TransGriot Note: I'm deleting the reference to Rachelle's old male name Okay people, why do I have to keep repeating this part of the AP Stylebook on how to write about and cover trans people almost like a fracking mantra?
transgender-Use the pronoun preferred by the individuals who have acquired the physical characteristics of the opposite sex or present themselves in a way that does not correspond with their sex at birth.
If that preference is not expressed, use the pronoun consistent with the way the individuals live publicly.
WYFF-TV in Greenville, SC got it right when they initially reported the story about the brutal attack of Rachelle Williams by her boyfriend on July 15.
Deputies: Woman Kidnapped, Choked, Beaten
Deputies have made an arrest in a brutal assault in Anderson County.
Anderson County Sheriff’s investigators said at about 4 p.m. Tuesday, deputies responded to an apartment on Continental Street in response to a 911 call that a woman had been assaulted.
Deputies found Rochelle Williams, 34, in a bedroom with head injuries. She was immediately transported to AnMed where she was still being treated Wednesday. Investigators said Williams was choked with a telephone cord and beaten in the head.
Investigators said they identified Demetrius Antonio Hawkins, 21, who lived with Williams, as the suspect.
Just 48 hours later, the headline in the story changes to this:
Family: Transsexual Son Beaten By Partner
Why? Because of this comment by Rachelle's mother which outed her child as trans.
The mother of the victim said, "Why did you do this to my son?"
After the hearing, News 4's Sean Muserallo asked Betty Tomlinson why she referred to her child as her son because investigators said the victim in the case was a woman. Tomlinson explained that her son lives as a woman and goes by Rachelle Williams
Tomlinson said her son is not a post-op transsexual.
Telesia Simpson, Rachelle's sister, said her brother moved into an apartment with Hawkins more than eight months ago. She said she was shocked by the assault and did not know of any friction between the two.
Ms. Tomlinson and Ms. Simpson, if you love and respect Rachelle as you say and looks like you do, please stop referring to her using male pronouns.
I know that's hard, but do it for your child.I'm pissed about the fact that the minute Rachelle got outed as a transwoman, the incorrect pronouns in the WYFF-TV story come out.
Time for some more 'ejumacation' on another crucial point in interacting with transpeople respectfully.
Transmen are referred to with male pronouns, transwomen with female pronouns irregardless of genital status.
