Death Threats and/or Physical Harm Threats

[JoAnne Wheeler]

Today, an aquaintance of mine that I grew up with came by to tell me that I am the gossip news of the County and that I need to watch myself because there are people out there who want to do physical harm to me for being transgendered.

Am I the only girl lucky enough to hear such good news ?

I am already feeling a lot, a whole lot of prejudice from here in the community - mostly from the Southern Baptist Church - and from a lot of ignorant, red-neck people.

Have any of you had to face this ?

JoAnne Wheeler

[hopingsecret]

Not personally because I'm WAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY deep in the closet. But as I said in a previous post, I do work with people who openly say all gays (and trans people are included in their view ) should be killed and openly boast of how they used to go gay bashing back in their youth. So I just keep my moth shut and come here.

It sucks. I can't understand hate of that nature. To hate a whole group of people just because. It's not right that the only two choices most of us have is live in hiding or constantly look over our shoulders for the rest of our lives. It's not right and it's not fair. But it is what it is and we're left to deal.

[Veronica_Jean]

Joanne,

That is something I have not experienced and I live in a very small semi-rural town in Ohio. About 75 miles north of the Ohio Kentucky border.

In fact my next door neighbor is an 'ole boy from the hicks' raised in a holler in North Carolina and he totally is there for me.

I expected some reaction because you cannot throw a rock in this town without hitting a church, but up to this point (I have been out and about for a year) I have not seen anything whatsoever.

Be careful. Some people believe they have the right to carry their beliefs on how YOU should live to you and your front door. All the true religious people I have met follow the teachings of tolerance, understanding and love. That in my opinion is how a Christian should be, but there are many that do not go down that path.

:hugs:

Veronica

[Andy66]

Eek! JoAnne! Please be careful and protect yourself. Ever think of moving somewhere more friendly?

That goes for Hopingsecret too. Living like that can't be good for a person. :sad:

[Sheila]

No JoAnne you are not .............. in fact it was the main reason Debs did not move in with me originally, thanks to some gossip mongers we had a tough time of things and is why my son and I moved 300 + miles to live with her, there were threats not just on her but on my son and me and our home .......... we lived on a fairly mixed estate, but there were most certainly those cowards who would perhaps have dsone something to one of us in the dead of night ........ not worth taking that risk, when we had another option, so no you are not alone :sad:

[ReineD]

OMG I am so sorry. I don't know what else to say, except go have a chat with your local police and see if there's anything you can do to protect yourself. I know they can't do much unless you have proof of a threat, but if they know what's going on, they might be able to react faster should you experience any unpleasant run-ins with anyone.

[NiCo]

Oh god aye all the time. Whenever I move to a new area and people find out about me I’m always receiving threats…but that’s all…I’m disappointed to say no one has ever acted out on the threats…probably scared of being smashed by a “tranny boi lololol”

A lot of it is just talk…not a lot of people [speshly those on their OWN!] will actually say anything to your face, in fear they get a kicking and then it’d look horrific for them.

If someone does actually threaten you face to face…and you know for a fact there is going to be serious damage done [whether it be you killing them or the other way about] call the police. I don’t know how many times I’ve had a partner or friend phone the police on me cause I’m sharpening a knife ready to confront those making a scene outside my home.

I can’t really talk but acting with violence MAY make matters worse [most of the time it doesn’t they get the hint] but it just depends how bad your area really is.

I wish you all the best and I pray no harm comes to you. If anyone says anything, do whatever you can to get out of the situation safe even if it means lying, denying things or even confronting them of their problem with YOUR life. YOURS.

:hugs:

[Oh btw if my post is out of order, feel free to edit, and sorry if it is, it‘s certainly not intended, luff x]

[VanessaVW]

Keep yourself safe. We'll be thinking about you and hoping the rumor is just rubbish. Everyone has the right to live at peace in your own place. What a shame that there are people out there like that (still). Good luck.

[MAJESTYK]

Keep to places where it is easier to stay safe ...never go to dark places alone etc.. If possible, take a course in self prootection and if all else fails. We do have the 2nd ammendment....just make sure you are justified.
It really is a shame we must be afraid to be ouesleves sometimes. Of course you could always move....

