I'm glad you made out relatively ok. Never turn your back on a coward. Situational awareness is a must. Heal well
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I'm glad you made out relatively ok. Never turn your back on a coward. Situational awareness is a must. Heal well
Isha,
Thank you for sharing, I literally cried as I read this. I am so glad that you are ok and that there were "people" there to come to your aid. Small minded cowards like that do pray on what the consider an easy target and three to one are never good odds. I'll be honest these days I do carry something with me even when in drab.
Oh my god girl I am so very glad that you are ok and that you are here to tell the story.
You take care
Love
Victoria D
Sorry to hear that you had to go through such a harrowing experience, Isha, and in the middle of town, on a Sunday, and in broad daylight to boot. But on the flip side, had this happened in some desolate, dark alley the outcome could have been much different, so there is a silver lining here. I am also encouraged by the fact that despite this severe blow to your ego, physical being, and otherwise sunny optimism, you choose to see the glass as being half full and put more weight on the actions of these Good Samaritans as opposed to the cowardly thugs who assaulted you when you reflected back on this incident. As the German philosopher Nietzsche once put it "That which doesn't kill me makes me stronger", and you are living proof of that dictum.
Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but with you living in Ottawa at the epicenter of "Harperland" and the institutionalized "meanness" that our country has been subjected to over the last several years - along with strong Federal governmental push-back on the expansion of LGBT rights - somehow I can't help but think that this mindset was a contributing factor in these punks giving themselves "permission" to single you out for their transphobic attack.
o. k. i couldnt let this go, just finished shoveling snow and it didnt help,
since the events started in the restaurant and they seemed to be there waiting when you left it came across as more of a hate crime when i thought more about it...
but they were eating with you and had to pay for theyre meals, since they dont seem to be the most advanced people about i doubt that they thought ahead to pay CASH and may have left a paper trail.....once you pinch one im sure youll find the deserving offender.....
just didnt think it would be so hard for you to find since you wouldnt have to rely on video footage....just a thought....
A reality check for all of who venture out - it's not a question of "if" but "when" - the potential for hate is among us all, be careful and vigilant: Isha so glad you are still posting:hugs:.....................Debra
It's never said in so many words, but the effect is that it legitimizes the thought process that anyone who looks different from me, acts different from me, worships different from me, believes different from me, is from a place that is different from me, etc. is automatically suspect and worthy of any bile that I can muster against them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Leslie Langford
I'm sorry for your injuries, Isha. But, happy they weren't worse.
This is a good wake up call for u and the rest of us. As a man, I'm used to going in some tough areas without worrying. But, when dressed we need to think more like GG's. Not only mite we be mistaken for women in questionable locations? We mite be made by drunken, high, toughs who along with their cowardly buddies, mite enjoy beating up a "queer"!
When out late at nite, don't walk off in the dark alone! Be aware of others within sight at all times, even behind u. This happened to me once. But, it won't again!:doh:
Hi Isha
That's awful - so glad you weren't too badly hurt. Here's wishing you a speedy physical recovery, and the full return of your confidence to go out dressed again..
Vikky
Oh my Isha, so very sorry this happend and it's ashame there are people who just feel it's necessary to bully someone they don't agree with. This is true for most anything, I'm so glad your ok, and you are right while it should give us all pause when we go out it's best to always be aware no matter what. There are just mean people out there.
Hope your better soon.
Hugs Leigh
I am happy that you did not get hurt more. Stupid people suck! I agree with your thoughts. Crappy things can happen at any time, not just when we are dressed.
Reading your post saddened me Isha. Firstly of course, that someone I think of as a friend, someone who can be inspirational had to gothrough what you did. Now, we all know that you are not - how shall I put it - a pushover. Nevertheless, I'm relieved that in that awful situation, good sense prevailed. Sometimes, the odds are to great.
All of that said, I hope you heal soon, and please, give my (love, hugs - whatever is appropriate to your wonderful wife.
With you, Amanda
Isha;
I am so sorry to hear of your troubles this weekend both physically as well as mentally. Your courage and strength for posting again shows us all the incredible depth in character you have.
