THE MONTH OF VIOLENCE

Violence against transgender women remains rampant.

Earlier this month, there were reports that a 17-year-old trans woman was kicked in the face by a drunk policeman in Chon Buri. He apparently said “I don’t like katoey” before attacking the said trans woman. The policeman was moved out of his jurisdiction and his gun was seized while awaiting a verdict.

Last week, a video clip featuring another trans woman in a fistfight with a man who verbally abused and insulted her went viral on Thai social media. She won the fight and the guy was left with bruises and a bloodied nose.

Also last week, activist Nada Chaiyajit reported that yet another trans woman was attacked by her ex’s girlfriend, with the help of the former boyfriend as well. The trans woman, named Buay, was hit with a metal rod and required stitches on her skull. The reason behind the attack was not disclosed. From Nada’s description, the police were also not active in finding the perpetrator until someone said they would put the story online. The activist said she’ll be in the area of the attack soon to monitor the police’s work and make sure the victim gets justice.

Of course, these incidents all happened in the same month as Transgender Day of Remembrance, observed on Nov 20 annually in memory of murdered victims of transphobia. In Thailand, violence still revolves around name-calling, fighting and other forms of discrimination, but rarely has there been a case of murder. However, in the US, it is reported that 2021 has been the deadliest year (on record) for transgender and non-binary people. There have been close to 50 trans homicide victims this year, most of them black and Latino. Due to crimes against transgender people being misreported, there is speculation that this number is likely undercounted.

In this day and age, gender-based violence is still a real threat to the lives and livelihood of transgender people everywhere. And while we may see improvements in some areas over the years, like an increase in onscreen representation and inclusion in sports, it doesn’t seem to change the situation and transgenders still remain the object of hatred and violence. Their safety to simply be themselves is a concern.

What will it take for transphobia to end?

In Thailand, violence still revolves around name-calling, fighting, and other forms of discrimination