin to see this madness must cease. We must stop now. I speak as a child of God and tler colonialism in places like Palestine. You now have this day which to work. Because “You” fear Baby how much you really mean to me brother to the suffering poor of Vietnam. I speak for those whose land is being As the state attempts to tamp down the Give yourself something meaningful to make of it. my Individuality? Free… to be myself with you rising fists of dissent, people’s movements Give this day a goal, I can’t understand There’s nothing I wouldn’t do—for you laid waste, whose homes are being destroyed, whose culture is being subverted. I in Ferguson, haiti, Palestine, the Philippines, With your energy focused on accomplishment. and across the globe are only intensifying. And this day, in return will give you great value Your Demands You’ll never realize and never have a clue speak for the poor of America who are paying the double price of smashed hopes And as an extension, today in the Bay area, that lasts for a long long time. For me to Fit In Just what it is your love can truly do. at home, and death and corruption in Vietnam. I speak as a citizen of the world, “You” can not define me we are organizing together and deepening for the world as it stands aghast at the path we have taken.” In Hue’s of our collective commitment to the increasingly Pink or Blue Free Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Beyond Vietnam – A Time to Break Silence, 1967 militant struggle for Black liberation and self- Remember Stonewall determination. We know that we cannot fight I dare to be Different!!! By B. “Shyla” Thompson imperialism abroad unless we fight its domes- of 1969 I color outside of the Lines To kick off Martin luther King Jr. weekend, interests, the u.S. and its collaborators like As I’ve laid down quietly tic manifestation - violent racist policing- in our By Rev. Dr. Kimberly Jade McBride I live outside of the Proverbial Box thirdworld people and allies have shut down Israel and its puppet states like the Philippines Thinking of what could of been, the oakland Federal Building to demonstrate are co-developing and deploying military own streets. Or u people have a great and rich history that is I can’t understand Instead, trapped within these walls, our support for the heightened struggle for and policing tactics in an attempt to perfect The West has built and structured this as old as time. We are making huge advances in Your Demands Wishing I was in your arms. Blackliberation, power, self-defense and self- techniques of counter- insurgency, crowd world on Black death, while systematically- our civil rights which are granted by God and For me to Holding close to my heart by the U.S. Constitution. Yet, our people in the determination in the u.S. the verdicts in the and population control, surveillance, and the waging attacks on third world people in their Fit in… Wishing I could be with you penal system are still denied basic human rights. cases of Michael Brown, Eric Garner and Tamir militarization of local police forces. in the struggle for self-determination. By exposing Instead of this living hell! We cannot even get married to the one we love Rice, have drawn renewed attention to the Bay area, people struggling against surveil- and confronting these systems, we seek to Miss the kisses, caresses so softly unless one of us is not behind these walls. ways that policing and the “justice system” are lance, policing,detention, forced displacement, weaken their foundations, and strengthen our We are still being harassed and mistreated, We Are “Colors of Our Holding tenderly with warm embrace used to wage war on Black communities in ser- and yet how long shall it go on? I will answer Oh I wish I was free… vice of imperialism and white supremacy that this question: as long as we do nothing as a Rainbow”… Free! To be with my darling so sweet family then we will continue to suffer. But, this continues to undergirdthis country. For MLK By Nina McQueen Pain and regrets we’ve shared means from within and without. It’s hard to remember weekend, we are reclaimingthe militancy and When hiV/AIDS hit the prison system and Wondering souls of the rainbow, Self-navigating When it was, to be with you internationalism that was the hallmark of the people were dying the outside community through the fog of gender bias. Hollow hearths That I’ve become like these walls last phase of Dr. King’s life. Acted up. But, what has happened? i believe filled with jaded love, but unwilling to darken, Trapped… forever it seems We join international movements for the lib- since the lgBT Outside Family has gotten I wish, that I was set free eration of Palestine, Haiti, and the Philippines, what the wanted, i.e.: gays in open military ser- motivated by the truth of our man and woman- vice, right to marry, etc.; then us inside are lost