Topic: Li Anne Taft

Life in the Contra Lane
Living contrary to society?s norms, transgendered men find peace in the unique lives they have built.

by Li Anne W. Taft

This column appeared in Da Kine magazine, April 2001 and was reprinted in Transgender Tapestry #098 in Summer 2002.

When David fell in love with Leilani, he was a woman. Born female, a lifelong gender identity struggle troubled Linda and her lesbian relationships. Then, at age 32, guided by a powerful urge for resolution, Linda began taking testosterone and began to appear in public as David?oftentimes with Leilani at his side.

Originally published in DaKine, June 2001; appeared in Transgender Tapestry #097, Spring 2002.

by Li Anne W. Taft

With Hawaii Legislators withholding equal rights and protection from TG men and women, we must work harder together towards a safer society

May 1st?Lei Day?brought frightening news: Hawaii?s Hate Crimes Bill was sent to the Governor with ?gender and transgendered? removed from its protected status list. Our legislators had made a poor choice and a biased statement: that gender identity and gender expression were not worthy of government protection.

Such prejudiced legislation could very well put transgendered men and women at greater risk of harm in Hawaii. By excluding gender and transgender from protected status in our islands? laws and public policies, our elected representatives put forth a message: the legislation, the police, and the court system do not value transgendered people.

Present and future attackers and murderers of transgendered men and women in Hawaii motivated by hatred and prejudice can breathe easier now: if convicted, they will not receive increased penalties as in other hate crime cases.

Originally appeared in Transgender Tapestry #096, Winter 2001.
by Li Anne Taft

In older cultures, they were highly respected. Today, transsexual men and women are badly mistreated by many, including health care and medical professions, which greatly diminishes the quality of their lives.

?We don?t take blood from mahus,? the receptionist nurse said, as if I had a contagious disease. I suspect it was the blank sex field on my Hawaii State ID or my strong-appearing hands that brought out her biased attitude. As I attempted to explain my transgendered-woman identity, the biomed firm?s director rudely interrupted: ?We don?t take blood from people appearing homosexual,? he said, and asked me to leave. Angered by this bigoted bunch, I left, feeling thankful I was not in need of receiving blood?at least, not at the moment.