[Beth-Lock]

When I had a falling out with someone I tried to befriend, when he became abusive in public about my cross-dressing, I certainly worried about it.
I did take some precautions, though nothing happened.
I was worried that he might put something in the gas tank of my car, so I bought a locking gas cap.
I was worried about fire bombing, but could not do very much about it, though I did keep a fire extinguisher by my bed.
And of course I tried to avoid running into him.
He has died since, so I do not worry any more and I have moved on from cross-dressing to transition, and am living as a woman full time now.
I have strangely had fewer and lesser problems while living as a woman than when just cross-dressing.
Only one man has decided to stop dealing with me, (he is in business), and I think there are more reasons than one, one being that according to the Moslem faith, a man should not be too close a friend with a woman, trans or not.
Some women have been unpleasant, but not threatening at all, just wanting to stay away from me. At an outdoor event for the building, one woman on seeing me dressed as a woman apparently for the first time, loudly and spontaneously took the Lord's name in vain. But that was all there was to it. Nobody else there made any fuss about it.

[Teri Jean]

Joanne please be careful, That is the big concern that my daughters fear. People are weird when it come to this. I personally would be looking at a change of residence.

Teri

[giuseppina]

Today, an aquaintance of mine that I grew up with came by to tell me that I am the gossip news of the County and that I need to watch myself because there are people out there who want to do physical harm to me for being transgendered.

Am I the only girl lucky enough to hear such good news ?

I am already feeling a lot, a whole lot of prejudice from here in the community - mostly from the Southern Baptist Church - and from a lot of ignorant, red-neck people.

Have any of you had to face this ?

JoAnne Wheeler

Not in connection with gender issues, but yes. The source of the prejudice you mention is not a surprise, either.

My reaction would be to ask your friend for a favour: give whatever information they have to the police, including names if available. IIRC you are a lawyer, and I would like to think that anyone interfering with justice by doing harm to those involved in seeing that justice is done (like you) is treated more seriously than if the target is the average Joe. Perhaps this is wishful thinking, but that's how I feel.

[Karenmarie]

This really sad, that in 2010 we still have people who even think of doing someone harm, let alone actually do it. (this sounds more like the 1950's
and 60's)

Sometimes people of different churches, for some reason, get upset about non-traditional attitudes and lifestyles. On the other hand they are supposed to be christians and therefore should try to help you.

The very 1st. thing to do is alert the police. Most likely they don't have the manpower to put guards around your house 24-7, but they might have a patrol car drive by now and then. This would be a little bit of a help.

ALL OF US ON THIS FORUM SHOULD (STARTIN TONIGHT) START SAYING
A LITTLE PRAYER FOR Jo ANNE and if all of us pray, she will be ok
All of our prayers go with you[/U]
Karen

[VanessaVW]

If physical harm has been threatened, your friend has an obligation to the community to disclose it. It is above you, it is the law. If they are your friend, they'll have no problem talking it over with the local police. If they're not, than by law they MUST talk to the police if you go to them first.

Something tells me that something as simple as an officer rolling up to these people and saying "excuse me, but we got wind of a rumor of possible violence and we need to chat with you for a second..." will send enough chills down their spine to freeze whatever their little minds have been thinking up.

No one is going to attack you once they know the police are on to them. Police are your friends and assets. Most have been trained in dealing with us at this point and are not only respectful, but will defend you as a lady. This is the stuff they signed up for. Make their day.

I think that is great advice. You may want to have the police take a written statement too, so that they have a record of it. It's a potential hate crime, so possibly it's getting into FBI territory. Please be proactive and be safe!

[kristyk]

I would think you could get the local athority involved seems like a threat was possibliy made on your life, and that to me justifies filing a report. Even if the police just do a drive by your house 1 more time than they thave in the past it could be that time saves your life.

I would also think about buying some protection and putting it in my purse.

I may be a guy born in the wrong body but that doesn't mean I can't defend myself if someone confronts me and wants to do bodily harm to me
Kristy K

[Traci Elizabeth]

If physical harm has been threatened, your friend has an obligation to the community to disclose it. It is above you, it is the law. If they are your friend, they'll have no problem talking it over with the local police. If they're not, than by law they MUST talk to the police if you go to them first.

Something tells me that something as simple as an officer rolling up to these people and saying "excuse me, but we got wind of a rumor of possible violence and we need to chat with you for a second..." will send enough chills down their spine to freeze whatever their little minds have been thinking up.

