On Sunday, May 3rd, the body of 28-year-old transgender woman Nina Pop was found in her apartment in Sikestown, Missouri. She had been stabbed multiple times, according to police. While police have not determined a motive, they are looking into the possibility of a hate crime. The LGBTQ advocacy group Human Rights Campaign reported that Pop’s murder is at least the 10th violent death of a transgender or gender nonconforming person this year, and the fifth in the past month. All five of the recent victims were transgender women of color. Tori Cooper, director of community engagement for HRC’s Transgender Justice Initiative, wrote in a blog post, “for the past four weeks, we have seen the deaths of five transgender women of color in this country. We are seeing an epidemic of violence that can no longer be ignored. Transgender and gender-nonconforming people, especially trans women of color, risk our lives by living as our true selves — and we are being violently killed for doing so”. Transgender and gender nonconforming people lack expansive, explicit federal legal protections to safeguard against the vast discrimination they receive. While they are covered under the state’s hate crimes legislation, they are not explicitly […]

A transgender woman awaiting trial on charges that she swindled elderly women out of their savings was raped repeatedly in jail after she was housed against her will with rowdy male inmates, according to a new lawsuit.

A regular in Fox's '9-1-1: Lone Star,' Smith has gotten a lot of reading done as he waits out the pandemic in a friend's guestroom.

The “Saved by the Bell” star later apologized for stirring controversy in a resurfaced interview with conservative Candace Owens.

OBJECTIVE

The long-term influences of sex hormone administration on insulin sensitivity and incretin hormones are controversial. We investigated these effects in 35 transgender men (TM) and 55 transgender women (TW) from the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence (ENIGI) study.

The Trump administration weighed into a lawsuit, arguing that a state's transgender-athlete policy forces "biological girls to compete against biological boys who publicly identify with the female gender and want to compete on sex-specific athletic teams."

A federal appeals court rejected a multi-pronged challenge to a school district plan allowing transgender students to use restrooms and other facilities that match their gender identity.

Idaho became the first state in the country to prohibit transgender girls from participating in girls' school sports after Gov. Brad Little, a Republican, signed the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act" into law Tuesday.

Supporters of the bill say it would extend critical civil rights protections to more students. But opponents say it ignores parents' rights in schools and could lead to confusing situations for some children.

The Trump administration's move to narrowly define gender according to sex assigned at birth could impact transgender students and schools' policies with respect to their rights.

The Education Department's office for civil rights will investigate whether a Georgia elementary school's policy for transgender students contributed to the alleged assault of a girl.

Equipping teachers to help transgender students feel safe and included requires special training, advocates say.

BACKGROUND:

In the United States, transgender youth are at especially high risk for HIV infection. Literature regarding HIV prevention strategies for this vulnerable, often-hidden population is scant. Before effective, population-based HIV prevention strategies may be adequately developed, it is necessary to first enhance the contextual understanding of transgender youth HIV risk and experiences with HIV preventive services.

Russell B. Toomey
Oct 1, 2018; 142:e20174218-e20174218
ARTICLES

Kristina R. Olson
Mar 1, 2016; 137:e20153223-e20153223
ARTICLES

In a recent video message, transgender teachers urge school leaders to make schools more welcoming by examining their own biases and implementing inclusive policies.

Hesham Selim's appearance on the TV show led to yet another wave of support for LGBTQ rights in Egypt on social media, with many praising the actor for his support for his son.

Islamabad : The coronavirus pandemic has increased the transgender persons' socioeconomic vulnerability and isolation, so short and long-term measures, especially by the government, are imperative to support them and ensure alternate means of livelihood in the changing environment.This was the...

There are approximately 1 million transgender and gender-diverse adults in the United States. Despite increased awareness and acceptance, they frequently encounter medical settings that are not welcoming and/or health care providers who are not knowledgeable about their health needs. Use of correct terminology, following best practices for name and pronoun use, and knowledge of gender-affirming interventions can create office environments that are welcoming to transgender clients. Health disparities faced by transgender patients that impact access to care include higher rates of mental health issues, substance use disorders, violence, and poverty. Transgender women are at greater risk for HIV acquisition and are less likely to achieve viral suppression compared with cisgender (nontransgender) individuals. Medical providers can facilitate HIV prevention efforts by offering pre- and postexposure prophylaxis to transgender patients at risk for HIV infection. Improving health outcomes requires attention to cultural competency and an understanding of lived experiences and priorities of transgender people.

The first ever set of specific recommendations to support transgender autistic young people was co-created by these youth and their families working hand-in-hand with clinical experts. The resulting model offers clinicians a set of concrete ways to provide this unique population the support they need.

"With your help and engagement, we’re working to ensure that the Justice Department lives up to its responsibility to provide a work environment where every employee is respected and given an equal opportunity to thrive," said Attorney General Holder.

