Violence Against Gender Benders

The Gender Public Advocacy Commission has issued a report on the epidemic of murders committed against young people who defy traditional notions of gender identity. In the past ten years, 50 youth under 30 have died violently.

The report reveals a unique vulnerability at the intersection of age, race, and gender non- conformity that makes a fatal assault exponentially more likely. “While many youth who don’t fit gender stereotypes for masculinity or femininity face harassment or bullying, when it comes to gender-based murder the victims are specific and consistent,” said Riki Wilchins, GenderPAC Executive Director.

“These victims tended to share the same characteristics: they were mostly Black or Latina, were biologically male and presenting with some degree of femininity, and were killed by other young males in attacks of extraordinary and often multiple acts of violence,” added Wilchins.

I haven't yet seen Boys Don't Cry; I know it would just shred me. I had enough trouble with Brokeback Mountain.

(h/t Pam)

I Heart Keith Ellison

The Washington Post's Reliable Source reports today that Rep. Ellison will take his ceremonial oath of office on a Koran once owned by Thomas Jefferson. Take that, Virgil Goode!

Money quote:

Goode, who represents Jefferson's birthplace of Albemarle County, had no comment yesterday.

Of course not. What can one say in the face of such perfect political pitch?

Is That A Tiger In Your Tank?

The Union of Concerned Scientists has revealed that Exxon gave $16 million to 43 ideological groups over seven years "in a coordinated effort to mislead the public by discrediting the science behind global warming".

Alden Meyer, the Union of Concerned Scientists' strategy and policy director, said in a teleconference that ExxonMobil based its tactics on those of tobacco companies, spreading uncertainty by misrepresenting peer-reviewed scientific studies or cherry-picking facts.

Dr. James McCarthy, a professor at Harvard University, said the company has sought to "create the illusion of a vigorous debate" about global warming.

I haven't bought much Exxon gas since the Valdez, and I never will again.