hood. Unbowed by societies shattered reflec- Free! To be with you for indigenous sovereignty in hawaii, for because CDCR (and other stat prison systems) tion of who we are. We walk beside our rainbow Where I can feel your breath native peoples in the u.S. and Mexico, and encourage discrimination. How? colors of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and Just one last time. I only wish for for immigrant, worker, queer/transgender, LGBT custody staff and free staff are the purple. They comfort us in our journey for To feel you, to be free and youth justice in communities in solidar- hardest on us. They believe they need to show Oh! The pain we’ve shared equality. Who are we, we are your sisters and ity with the resurging calls to build “Black they are not “punks” and thus we get the worst The darkness that engulfs my spirit Power” and “Black resistance” alongside the treatment from our own. brothers, mothers and fathers. We are your Makes my hearth ache…just to be free… original nationwide galvanizing statement that friends and co-workers, we are LGBT. Feel our I will close this by simply saying: unless we Free. Forever! stand as one we all fall separately. “BlackLives Matter!” colors and then you will know our hearths, see Sorry love… It seems the only way May God direct the path we walk. May we Today’s action targets the oakland Federal our colors and respect our journey. Being LGBT You know that I’ve always loved you all join as one and remember our roots. We are Building because of its role in promoting a war isn’t a flaw, we are the glitter of the world. So family, we are community, we are Lesbian, Gay, To my last dying breath on Black people and people’s struggles for even when bigotry and hatred rains down on us I’m free finally… Bisexual, transgender, Queer, and more than self-determination in the U.S. and around the there will always be the colors of our rainbow I love you forever. You’re my darling… #3rdWorld4BlackPower activists shut down the federal building in Oakland, CA, 1/16/15. anything PROUD! world. Protecting their imperialist economic Remember Stonewall of 1969! shining through with righteousness. …my freedom! Many of the leaders were trans and gender non-conforming.

10 March 2015 | Volume 8 | Issue 1 Stiletto 15 bear the burden of state-sponsored Darwinian who have our minds stayed on freedom, we and political framing. lift up Black lives as experiments that attempt to squeeze us into can learn to fight anti-Black racism by exam- an opportunity to connect struggles across boxes of normality defined by White suprem- ining the ways in which we participate in it, race, class, gender, nationality, sexuality and acy is state violence. And the fact is that the even unintentionally, instead of the worn out disability. lives of Black people—not all people—exist and sloppy practice of drawing lazy parallels And, perhaps more importantly, when Black within these conditions is consequence of state of unity between peoples with vastly different people cry out in defense of our lives, which are a tranny who transferred to Donovan that violence. experiences and histories. uniquely, systematically, and savagely targeted Transgenders and Some was killed by her cellie shortly after. My tears Dear TGI, When we deploy “All lives Matter” as to by the state, we are asking you, our family, to fell only for the positive joys she had provided My name is Aaliyah L. Straite, I’m incarcerated When Black people get free, Educational Thoughts on correct an intervention specifically created stand with us in affirming Black lives. Not just as a person. I recognize that when each of us at Lanesboro Correctional Institution in North everybody gets free to address anti-blackness,, we lose the ways all lives. Black lives. Please do not change the Genders/Gays fight and push forward we push forward for Carolina. i’m the first person in the state of #BlackLivesMatter doesn’t mean your life isn’t in which the state apparatus has built a pro- conversation by talking about how your life all of us transgenders. The history and knowl- North Carolina prison out of male and female Some Events We Face as Girls in Prison to obtain hormonal therapy, then transition, to important–it means that Black lives, which are gram of genocide and repression mostly on matters, too. It does, but we need less watered edge in regards to us trannies is little and I feel the strong powerful black woman I am. seen as without value within White suprem- the backs of Black people—beginning with the down unity and a more active solidarities with sometimes not adequate in regards to “Gender By R. “Shiloh” Quine I had to be transferred to another prison acy, are important to your liberation. given theft of millions of people for free labor—and us, Black people, unwaveringly, in defense of Identity Disorder” (GID). We sometimes suf- because