Especially this morning, we must recommit ourselves to the work that – however the cases are decided – will remain undone. We have traveled far together on the road to true equality and non-discrimination.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance is a day to recommit ourselves to breaking the cycle of violence that affects far too many transgender Americans.

This training has been in the works for some time now. For the last several years, the Justice Department at various levels has engaged in a constructive dialogue, animated by common aspirations and common concerns, with LGBT leaders throughout the country. And one of the many ideas we’ve received finds its manifestation in today’s gathering: a transgender law enforcement cultural professionalism training.

Mahi Malini Pujari says initially she would avoid interacting with guests, but has now grown more confident

Last year, restaurant manager Josein Fernanda found herself in a tough spot when a colleague spotted a bodice and a bunch of padded bras in her bag while they were working on a cruise liner in Goa, where she was working as a manager. The 44-year-old, born a boy in Mumbai's Lamington Road area, says she has always felt like a girl and would clandestinely cross-dress. But, it was a secret that Fernanda had zealously guarded until then. "My boss called me and said, 'I don't want this news to leak. So stop indulging in this.' Well into my 40s, I had reached a point where I couldn't conform to society anymore. There was an overwhelming sense to come out of the closet," she says. Fernanda resigned from the job and returned to Mumbai, liberated but uncertain about what the future held.

Shonali Mude, a former runner-up at Miss Trans Queen 2017 joined in January this year. Mude, who might have in another gender made it as a model or an actor, says jobs for transgender are limited. Having gone to auditions at fashion weeks, Mude says she had no luck. She now works as a floor attendant

Being in the public eye
When we meet Fernanda on a weekday afternoon at Third eye Cafe, located on the ground floor of Palm Galleria Mall, Navi Mumbai, she is sitting near the bar with her laptop. The wall facing her reads, 'Be the Change You Want to See'. Wearing a black blazer with slim fit pants and glinting earrings, Fernanda - formerly known as Innocento - has finally embraced change. She chanced upon the cafe while browsing through YouTube, and got in touch with the owners. She now proudly identifies herself as a woman. Along with her, five other trans-women found their lives transformed when were hired as staffers at the restaurant. The cafe currently has six transgender employees, five of whom work as table attendants, while one works as the manager. The restaurant employs around 20 persons.

Josein Fernanda - formerly known as Innocento - finally came out of the closet on learning of this job in January

"As the name suggests, the restaurant was launched with the intention of providing the third gender an opportunity to lead a more respectable life," says co-owner and architect Nimesh Shetty, who started the venture with his partners Prasad Shetty and Nitesh Kandarkar. Nimesh, 27, conceptualised the cafe almost six years ago while working on an architectural thesis around building a community centre for the transgenders. As envisioned, the cafe would be part of the centre. He even conducted a survey to understand whether people would visit a place like this during the thesis. "A lot of people said yes, we accept the third gender. But, are you willing to accept your sister or closest friend as a transgender? That's when people fumbled. This is something we want to work on," says Shetty, who hails from a family of hoteliers.

A typical day
At the restaurant, we see Mahi Malini Pujari, 24, on her feet taking orders and interacting with guests. She's aware of the reaction her presence normally invites - raised eyebrows, unflinching stare, giggles and sometimes nonchalance - but she has learnt to take it all in her stride. In fact, when a bunch of guests arrive, she's the first to guide them to the table and make them comfortable by offering water and exchanging pleasantries. "Initially, I wouldn't utter a word to the guests. I'd take orders and do clearances. I didn't have the confidence to initiate or a hold conversation," says Pujari. The make-up is minimal, just enough to make her look fresh-faced. The 24-year-old worked at Arzoo Foundation, a de-addiction and rehabilitation centre situated at Palghar. Before that she would beg on the streets and in trains. "I joined the hijra community in Bandra after I left home. I didn't even complete my Std X because my parents gave me an ultimatum: 'either I behave like a boy or leave'," she says. Pujari chose the latter. She now lives in an apartment provided by the owners, in Vashi along with the other staff. While the response from the hijra community to her choice of a new career has been fairly encouraging, her family has still not accepted her. "I've let it go," she says.

Know your food
In almost two months' time, Pujari has upped her social skills and also memorised the menu. A part of the credit goes to Fernanda, who the staff treats as 'didi'. "Of course, they need to know how conduct themselves in public. Along with that, she must know the food that we serve here and what goes into its making like the back of their hand. The guests always check with the server first," says Fernanda.

Spread over eleven pages, the menu is extensive with sections separating Italian, Oriental and Indian cuisine. Currently, the restaurant doesn't serve alcohol but it's in the pipeline. We order the beetroot falafel made with parsley pesto, tahini yoghurt and pomegranate for R199. The portion is impressive and scores well on the taste front. "Many come here for the novelty value. But, they'll return only if the food and service is good," says senior staffer Shonali Venkatesh Mude, a former runner-up at Miss Trans Queen 2017, who joined in January this year. Mude, who might have in another gender made it as a model or an actor, says careers as a transgender are limited. Having gone to auditions at fashion weeks or even advertisements, where she'd have to portray a woman, Mude says she had no luck. "I wanted a job where I'd get a steady income."