No one is going to attack you once they know the police are on to them. Police are your friends and assets. Most have been trained in dealing with us at this point and are not only respectful, but will defend you as a lady. This is the stuff they signed up for. Make their day.


If someone in passing tells me or if I overhear someone stating, "I'm going to kill that SOB!" or something to that effect, there is NO law that requires me to tell anyone. Not the person the anger is directed at, not the police, no one!

So I don't know where you are getting your information that it is illegal to have that knowledge and not call the police?

Sure it "might be" the right thing to do IF you really believed the person is serious but certainly not the law. People get upset all the time, vent, say things like, "I'll kill that @^%$*" (insert your own words) out of frustration, out of prejudice, out of 10,000 different reasons with NEVER having any intentions of carry out the threat. I would speculate that phrase has become common place in our daily language. And is applied to "everyone!"

I think we need to sooth the flames and not stoke the ambers.

[Empress Lainie]

My friend here has had rocks thrown her windows, tires slashed, and threats.

This is the one and best reason why I do not want to be known as a transwoman. It is entirely too dangerous. Luckily for me I pass well enough that no one has ever questioned my gender except the one time I was with Cynthia and the bitch thought we were crossdressers.

Dont even get me started on the supposedly Christian Churches that actively PREACH HATRED, LDS, BAPTISTS, WITNESSES AND MORE.

I am proud to be a WICCAN.

[Cindi Johnson]

Personally, I've had no problems in Dallas, although I'm not transitioning. The bigger the city, the better it is for TG's.

I do stay away from churches (all too often they boast of their boundless "love" for mankind even as they preach hate) and I'm very leery of involving police in my life (really, you don't think most ridicule us? We've turned our backs upon that which they value most (no, not the law..., masculinity!) and many take that as a personal affront. Particularly police in small towns and suburbs.)

In time, it'll blow over and you'll be just a regular person again.

Cindi Johnson

[Karen564]

JoAnne
I wouldn't put too much credence into those threats....it's only hearsay at this point.

Do what you may, your a Lawyer, so you Know how the legal system works & what you need to do....go to the proper authorities if you need to.

Before I transitioned, I lived in fear my entire life because I was afraid what others would do or think of me if I showed my true self.
Now that I have overcome those fears & transitioned, I will never go back to living in fear ever again..

Yes, I feel vulnerable at times when I'm out all alone at night...but no different than any other woman would feel in those same situations.

Death Threats....I can't even imagine anyone that knows me of ever wanting to hurt me, never mind kill me....but as far as strangers doing that, theirs nothing to stop them from doing that to anyone, and our jails are full of those types of low-life's.

Just imagine how it was to be Edward Kennedy, the FBI just released all the death threats made against him & his family..and he knew about every one of them..but did that stop him from living his life to the fullest or change what he believed in?
The answer is a big fat NO...
You cannot live your life in fear....

I wish you well.
:hugs:
Karen

[pamela_a]

I have to agree with Karen. There are many people out there who talk and threaten but that's as far as it goes. Yes there are also people who do terrible things to others for any reason, or no reason at all. IMO to live your life in fear is not living at all. Be cautious and observant of your surroundings but LIVE YOUR LIFE. Don't give anyone that much control over you. :hugs:

[Victoria Anne]

I am so sorry to hear of these threats , they are and have been a big concern for me, I suggest you get a carry permit and train in firearms. I have carried for nearly thirty years and it is the only reason I am here today, it is unfortunate but someone had to die, I have 5 kids and an incredible wife so it was not going to be me. Please be veeery careful. :hugs: Viccy

[Victoria Anne]

P.S. before I fired I had already been stabbed

[Traci Elizabeth]

I am so sorry to hear of these threats , they are and have been a big concern for me, I suggest you get a carry permit and train in firearms. I have carried for nearly thirty years and it is the only reason I am here today, it is unfortunate but someone had to die, I have 5 kids and an incredible wife so it was not going to be me. Please be veeery careful. :hugs: Viccy

I am a very big proponent of concealed carry and have been doing so for many decades, so does my wife, daughter, and other family members. Training can not be stressed enough and more than just standing in front of a stationary target 10 feet away.

