Genderbashing: The common root of Homophobic and Trans-phobic violence

When young Simmie Williams was shot and killed in Fort Lauderdale , Florida , CBS 4 news ran the following headline:
"Gay Teen Gunned Down Dressed As Woman In Ft. Laud , FL"
Now, any reasonable person would realize that Simmie was indeed murdered out of hate; the question is, what was it about Simmie that incited such a disgusting, violent reaction? Was it indeed, as the article suggests, because Simmie was “gay” meaning homosexual? Or was it because Simmie, assigned male at birth, dared to present a female appearance and attract male attention? In short, was Simmie killed or being gay, or for being transgendered?
Homophobia is a very real phenomenon, and countless individuals have been subjected to horrifying acts of violence simply for engaging in same-sex activity. But who has the bigger bulls-eye on their forehead? Is it the straight-acting, suit-wearing, buff-and-bearded tough guy, who just prefers the company of men, and is “normal” in every other way? Or is it the effeminate fashion designer, with the tight pants, plucked eyebrows, earrings and eyeliner, “swishing” down the street? Which of these people receives the lion’s share of abuse?

Let’s just accept people as people; nothing more, nothing less.

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