My World: InésitaThe campaign for women’s rights has advanced to the point that society generally accepts masculine dress and behaviour in women. However, as Madonna once sang: “for a boy to look like a girl is degrading, 'Cause you think that being a girl is degrading.” A 2009 report by GIRES* stated “All who cross-dress are at risk of bullying and hate crime, especially if they venture outside the home in clothing of the opposite gender.” The situation is particularly dangerous for male-to-female cross-dressers and transwomen. Transgender e-mail lists regularly report of their deaths on European soil. Inésita is a transgirl who remains largely anonymous. Society has yet to become a safe place for her. Instead she makes do with rare trips outdoors and spends the rest of her time before a camera. This is the extent of her female existence, almost a fantasy world, because she knows her workplace, children and peers couldn’t tolerate her freedom of expression. Discrimination, bullying and hate crimes are the result of exposure. I want a safer world, where she and all like her, can equally express their gender variance. *Gender Identity Research and Education Society NB: Ms. Logonder's competition entries can be seen here: |