I have also taught gun safety, defensive shooting, and attack shooting in non-civilian situations. And I can tell you as Victoria can attest, not having a concealed weapon can mean death to you and your loved ones.

The police will never be able to help you in time if you find yourself being threatened with deadly force either on the street or in the privacy of your home. Too many people are killed while trying to call or are in the middle of a 911 call.

The only thing the police can possibly do for you when they do arrive, is to seal off the area, call homicide detectives, and the coroner. You and your loved ones will be on the morning news for at most 10 seconds.

I have said his on here before. YOU ARE at risk. Perhaps more than the general public. Take the time to get trained, get your concealed carry weapon permit and select a gun you will ACTUALLY carry on a daily bases preferably on your person or no less than in your purse with immediate access and with constant awareness of your surroundings 360!


If you want to know how, email me, I can send you the procedures for your state (sadly, there are a very few states that do not permit concealed carry).
Yes, this is relative to the OP.

[giuseppina]

I am a very big proponent of concealed carry ...

This is not a solution. It only increases the probability the firearm will be used against the carrier, particularly if the attacker knows about the concealed firearm. I'd like to say other things about this sort of thing, but they are likely to get me into trouble with the mods.

There is something to be said for peace, order, and good government.

[Nicole Erin]

Once in a while I get laughed at I guess, not heard it much (of course I always assume it is at me, most times probably not). Have not had any real threats, have had plenty of hateful comments, almost exclusively from rednecks. Where I am at is not totally redneck but there seem to be plenty.

Some oppose firearms or even things like defense sprays but G.D it, one has to do something.
If something did get really bad, yes there is a chance your own weapon being used on you but if you have NOTHING, you are not walking away alive.
Having defense is the lesser of the two evils. Don't advertise it, and make sure it is secure to your person, as in, not sitting in your purse.

And in Victoria's case - I wonder if it was something about her being TG or not? I would love nothing more than see some SOB get killed in the process of trying to hurt one of our TG family. :devil:

If someone is trying to hurt or kill you on count of nothing more than who you are, they do not deserve mercy.

I think it really is time to mover to another area cause regardless of how well you pass, people still know. A TS in a small town in Kentucky that has too many southern baptist rednecks? THAT is swimming with the sharks if there ever was such a thing.

Rednecks are not known for their acceptance, high IQ's, fashion sense, good grammar... Well overall they are just bad news, no one likes to be around them if they don't have to.

[Traci Elizabeth]

This is not a solution. It only increases the probability the firearm will be used against the carrier, particularly if the attacker knows about the concealed firearm. I'd like to say other things about this sort of thing, but they are likely to get me into trouble with the mods.

There is something to be said for peace, order, and good government.

You are living in a fantasy world my friend. Turn the TV on and watch the local and national news once in awhile to get a dose of reality.

You have many misconceptions about carrying a firearm and obviously don't. Nor are you trained in it's use.

Peace, order, and good government will be of NO use to you in a life threatening situation where an assailant is in the process of trying to kill you.

Even Gandhi the infamous peace, tolerance, and order preacher was killed by an assailant's gun.

How many millions of Jews, Poles and other nationals where murdered because they refused or did not have the means to arm themselves.

Every day, countless of humans are murdered by monsters in EVERY country on this planet.

Preach "peace & non-violence" all you want. I choose to protect and defend my loved ones and myself from such violent criminals.

But I am not going to engage in any debate with someone who believes the "government" is going to be there to protect them in the middle of a deadly assault.

You can choose to show an assailant your "peace" sign. I choose to show him the end of my barrel and the flash of a round leaving it.

I apologize to my fellow members but it is this anti-gun rhetoric that have had so many innocent unarmed people die horrible deaths because they were not armed and trained in their use. Needless deaths. I'm sorry.

[MAJESTYK]

There are also some very good self defence key chain sort of things out too, They look like cats or owls etc. As with a firearm though, training is needed. I do not have a pistol but, if it becomes necc. I will get one and carry it....with the appropriate documentation and training of course, I have not made it this far to be taken out by some narrow minded turd.

[Veronica_Jean]

Joanne,

I think there have been many suggestions worth considering.

Inform the authorities. At least if they know then you have a better chance should someone decide to act.