This also comes as a wake up call or reality check for all of us. It's so easy to fall into a sense of comfort with ourselves and we don't have the naturally engrained that mothers impart to their daughters as they grow up. We all too easily fall into our own pink fog sense of security and this is a clear example that we always have to be on guard and aware of our surroundings.
Take care of yourself... The physical scars will heal soon... The emotional scars will take a bit longer but we all know you are one tough chick.
Be well... Jennifer
Wow Isha, that is a bit scary, I'm glad no permanent damage was done and you will recover, quickly I hope. I thank you for the reality check. Was it after dark when you were returning to your car?
Should you have turned to keep an eye on the d-bags. It seems that your could only attach from behind, back shooters. I'm glad some came to your defense, the whole world is a@@holes!
Hugs, Bria
Horrible just horrible. I shutter to think what might have happened if those passer bys didn't show up when they did. Scary stuff but a needed wake up call for us all. No matter how many times you go out successfully, it only takes one time for things to go downhill very fast. Usually when you least expect it. If I ever make it out again I am sure this story will be in the back of, or front of my mind.
It was not your fault. No part of it was your fault. Do not accept any part of the blame. It was 100% on the people who did it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Isha
I'm very sorry to hear what happened. I hope you heal quickly.
xxx,
Jennie
My goodness Isha, just echoing sentiments left already, but gosh: "glad you're alright" just doesn't seem to cut it. I hope there was video surveillance so these thugs get taken down. Anyway, good luck and God speed towards your eventual recovery. Maybe the sentiment is safety in numbers when possible.... but I know that's tough for many. We all love you!
Best,
Jamie
I am glad you were not more seriously hurt. It's mind-boggling that people like this exist, those with lives so shallow they somehow find hate and terror a worthwhile activity. I like to think karma has a way of catching up with scum like that ...
I'm sorry that happened, wishing you a speedy recovery.
Good on those who helped you though
Truly disgraceful. As you say, absolute cowards. I doubt that any words will speed the physical recovery or diminish the pain. What I hope is that the combined disgust of those who write strengthens your resolve not to be cowed by such brutish behaviour. Good wishes.
Isha - I'm so sorry about this horrible experience, but sharing it just proves your commitment to helping our community and I can't thank you enough!Quote:
Originally Posted by Hell on Heels
Kristyn's point is a good one for everyone to keep in mind. I studied martial arts for 15ish years and one of the best rules for safety in public is NEVER give your back to the opponent. I know it's so much easier to say than to do, but please keep that in mind everyone if you go out. If something awful happens, you're so much better off if you're facing the bad guys.
Well, glad you're not hurt worse. If you ever face them in court, maybe ask the judge to offer them the opportunity to face you one on one as their punishment? You know, just to highlight the fact that their macho attitude is just a way of covering their lack of courage. Kicking, it's always kicking with these worms. You, on the other hand, never seem to be short of courage. ( all kinds! )
Isha, Very sad to hear such happens above the USA border, too. Glad you have no broken bones, or skull. Those morons were attacking one who took bullets in war, saving another patriot, for their country! We can always say what we would do in such a situation, but we really never know, until in one. It always anger amd frustrates me so much, when i hear of people who have served the country over seas in war, come back, only to be beaten or killed by homeland thugs. The thugs get all the news, too often, and the many helpful decent people are too often overlooked. Thankfully, there are still decent folks willing to move out of their comfort zones, to assist others. I agree with others who have said to report this crime. Let's get them booked before they go after you or others.
Dear Isha, I'm really sorry this happened to you, you seem so nice and are a valued member here. Hopefully we will all learn from your unfortunate experience. Realizing one can never be to careful is very important. Hope you get better soon and continue on your adventures more cautiously. Hugs Jaymee
Isha, I'd first like to say that I'm extremely glad that you weren't more seriously injured! Secondly, I'd like to say that I'm thankful that some people are still decent enough to stand up for someone else in need. The respect and compassion that was shown by those who came to your aide is something this world could really use a lot more of!
...not to hijack the thread, but I have to say that it saddens me that some people can't just live and let live. I'm not saying that everyone needs to agree or support everything others do, but why resort to violence, threats, slurs, etc. Against someone who is just trying to live life and does no harm? ...It's things like this that keep me from presenting as Jessica in the outside world.