A group of women sitting next to our table have dropped by from Nerul during lunch hour to celebrate a colleague's birthday. That's the overt reason. The real one is to experience what's it like to be served by transgender staff. "I don't mean to treat them as specimens, but we wanted to experience this. I'm happy that we're finally getting to see them in mainstream jobs. Till now, you would see them begging inside trains," says Divyani Fulzele, who works at an IT firm. When they're about to leave, they compliment Mude and promise to return. This time for the peppy vibe and the food. "Compliments work as a confidence-booster. While I'm more educated and experienced than the rest, there was a trepidation about how it'd pan out. But I like coming to work," smiles Mude, who lives with her partner in Khargar.

Setting an example
In 12 months, owner Nimesh Shetty has interviewed over 600 transgenders for the job by seeking help from NGOs and transgender activist Gouri Sawant. "Actually, it's they who interviewed me because they had more questions than I did. It's natural, because they are leaving their comfort zone and for an all-new territory," he adds. He admits some quit the job within weeks because of adjustment issues. "It's a high-pressure job, where sometimes you clock in 10-12 hours. Some couldn't deal with that," he says.

Shetty feels the challenges of being transgender are different from what gay men or women face. "Here, we are talking about survival. Many get thrown out of the house when they come out." For now, Shetty is hopeful that the restaurant will inspire others to follow suit. "We don't want to capitalise on this as a gimmick. The goal is to inspire."

Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

Pune police arrested an estranged lover on Tuesday in a murder case of a transgender woman at Mohammadwadi. The accused has been identified as Arbaz Ahmed Shaikh,20, and is a resident of Laxminagar, Yerawada.

As per the police, the accused and the victim were in a relationship. The accused allegedly decided to end the relationship because he wanted to marry another woman. The victim was enraged and threatened him to go public. In order to put an end to the threats, the accused killed her by slitting her throat. The victim, Nazab Abid Shaikh was a resident of Sadashivnagar.

Inspector (crime) Raosaheb Bhapkar of Wanowrie police station told Hindustan Times, “Arbaz killed Nazab as she threatened to spill the beans about their relationship” he said.

A case has been registered at Wanowrie police station under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code.

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The article has been sourced from third-party source and Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. All information provided on this article is for informational purposes only.

Key factors such as family values, gender dysphoria, the cost of the procedure or not feeling ready to make such an important, lifelong decision at their

Two-thirds of transgender teenagers are at an increased risk of depression, suicidal thoughts and self-injuring behavior, revealed research accepted for

Oxfordshire County Council introduced the advice for transgender pupils last year, saying they should be able to use the toilets of their identified gender. The council has withdrawn the advice.

Every time a customer buys a 'Mermaids' biscuit at the counter, the US coffee chain will donate 50p to the British charity of the same name. It has also produced an ad lauding its cafes as 'safe spaces'.

SIMON CALLOW: There has been a little storm in my neck of the woods: Scarlett Johansson, one of Hollywood's finest, has insisted that actors should be able to play any role they choose.

'I mishandled that situation' said the 35-year-old of her since-abandoned role in the forthcoming movie Rub & Tug, during an interview with Vanity Fair for the cover of its December Issue.

The Voice's transgender teen Oliver Cuthbert is speaking out about his journey on hormone replacement therapy to help other other teens 'who are still figuring themselves out'.

James Van Kuilenburg, who is passionate about politics, had attended the presidential campaign event in his hometown of Frederick, Maryland on Thursday.

Staff Sergeant Byun Hui-su fought back tears as she said being a soldier had been her 'childhood dream' and that she wanted to help guard the tense border with communist North Korea.

Lachlan Stuart, a personal friend of Corbyn who co-wrote the Labour manifesto, said Ms Long Bailey was 'not fit to lead' because of her views on trans.

A U.S. Marine charged with murdering a transgender woman that he met in a red-light district bar in the Philippines refused to enter a plea as he sought to have the case dismissed.

Oxfordshire County Council introduced the advice for transgender pupils last year, saying they should be able to use the toilets of their identified gender. The council has withdrawn the advice.

A transgender sex worker is not criminally negligent for passing on HIV to a man because she never knew she had the disease, her lawyer has told a Perth court.

A transgender sex worker who identifies as a woman has been found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm after having unprotected sex with a male client and allegedly passing on HIV.

Clayton James Palmer, who identifies as a woman and is known as CJ, wept as she was sentenced in the WA District Court on Friday for causing grievous bodily harm.

Transgender model Andreja Pejic, 28, recalled having kissed David Bowie in an interview with Sunday's Herald Sun.

Model Andreja Pejic has set her sights on acting, after her debut movie was released last year. 

Transgender Big Brother star, Rebekah Shelton revealed she thought she had actually died, after hackers infiltrated her Twitter and claimed she had passed away.