Open Letter to Windows Media

September 26, 2005 ·

By Autumn Sandeen

Dear Windows Media Management, I find it difficult to believe that Windows Media truly believes “Newspapers should reflect all aspects of their readers’ lives” and that its “superior editorial content and community involvement sets [Windows Media] apart”. Although your organization’s print and e-publications cover transgender issues (and obtain transgender readership as a result), Windows Media’s homepage specifically states “Window Media publications provide comprehensive coverage of issues, news and entertainment of interest to lesbians and gay men.” I’m guessing that means that even though *I* read Windows Media publications online because of its trans issue coverage, apparently transgender people like me aren’t part of the target readership, and therefore don’t count as people whose lives you wish to reflect. Not only are we apparently not the target audience, but we’re apparently viewed as the enemy of gay employment protections by Windows Media Management. Chris Crain’s “‘Trans or bust’ still a bust” and “ENDA gets trans-jacked” indicate Windows Media’s “superior editorial content” editorializes in favor of blaming transgender people for wanting their civil rights and protections as soon as possible instead of blaming those in Congress who aren’t voting for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).

Matt Foreman, the executive director of the NGLTF, wrote an argument for trans-inclusion in ENDA. In it he provided a personal perspective on why he believes he made a mistake when he, as the executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda, worked to enact New York’s Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He essentially stated that the “wait” that Chris Crane alludes to is an illusion. I tend to believe Matt Foreman’s perspective on ENDA over Chris Crain’s specifically because Foreman was a leader directly involved with passing SONDA — I don’t believe Crain has the same level of experience with regards to shepherding civil rights legislation. Matt Foreman also made the statement in his argument that “The time for debate is over.” Here’s why: The HRC, NGTLF, PFLAG, NOW, and Pride at Work (among other GLBT civil rights organizations) aren’t going to change their minds. Chris Crain’s editorializing in his blog does nothing to ensure that any GLBT rights organization’s supported version of ENDA will ever become law — instead, he baits trans-activists, and appears to be working to divide the community that will push for ENDA to become law.

I’m angry enough at Chris Crain’s misdirected disapprobation at the trans community to consider contacting Windows Media advertisers. I’ve talked to a number of other trans-activists who feel the same way.

In category:Opinion
Next Post

THE TRANSBUSTER

Chris Crain’s editorial lamenting that HRC apparently has finally decided to put their money where their mouth was and decide to become a GLBT rights organization and not just a rich gay white male rights organization, actually brought a smile…
Read
Previous Post

What’s More Unfair?

When a middle school teacher leaves for the summer as he and plans to return as she, is it unfair to students? More or less unfair than it would be to re-assign the teacher? Ms. McCaffrey is the teacher I'm…
Read
Random Post

Ask Matt: Coming Out About My Trans Partner at Christmas

By Matt Kailey A reader writes: “I’m a non-transgender pansexual woman who has been dating my friend, a male-to-female transgender person, for a few months. “I’ve known my partner for five years and knew that she was trans for about…
Read
Random Post

The Curious Demands of the Womyn in the Woods: Unpacking the Statement of the Michigan Womyn’s Musical Festival

The Demands of Michfest's Lisa Vogel: A Response & a Good Faith Offer of Support By Emmagene Cronin   The end of the 39th annual Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival (MWMF of Michfest) has arrived, and the trans community has been…
Read
Random Post

Kansas City Transwoman Killed On Christmas Eve

Well, one of the first names we'll read for the 2012 Transgender Day of Remembrance has been determined and her death happened on all nights, Christmas Eve.I'll slam the transphobic reporting of KCTV 5 'reporters' DeAnn Smith and Nima Shaffe later.  …
Read
Random Post

Ask Matt: Do Trans Men Die Young?

Welcome to a special Thursday edition of Tranifesto, with more Ask Matt questions. I’m hoping to catch up on my backlog of questions, and, as always, I’m hoping that readers will supply their wisdom in the Comments section. Today’s questions…
Read