I commend your bravery for being authentic to yourself, but please be careful!
Hugs!!!
I echo what everyone e has said in that I'm glad your ok. It does make me think twice about going out dressed as I am yet to do. So many of us see you here and I think I speak for the group in saying you bring a lot to the group. Heal quickly- Joss
This is just awful, Isha. So lucky you weren't hurt worse and that decent people came to your rescue. A sobering reminder to everyone.
It may be easier said than done but I want to echo what Mikell said about reporting this to the police who can follow any paper trail they left behind.
Above the USA border? Really? I am increasingly more and more cynical as far as the myth of my Canada's niceness.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alice Torn
Do not pretend for a second that there are any fewer weak and prejudiced minds and attitudes per capita in Canada. And I believe it is getting worse, not better. For the sake of ISIS protection laws are being voted in to further reduce out civil liberties. And my recent interactions with, and recent stories about Ottawa cops, not en femme, don't give me much confidence in fair treatment from them.
There is a thirty-year old copy of a book called "Defendo" on our bathroom reading stand.
Most of the book deals with avoiding dangerous situations.
Sadly, the world is far more backward than we think and we alone must be increasingly aware of and responsible for our own safety.
Isha, I am sorry to hear about your attack. I hope you make a full recovery. Thou there is really nothing I can do for you, know that you are in my prayers. I’m as guilty as most thinking like a guy, not thinking of being attacked. I am going to buy some spray today. The restaurant probably has video of them. Love Jean
I am very sorry for your difficult and painful experience.
Isha,
Thank you for sharing your story! It really struck me and brought serious thoughts to other post I have read here. Your story had my blood going and I wish I had been there as a male to kick some butt! That is significant in itself! Many of us have been asked if we really stand up for T rights. I will now! Your story really made me think and I'll still try to go out occasionally! Thank you for sharing!
Genny B
Isha,
I'm really sorry that happened. I'm glad you're basically OK physically and hope you'll heal quickly emotionally as well. I also urge you to report this; it was a hate crime.
Responding to another person:
I think you are reading too much into it. I live in Ottawa and it's extremely LGBT-friendly. By and large, Ottawa voters do not support Harper and even those that do tend to support a conservative economic and foreign policy platform rather than the mean-spirited social conservative agenda you find in the remnants of Reform.Quote:
Originally Posted by Leslie Langford
The sad fact is that even in a largely tolerant and accepting community like Ottawa, there are always some haters and they can make life horrible for the people on the edges of society.
Isha, I am really sorry you had to expierence that.
And thank you for your courage in sharing it with all of us.
I`m sure it will be on everyones mind while out enfemme. and make us all a bit more conciouse of our surroundings.
Thus preventing it from happening to another sister mabey.:hugs:
Tonya,
no Debra, it is not 'when'. Encountering a troglodyte who wants to embarrass may be a 'when' but a beating is not. A-holes like this are looking for a fight regardless of presentation but as long as they outnumber.Quote:
Originally Posted by Debra Russell
There are dirt bags galore. Too many! They are cowards and travel in groups. I don't know the laws of every state. but, Washington State is pretty good with recognizing every person Second Amendment rights!
Sorry to hear this Isha and I hope you are ok x
Unfortunately in this day and age we still get our fair share of idiots who can't seem to leave well enough alone.
I haven't been out myself yet but if I did I would have a friend with me at all times to be safe and probably best to go to busier places where you just blend in with everyone else.
They are lower than cowards, doing that to a sweet decent lady.
Not much to add to what the other girls have said, how sickening. When I read stories like this the male ego inside me just wants to beat those idiots senseless (and I'm pretty sure the rage inside of me would make that very probable), but that would make me no better than them. Thank you for the dose of reality and let's hope that stories like this continue to be fewer and fewer. Isha, you will be in my thoughts, that's for sure.
Hell-o Isha,
Since reading this thread this morning, I been thinking about your
situation off and on all day.
I know you said these three had made some pretty vial comments, and I don't blame you
for making the comment about taking one of them to the hospital with you.