of discrimination by a female cor- our humanity. our collective futures depend the disproportionate impact state violence then adapted it to control, murder, and profit Within the “Standards of Care” first and fore- fer from our keepers that have control over us. rection officer. She grabbed her breast and has on Black lives, we understand that when off of other communities of color and immi- on it. most studies on g.I.D. transgender resource, I don’t feel I have a “disorder” at all. Gays are smacked her butt and said in from of the other Black people in this country get free, the ben- grant communities. We perpetuate a level of it is notably clear “gay inmates” are totally a born gay men or bi, tranny girls “even though inmates that I want what she got and that God efits will be wide reaching and transformative White supremacist domination by reproducing different type than “transgenders.” one has deemed men” are not. Gays fit in easier than we gave it to her and her body is natural. So I like for society as a whole. When we are able to a tired trope that we are all the same, rather Alicia Garza is the Special Projects Director absolutely nothing to do with the other. Being do within the population. We should be distinct to tell all my transgender sisters; know Ms. end hyper-criminalization and sexualization than acknowledging that non-Black oppressed for the National Domestic Workers Alliance. transgender is only about gender, nothing to obviously as “real female” without the biases, Aaliyah is not the one to bite her tongue for of Black people and end the poverty, control, people in this country are both impacted by She has been the recipient of multiple awards do with sexual orientation. In reality it’s a com- even without the completed surgery we are anyone. So I told Ms. Thing what I thought of and surveillance of Black people, every single racism and domination, and simultaneously, for her organizing work in Black and Latino mon mistake, not confusing once you realize we completely women with personality feminine her and then place a grievance on her. person in this world has a better shot at get- BENEFIT from anti-black racism. communities, receiving the local hero are women “not gay” even if some transgender in an unaccepted world and environment. I do I am still fighting for my treatment but I’m still about to make history in N.C. prison sys- ting and staying free. When Black people get When you drop “Black” from the equation of award from the San Francisco Bay Guardian girls have a libido drive for both men/women not consider the prescribed current standard and the Jeanne Gauna Communicate Justice tem. To all my sisters I say fight for who you free, everybody gets free. This is why we call whose lives matter, and then fail to acknowl- activity they are transgenders first not gay, appropriate in respects to updated knowedge award from the Center for Media Justice are and what you believe in and never ever give on Black people and our allies to take up the edge it came from somewhere, you further neither are wrong. Under the Harry Benjamin even under the old Harry Benjamin 1885-1986 in 2008. She has twice been honored by up! I’m 25 years old and still fighting mentally, call that Black lives matter. We’re not saying a legacy of erasing Black lives and Black con- related to TG issues. I don’t consider myself to the harvey Milk Democratic Club with the treatment of transsexuality it is a “TG” com- physically, and emotionally for i will not be Black lives are more important than other lives, tributions from our movement legacy. and be a person with GID or labeled as a TG. Some Bayard Rustin Community Activist award for munity population that knowledge is set forth pushed around by anyone. You may not like me or that other lives are not criminalized and consider whether or not when dropping the her work fighting gentrification and envi- (adequate per based data) but surprisingly, we people are born as women. There is need for for who I am but you will respect me and give oppressed in various ways. We remain in active Black you are, intentionally or unintention- ronmental racism in San Francisco’s largest have an ongoing stigma of the same as “gay updated research and valid policies related to me space so stay strong sisters. solidarity with all oppressed people who are ally, erasing Black folks from the conversation remaining Black community. inmates” and here at (SVSP) we are not allowed the fact that we should be accepted as women. P.S. Thank you TGI and North Carolina ACLU fighting for their liberation and we know that or homogenizing very different experiences. Alicia comes to nDWA after serving as the same privileges of a support group mac rep This is only an ideological viewpoint instead and to my sisters, keep your hearth warm and our destinies are intertwined. The legacy and prevalence of anti-Black rac- Executive Director of People organized to that would include our peers within the popu- of the label GID why not “Distinguish Woman your eyes dry and know we’re the future. We And, to keep it real–it is appropriate and ism and hetero-patriarchy is a lynch pin hold- Win employment rights (POWER) in San lation as other inmates are allowed this posi- Kind” (DWK) with the continuation of the can’t be stopped. I will keep everyone posted Francisco since 2009. Under her leadership, necessary to have strategy and action cen- ing together this unsustainable economy. And tion. no transgender inmates obtain inmate hormone treatment, calling us trannies, sir or on my treatment. I love all of you sisters. POWER won free local public transportation tered around Blackness without other non- that’s not an accidental analogy. Advisory Committee (I.A.C.) or LGBT practices Mr. is disrespectful and used as a weapon as Always love, for youth; fought for a seat at the table in Black communities of color, or White folks for In 2014, hetero-patriarchy and anti-Black other forms of abuse inflicted on us over the Aaliyah Straite some of the most important land use deci- to resolve issue(s) for these inmates. There is that matter, needing to find a place and a way racism within our movement is real and felt. sions affecting working-class families; beat “no employee sensitivity training association fact that we get hormone therapy in prison. to center themselves within it. it is appropri- It’s killing us and it’s killing our potential to back regressive local policies targeting clearly implemented for an equal comprehen- Training should be provided to our keepers. ate and necessary for us to acknowledge the build power for transformative social change. undocumented people; organized against sive standard criteria for CDCR”. Significantly, Being denied rights isn’t “friendly” not allow- P henomenal Trans critical role that Black lives and struggles for When you adopt the work of queer women of the chronic police violence in Black neigh- to label this facility “transgender friendly” the ing I.A.C. or other medical items is unjust to our By Okey Black liberation have played in inspiring and color, don’t name or recognize it, and promote borhoods; and shed light on the ongoing homophobic practices of a “de facto policies” “medical needs”. Retaliation will come by form anchoring, through practice and theory, social it as if it has no history of its own such actions wave of profit-driven development that con- of misconduct, gender based harms/abuses of manipulation by the staff, denial of medical You call me an Abomination, movements for the liberation of all people. are problematic. When I use Assata’s powerful tribute to a changing San Francisco. of unnecessary pronunciation addressing us care labelled as troublemakers even a snitch I call me Unique. In 2013, alicia co-founded The women’s movement, the Chicano libera- demand in my organizing work, I always begin as “he” instead of “she”, necessary “gender consequences for fighting for you human You call me Confused, #BlackLivesMatter, an online platform devel- tion movement, queer movements, and many by sharing where it comes from, sharing about medical association” practices that deprive us rights fulfillment that is supported by forms of I call me Defined. oped after the murder of trayvon Martin, more have adopted the strategies, tactics Assata’s significance to the Black liberation of the valid extensions of this hormone treat- international standards framework to which You call me a Freak. designed to connect people interested and theory of the Black liberation movement. Movement, what it’s political purpose and mes- I call me a Human Being. in learning more about and fighting back ment. Support groups/psych services was is a powerful concept to apply when pushing And if we are committed to a world where all sage is, and why it’s important in our context. You call me Disgusting, against anti-Black racism. implemented. i appeared at two groups and for social political changes recognized in the lives matter, we are called to support the very When you adopt Black lives Matter and I CALL ME… Alicia currently serves on the Board of recognize there is little knowledge in regards global world struggles for justice of the viola- Beautiful, Smart, Strong movement that inspired and activated so many transform it into something else (if you feel Directors for the School of Unity and Liberation to transgenders associated to our keepers. Not tions of our human rights. it is said that this Phenomenal Trans— more. that means supporting and acknowl- you really need to do that–see above for the (SOUL) in Oakland, CA, and is a contributing a very valid support group. Significantly, I was facility will provide adequate means soon etc… Your words cannot edging Black lives. arguments not to), it’s appropriate politically writer for WarTimes magazine. She serves addressed as a man, third meeting felt this was SVSP has no motivation within its objectives Confine me Progressive movements in the United States to credit the lineage from which your adapted as trusted counsel for organizations across a fictitious group as the labels of “transgender to deny privileges/rights, induce conflicts with have made some unfortunate errors when they work derived. it’s important that we work the country looking to build their capacity to Your words cannot friendly” yards. Nothing is consistent to reflect others (staff and inmates), bogus denial of 602 Bind me to the Chains of Restriction, and push for unity at the expense of really under- together to build and acknowledge the leg- lead and win organizing campaigns. When this. The staff at the door talked to me as if I appeals coercions of inmates “agent provo- Constriction you demand I wear; to standing the concrete differences in context, acy of Black contributions to the struggle for she’s not scheming on freedom, Alicia enjoys was something he would walk over. I apologize cateur protocols” over other inmates that file Make you feel Superior? Safe? experience and oppression. in other words, human rights. If you adapt Black Lives Matter, dancing, reading and writing—and scheming some more. for the negativity to the group. Also I’m happy grievances etc., or just deny appeals unfairly There’s nothing here to fear! some want unity without struggle. As people use the opportunity to talk about its inception for the knowledge (even though sad) of Lacy, and privileges… I’m a Phenomenal Trans!!!

14 March 2015 | Volume 8 | Issue 1 Stiletto 11 impacting our people. We’ve created space even more surprised when, in the promotion Broadening the Conversation FEATURED ARTICLES for the celebration and humanization of Black of their event, one of the artists conducted an to Include Black Life lives. interview that completely erased the origins Black lives Matter is a unique contribution of their work–rooted in the labor and love of The Theft of that goes beyond extrajudicial killings of Black queer Black women. Black Queer Women’s Work people by police and vigilantes. It goes beyond Pause. the narrow nationalism that can be prevalent As people took the #BlackLivesMatter demand When you design an event / campaign / within some Black communities, which merely into the streets, mainstream media and corpo- et cetera based on the work of queer Black call on Black people to love Black, live Black and rations also took up the call, #BlackLivesMatter women, don’t invite them to participate in buy Black, keeping straight cis Black men in the appeared in an episode of Law & Order: SVU shaping it, but ask them to provide materials front of the movement while our sisters, queer in a mash up containing the Paula Deen rac- and ideas for next steps for said event, that is and trans and disabled folk take up roles in the ism scandal and the tragedy of the murder of racism in practice. It’s also hetero-patriarchal. background or not at all. Black lives Matter Trayvon Martin. Straight men, unintentionally or intentionally, affirms the lives of Black queer and trans folks, The theme for this issue of Stiletto is “Black Lives Matter! Black Trans Lives Matter! Black Suddenly, we began to come across var- have taken the work of queer Black women disabled folks, Black-undocumented folks, ied adaptations of our work–all lives matter, and erased our contributions. Perhaps if we Imprisoned People’s Lives Matter!” Below you will find three articles speaking to this theme folks with records, women and all Black lives brown lives matter, migrant lives matter, wom- were the charismatic Black men many are ral- along the gender spectrum. it centers those from a few different identity perspectives. From what we have heard, the political activity en’s lives matter, and on and on. While imita- lying around these days, it would have been a that have been marginalized within Black lib- tion is said to be the highest form of flattery, different story, but being Black queer women eration movements. it is a tactic to (re)build outside has been impacting some discussions and work inside, and vice versa. TGIJP is very I was surprised when an organization called in this society (and apparently within these the Black liberation movement. to ask if they could use “Black Lives Matter” in movements) tends to equal invisibility and When we say Black Lives Matter, we are talk- interested in the conversations y’all are having inside, what the vibe is like inside about the one of their campaigns. We agreed to it, with non-relevancy. ing about the ways in which Black people are movement against police brutality, reflections on how fighting for Black Lives to really matter the caveat that a) as a team, we preferred that We completely expect those who benefit deprived of our basic human rights and dignity. we not use the meme to celebrate the impris- directly and improperly from White supremacy It is an acknowledgement Black poverty and is fighting for everyone’s well being, as well as poetry and art about this movement and onment of any individual and b) that it was to try and erase our existence. We fight that genocide is state violence. It is an acknowledg- important to us they acknowledged the gen- every day. But when it happens amongst our ment that 1 million Black people are locked moment. TGIJP, Trans Women of Color Collective, and other trans liberation organizations esis of #BlackLivesMatter. I was surprised when allies, we are baffled, we are saddened, and we in cages in this country–one half of all people have been working with #BlackLivesMatter organizers to expand the inclusion of trans, they did exactly the opposite and then justified are enraged. And it’s time to have the political in prisons or jails–is an act of state violence. their actions by saying they hadn’t used the conversation about why that’s not okay. It is an acknowledgment that Black women gender variant and intersex lives in this framework and movement for Black Liberation. We “exact” slogan and, therefore, they deemed it We are grateful to our allies who have continue to bear the burden of a relentless okay to take our work, use it as their own, fail stepped up to the call that Black lives matter, assault on our children and our families and hope that these articles can be thought provoking, engaging and useful to supporting your to credit where it came from, and then use it to and taken it as an opportunity to not just stand that assault is an act of state violence. Black applaud incarceration. in solidarity with us, but to investigate the queer and trans folks bearing a unique burden resilience and solidarity. We hope to hear from you about what resonates and what you think. I was surprised when a community institu- ways in which anti-Black racism is perpetuated in a hetero-patriarchal society that disposes of tion wrote asking us to provide materials and in their own communities. We are also grate- us like garbage and simultaneously fetishizes us action steps for an art show they were curat- ful to those allies who were willing to engage and profits off of us is state violence; the fact ing, entitled “Our lives Matter.” When ques- in critical dialogue with us about this unfortu- that 500,000 Black people in the US are undoc- tioned about who was involved and why they nate and problematic dynamic .And for those umented immigrants and relegated to the felt the need to change the very specific call who we have not yet had the opportunity to shadows is state violence;.the fact that Black A Herstory of the and demand around Black lives to “our lives,” engage with around the adaptations of the girls are used as negotiating chips during times I was told the artists decided it needed to be Black Lives Matter call, please consider the fol- of conflict and war is state violence; Black folks #BlackLivesMatter Movement more inclusive of all people of color. i was lowing points. living with disabilities and different abilities by Alicia Garza, Reprinted from The Feminist Wire with permission

I created #BlackLivesMatter with Patrisse are systematically and intentionally targeted a very successful Black lives Matter ride, led Cullors and Opal Tometi, two of my sisters, as a for demise. it is an affirmation of Black folks’ and designed by Patrisse Cullors and Darnell call to action for Black people after 17-year-old contributions to this society, our humanity, and L. Moore, organized to support the movement Trayvon Martin was post-humously placed on our resilience in the face of deadly oppression. that is growing in St. Louis, MO, after 18-year trial for his own murder and the killer, George We were humbled when cultural workers, old Mike Brown was killed at the hands of Zimmerman, was not held accountable for the artists, designers and techies offered their Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson. We’ve crime he committed. It was a response to the labor and love to expand #BlackLivesMatter hosted national conference calls focused on anti-Black racism that permeates our society beyond a social media hashtag. Opal, Patrisse, issues of critical importance to Black people and also, unfortunately, our movements. and I created the infrastructure for this move- working hard for the liberation of our people. Black Lives Matter is an ideological and polit- ment project—moving the hashtag from social We’ve connected people across the country ical intervention in a world where Black lives media to the streets. Our team grew through working to end the various forms of injustice

12 March 2015 | Volume 8 | Issue 1 Stiletto 13