It is always a good idea to be prepared for trouble should it come your way. Obviously there are many ways to do that , and many opinions have been given about that. Anything you decide to do in this regard will take time, and training. So no matter what you choose, try to find a way to enhance your safety in steps and stages. That way you are moving toward a higher level while providing some additional protection now.

I do believe the police, laws, and organization of this country provides you protections that are good and useful. Of course that does not help if you are caught unprepared in a bad situation. I suppose that is the real point to all this.... be prepared the best you can.

Extremes never help anyone so rather than jump off into something deep, just move forward toward being safer.

Veronica

[fallen_rayne]

Not entirely I am so deep into the closet I am finding Christmas presents. Only three people know and that's it, over the course of about 4 or 5 years. I am so sorry to hear that though. It's completely and totally messed up. It's not even fair, if it's not hurting anyone, then why should they care.

[~Michelle~]

I am a very big proponent of concealed carry and have been doing so for many decades

This is not a solution. It only increases the probability the firearm will be used against the carrier, particularly if the attacker knows about the concealed firearm. I'd like to say other things about this sort of thing, but they are likely to get me into trouble with the mods.
There is something to be said for peace, order, and good government.

I agree 100% with you giuseppina!

To Traci Elizabeth; the chance of dying in a car crash is 3 times higher than being killed by a bullet, yet you still drive your loved ones, right? ;)

Btw, there are still many countries like mine where most people don't feel unsafe, it's like paradise. :battingeyelashes:

[Traci Elizabeth]

I agree 100% with you giuseppina!

To Traci Elizabeth; the chance of dying in a car crash is 3 times higher than being killed by a bullet, yet you still drive your loved ones, right? ;)

Btw, there are still many countries like mine where most people don't feel unsafe, it's like paradise. :battingeyelashes:


Where is crime free paradise Michelle? Even most islands have crime and murder.

Again it is your choice to either be a victim laying on a cold slab or a survivor.

[donnalee]

This is not a solution. It only increases the probability the firearm will be used against the carrier, particularly if the attacker knows about the concealed firearm. I'd like to say other things about this sort of thing, but they are likely to get me into trouble with the mods.

There is something to be said for peace, order, and good government.

And, uh, you know this HOW?:eek:

[Sharon]

Y'know..., I'd rather save the guns/no guns debate for another site..., perhaps webowtotheNRA.com. For our little place here, however, no more bickering about it as opinions are unlikely to be swayed and I grow bored frightfully quickly.

So, in short, drop the gun debates. :Angry3:

[TerryTerri]

Jo Ann,

I'm sorry to hear of the threats. It is really sad still that such small-minded & ignorant folks still exist. But, we all know that our kind are murdered simply for being us.
I would just hope that you take the threats serious, as imho you should. Tell the police, make the person who told you tell the police what they heard, etc.
And, please take whatever form of self-defense protection you choose to heart and keep it with you at all times. Hope for the best (folks just talking out their butt) and expect the worst (one of the idiots wasn't just talking).
Good Luck girl!!

[Traci Elizabeth]

Y'know..., I'd rather save the guns/no guns debate for another site..., perhaps webowtotheNRA.com. For our little place here, however, no more bickering about it as opinions are unlikely to be swayed and I grow bored frightfully quickly.

So, in short, drop the gun debates. :Angry3:



Okie Dokie on my part! :thumbsup:

[Stlalice]

Sadly, this type of mentality is the main reason that I've held off from coming out at work - I'm so close to retirement that it just isn't worth dealing with the potential problems coming out/transitioning at work would bring. That said, what can you do? I suspect that most of the threats will come from those who don't have the guts to do anything more than run their mouths. I'd ignore them and move on - but I'd also keep my eyes open for anything unusual and not hesitate to call the police if you feel threatened. This can be the proverbial "two edged sword" though. While most of the police that you will deal with will do their job and behave professionally, you will run across the odd a**hole who will be as much or more of a problem than the people that you call about. Document everything! Don't hesitate to escalate to the state or federal level if necessary. Take care sister - and watch your back. :hugs:

[Schatten Lupus]

Keep safe. I hope to some day breed the very large breed of dogs such as Mastiffs and Irish Wolfhounds and sell them for very cheap so people can afford such wonderful dogs, but also for the extra security that such large dogs can bring.
But I haven't faced this, and I am assuming yet as I am still in the closet.

