I’ve just posted the following comment in response to this BBC News story on the murder of Destiny Lauren. I have no idea if it’ll be published or not.

Yes, as a transwoman myself, I can say that transsexual people can be terribly vulnerable. It’s not just the “trans-panic” murders as appears to have happened with Andrea Waddell and the constant threat of day-to-day abuse if one doesn’t “pass”. It’s also that trans folk in general will often find themselves joining vulnerable groups in other ways, such as having to resort to sex work or living in dodgy areas because we’ve lost our jobs, our homes and our families.

When we do end up calling the police, it’s just as likely we’ll be arrested or discriminated against even when we’re the victims rather than helped so many people feel they simply can’t call for help. It’s the same with medical services – whilst the majority of doctors and nurses are genuinely helpful there are a few who are truly transphobic and will refuse to help. (This has been made worse by the Equalities Act 2010 as when it comes into force in October, it will be entirely legal to discriminate against anyone even suspected of being transsexual in the provision of services such as sheltered accommodation or rape councilling)

Those higher up the chains of command in such organisations also sometimes genuinely want to help, but even more so want to protect their staff. So far, I’ve not seen a single complaint against the police or health service that’s been upheld with more than promises of “further training” or “words of advice” if you’re lucky, which means the few bad apples know they can get away with not caring.

Some, such as myself, are luckier and kept our jobs and our support networks. But we still may end up having to work to pay off loans needed for medical treatment and spending time and effort explaining ourselves to or defending ourselves against the police, the health services and even supposed allies in the LGB community every time we need basic – even non-Trans-related – support.

Most of us would rather spend our efforts doing something more positive: Campaigning to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

Edited: I was quoted in the main story linked to above, partially based on the above submission but also following a phone conversation with the BBC. My original comment was also included on a separate page.