TS Menace Protests Death, Cover-up

Over 40 gender activists from around the US, most of them participants in Lobby Day, demonstrated in front of Mayor Marion Barryís office and called for a full investigation into Tyra Hunter's death and an end to DC Fire Deptís coverup.

Deputy Sheriff Tonye Barreto-Neto of TOPS (Transgender Officers Protect & Serve) arranged a meeting with the Mayor, at which he pressed Mayor Barry to call for full inquiry into the behavior of an emergency medical services technician who allegedly took little action to prevent Hunter's death.

Tonye also somehow arranged a meeting between TOPS members, including Sgt. Stephan Thorn, Fire Capt Michelle Kamerer, and DC Fire Chief Latin.

Although there were 8 eye witnesses, to date Chief Lation has maintained that no investigation or disciplinary action is necessary, and has refused to release the name of the emergency medical services technician involved. During the meeting , the TOPS group pressed for a full investigation, better sensitivity training, and an apology to Tyraís mother (which the Chief has promised for over 2 months now).

Although the meeting occasionally grew heated, Chief Latin rebuffed all attempts to resolve the matter, instead hiding behind one transparent excuse after another to avoid taking action. The Menace demonstration was coordinated with local activists from GLOV, TransgenderNation, and NGLTF, including Tracy Conaty and Jessica Xavier.

First Steps Lisa Maxwell reports on an important event in transgender history.
Successful Lobbying Days Unite Community, Accomplish Goals Phyllis Frye describes the details of how the historic work got done.
A Personal Perspective on National Gender Lobby Days Shelby Beach's report from the trenches. Fun and hard work carry the day!