[PetiteDuality]

It only increases the probability the firearm will be used against the carrier, particularly if the attacker knows about the concealed firearm.

If the other attacker knows, then it was not properly concealed :doh:

I'd recommend to visit this site: http://www.a-human-right.com/

[AKAMichelle]

I am a Christian but you must remember this kind of hatred comes from many different forms of religion. 9/11 we had people who hated Christians and wanted to kill them. We have had other attacks over the years all over the name of religion. So this isn't unique to Christianity.

Growing up in the South I am familiar with the good ole boy mentality. How they drink too much and then want to beat up everybody around them. The gays and TG's are prime targets especially when drunk. Be careful JoAnne because these people are very dangerous. As a word of caution lower the limit on your car comprehensive coverage down to Zero or $50. That way if someone does harm you car then the insurance company pays for it. Then make sure you avoid places where you can be attacked. And also consider a move if it is possible as these people will never back down until somebody stops them.

[JoAnne Wheeler]

The most prejudice that I am receiving at the present is coming from

professed Christians from both the Penticostal and Southern Baptist

Churches. Next are the good-old-boy rednecks. It has taken me so many

years to get up the courage to stop hiding and start my transition. I refuse

to let these people stop me. I know the risks - I am actually scarred of all

the risks. I will be careful and each one of you should too.

JoAnne Wheeler

[Nicole Erin]

Interesting about southern baptists, the most hated family in America is the owner of such a church - Westboro. They think everyone is going to hell. To southern baptists, it is not about religion or salvation, it is about how they think the world is nothing but sinners that all deserve to go to hell.

With "good ol boy" types, they tend to be overmasculine and undereducated.

One thing good for you though is that at least you don't have to worry about hiding the fact that you are TG.
Does anyone talk crap to your face or is it more how they talk behind your back?
I don't know what your options are in life but if there was a way you could move to a new town, a big one where GLBT is more predominant and the bible thumpers are rare, I think you would not have any problems living as a woman and just, "being".

There will always be haters, holy crap even in Indy, a city of ohh, 750,000, even we have some narrow minded morons. But mostly it is safe, at least in better areas.

If your town has turned against you, what is the point in staying?

[AKAMichelle]

I grew up as a Southern Baptist. Not everybody is that way, but some fundamental churches can be very intolerant. They may try a lot of things to discourage you but the rednecks are the ones to be really scared of. They lack a brain at times (aka too much alcohol).

[Karen__Starr]

I teach self-defense and do consulting where the majority of the clients are vanilla and a small percentage transgender etc I can say that when someone makes a threat always take it seriously and document anything you can but by no means let it control you as I have seen it done by more than one client. Do not get the police involved until you have probable cause with records to back it up.

Hopefully they are just shooting off at the mouth and that is it.

[betty36]

The most prejudice that I am receiving at the present is coming from

professed Christians from both the Penticostal and Southern Baptist

Churches. Next are the good-old-boy rednecks. It has taken me so many

years to get up the courage to stop hiding and start my transition. I refuse

to let these people stop me. I know the risks - I am actually scarred of all

the risks. I will be careful and each one of you should too.

JoAnne Wheeler

be watchful of the one's that white eye you and just walk away. the good ole red neck boys will just smart off, smoke a joint, drink a beer get in his old rust bucket of a truck and go home to his mommy. the good christians of your town are to big of chicken s##t to say or do any harm. someone might fine out who they were and o and behole, i can't belive he did that. best of luck and keep you power dry.
betty36

[Abby]

Dear JoAnne,
I'm really sorry for your situation, and hope everything settles down. But in the meantime don't take any chances.
I will say a few prayers for you and yours.
GOD BLESS !!
:praying:

Abby

[JoAnne Wheeler]

Last night, a Southern Baptist Sunday School Teacher came to see me to tell

me that what I was doing was wrong and that God will punish me for

continuing to Transition. He told me that God made me a male and that it

was against God's will for me to change my body. This is but another

example of what I am having to deal with.


JoAnne Wheeler

[tess graham]

It's comforting to know that there are people so well connected to God that he has shared with them his plan for everyone else....what was that that Jesus said about throwing rocks at someone else??? life in the bible belt is a real trip for TGs!!!
And they call themselves Christians.......really...what part of "Love thy Neighbor" and "Judge not..." don't they understand???? I guess I have ranted enough. You have my sincere sympathy! Tess

[Nicole Erin]

Southern baptists think everyone who is not in their church is going to hell.