I'm just wondering if there was any attempt at all on your part to diffuse the whole thing with
words, or if your immediate thought was to go into fight mode.
I'm not sure what the hate crime laws are up there, but in the states they are varied from state to state,
and hard to interpret, let alone enforce. Regardless of what type of crime was committed, this still is a crime!
It doesn't sound as if you are interested in pressing the matter, I think you said "what is to be gained ?"
Think about the "Butterfly Effect", you could possibly be saving someone else from having to go through such
a horrible experience. I realize it would become a public affair if this were to end up in courtroom, but you seem
to me to be one that could go through with it.
Please discuss this with your wife, and consider reporting this.
Much Love,
Kristyn
Thanks for posting Isha. Your frightening experience is a reality check to take care. It is easy with over confidence to slip into bad safety habbits. Heal quickly.
OMG Isha....
Bet the hurt to your pride is almost as bad as the physical...
At least a few valuable lessons can be learned. (And I'm sure I'm only stating the bleeding obvious!)
1. Safety in numbers... A group may attract verbal abuse but the threat of physical abuse is reduced.
2. Time spent in reconnaissance is rarely wasted... Plan parking, infile and exile routes, possible ambush sites, etc
3. The best training, experience or confidence is no match for multiple attackers, or even one suitabley drunk or drugged. (And that does not take into consideration heels, skirts, restrictive clothing...) As you show, the chance of even token retaliation rarely presents.
4. Escape is best, embryo position tightly held is the only position to adopt if cornered or downed... (And I'm sure you know how lucky you were. Single punches can kill!)
I'm sure those of us that regularly venture into the vanilla world lull ourselves into a false sense of security. Your recount serves well to remind us all that the potential exists for all of us to suffer a similar fate.
Get well soon...
Hugs,
Donna
Dear Isha, I am so sorry that you had to endure this horrendous act of hatred and violence. You are wonderful and STRONG, and your body and mind will heal. My thoughts and support are with you, Hugs, Holly
I wish you a speedy recovery
Horror, this is unacceptable in a civilized society!
Isha, you are one of the sweetest girls on the forum, and are always positive. I hope and pray that you dont lose any of that innocence and sweetness from this. We ALL LOVE YOU!!
Isha, I am so sorry that you were attached. I believe that you should report it in an attempt to help others. Given they may have paid with a credit card at the restaurant they may be trackable. Finally, your ego should not be bruised. 3-1 and they did not even have the guts to take you from the front. I'd be pissed, but my ego would not be bruised.
really sorry to hear isha
if you believe in karma as i do they will get what is coming to them
hope you recover soon x
Like everyone here I am sorry to hear this happened to you Isha. I do hope you recover quickly.
I cant add a lot to what has already been said.
I do hope you eventually manage to meet the guys who came to your aid.
I am sure they deserve a nice thank you drink for the kindness they have shown you.
Wow, that's a bummer. So glad you weren't seriously hurt, it could have been much worse. I'm not passable, but I get out a few times a month. I'm a big believer in safety in numbers! Stick with your friends the next time! I'd still file a police report.
I am amazed and saddened by these events. I would really like it if there were no evil in the world, but there is.
Thank you for sharing them. It's not just the good parts of life that enrich our experiences. The sharing brings us all closer.
Hope you mend quickly Isha, Sometimes no matter what you do things go awry. I have learned that no matter how safe you think you are, you aren't. One thing we learn when presented with an animal that is redirecting or acting as fear aggressive, is back away, keep watching them. These guys were basically acting as a pack mentality and in real life are probably more fearful alone,
I always park as close as I can when I go out. I am always looking. I keep a hand in my pocket or purse (they don't know what is in there) and if offered I always allow someone to walk me out. I am 6 feet tall 185 pounds, you would think I would be less a target, but it isn't true.I learned albeit not as hard as you did.
You can always tell stupid. You can't tell them much but you can tell. You ask what good does it do to report it? It may save someone else just because it will increase awareness by the police of the potential in the area. Yeah it's a one in a million shot but maybe, just maybe that one will come in.
Feel better soon :hugs: