Rochester, NY was one of the very first jurisdictions in the US to protect gender identity and expression in its human rights laws. In fact, Rochester accorded equal rights in housing, employment, education and other areas to transgenders a quarter-century before New York City did so.
Of course, that law didn't stamp out ignorance and hate, any more than such a law could have such an effect anyplace else. Even so, it's more than a little surprising that a pair of popular local radio hosts--Kimberly and Beck--should go on this transphobic rant:
Being ignorant of what it means to be trans is one thing, and is even somewhat understandable. But calling us "nutjobs" is something else. So is the comment about the trans male softball player having two bats. And there's simply no excuse for anyone over the age of seven to play "Dude Looks Like A Lady" while making fun of trans people.
(After I ended my relationship with him, Dominick left that song on my voice mail a number. I ignored it and he escalated his harassment.)
At least it's good to know that retribution against Kimberly and Beck was swift. Of course, that did nothing to stop them, but it's still good to know that caller called them out. Others complained, and someone with the power to stop K and B took action: Their employers, station 98.9, suspended them "indefinitely".
I've been to Rochester once, before I knew about their history of transgender equality. My brief stay left me with the impression that there are some really good people there. The reaction to Kimberly and Beck confirms that notion.
Of course, that law didn't stamp out ignorance and hate, any more than such a law could have such an effect anyplace else. Even so, it's more than a little surprising that a pair of popular local radio hosts--Kimberly and Beck--should go on this transphobic rant:
Being ignorant of what it means to be trans is one thing, and is even somewhat understandable. But calling us "nutjobs" is something else. So is the comment about the trans male softball player having two bats. And there's simply no excuse for anyone over the age of seven to play "Dude Looks Like A Lady" while making fun of trans people.
(After I ended my relationship with him, Dominick left that song on my voice mail a number. I ignored it and he escalated his harassment.)
At least it's good to know that retribution against Kimberly and Beck was swift. Of course, that did nothing to stop them, but it's still good to know that caller called them out. Others complained, and someone with the power to stop K and B took action: Their employers, station 98.9, suspended them "indefinitely".
I've been to Rochester once, before I knew about their history of transgender equality. My brief stay left me with the impression that there are some really good people there. The reaction to Kimberly and Beck confirms that notion.
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