I don't know how it is in really small towns but churches don't pull that crap in bigger towns, they know they won't get away with it.

The church is the biggest enemy of God. Think of how many people turn away from God cause of how some churches act. What happens to someone after death is between them and their higher power (I respect that people have different beliefs.)

The only "hell" you should worry about right now is "Get the HELL out of dodge". You don't need that place, even if you have to lower your material standard of living, find a better city, a bigger one at least.


what was that that Jesus said about throwing rocks at someone else?

They had a prostitute they had arrested, were going to stone her to death. Jesus said -
"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. "
None were thrown. :straightface:

[pamela_a]

Last night, a Southern Baptist Sunday School Teacher came to see me to tell

me that what I was doing was wrong and that God will punish me for

continuing to Transition. He told me that God made me a male and that it

was against God's will for me to change my body. This is but another

example of what I am having to deal with.


JoAnne Wheeler

Joanne, If they return, please ask them something for me? Since, according to them, we are to respect and accept the way God made us, does that if mean they had a baby born with a congenital defect or some other physical abnormality they would not do anything about it? It is after all "how God made" the baby and it's wrong to do anything about it right?

Hang in there JoAnne. :hugs:

[Hope]

If we could stop painting with a roller and tone down the "Christians are a bunch of intolerant jerk-wads" meme here I would appreciate it a lot. Yes, fundamentalists of all stripes (Christian / Muslim / whathaveyou) are all almost universally idiotic, undereducated, jerk-wads and that goes double for the Southern Baptists and triple for the Pentecostal anything. But not all Christians are fundamentalists. In fact, I would go so far as to suggest that if we were to define "Christians" as "those who follow Christ" it would be hard to find a fundamentalist Christian - because for the most part, people who belong to churches are not Christians; they are members of a club, and most of them would be horrified to find out what that club stands for. Most Kristians today seem to confuse their faith with patriotism, for the love of Christ. For most members of these "churches" membership is not about following Christ, but rather it is about culture (which is extremely important to remember, because I am driving at an on topic point with this rant).

But not all churches are like that. As a member of the clergy in a rather liberal, progressive, non-fundamentalist church, one that ordains openly gay and lesbian clergy, I can say with authority that not all Christians are intolerant jerk-wads. We have our share of scummy members (and pastors) too - but scumminess is not our official theology. I defy you to find an industry that is any different. So if we could all just lay off the whole "church is evil" meme for a bit, I would appreciate it a lot.

So here is where I drive the rant bus back on topic:

How do you stay safe in transition? The same way you stay safe during any other part of your life. You stay out of dangerous places. That means moving out of the red states where the intolerant jerk-wads like to congregate. Move to a place that has decent work place protections, states where an employer cannot refuse to hire you because they don't want to have a trans person in their office. Of course moving out of places where you are surrounded by intolerant folks is only part of the deal - TS folks in blue states still get killed too. But improve your odds. Don't go out alone, particularly at night. Be aware of your surroundings. Carry pepper spray and a cell phone (and a firearm if you are so inclined), take some self defense classes. But first and foremost, get out of places where there is a significant portion of the population that thinks it is completely OK to beat and kill trans people - just because they are trans. As Dan Savage points out, there is a reason why gay people tend to move to places like Seattle, San Francisco, New York, or Baltimore... and it is not because they like paying high rents...

You have pointed out in another thread that you have lost your family, house, and business in the last 6 months. It's time to move someplace where people will love you.

[ReineD]

Any further discussions about religion, and this thread gets locked. You can discuss these things in the religious section.

I'm reminding everyone that the thread topic is JoAnne's safety.

[Faith_G]

Thanks, Hope. :happy:

[pamela_a]

Well said Hope. I agree.

JoAnne, you are a very smart woman. I can understand the fear and uncertainty of possibly leaving everything you know behind but maybe this is what you need to truely flourish.

Whatever you decide, be safe.

[christina marie]

I too have noticed the direction of your posts lately and I have to ask,not to be inconsiderate or insensative,but just to stimulate thought,and for my own curiosity, with all that you have lost,Why do you stay?