Good point, and one I had not honestly considered.

But your point speaks to the fact that this is a civil rights movement that is different from all the others. So, yes, perhaps it does require a full loaf.

I am still working off the assumption that these things take time and that it is exponentially more difficult to fight this fight if small victories are not part of the overall equation.

I want to emphasize that I fully acknowledge that this is not right or fair, but it does take into account the world who is far less accepting of the GLBT community.

It is wrong if transgendered people are not included in a hate crimes bill, but it is still a step forward for society to accept (though the institution of government and law) that gays and lesbians are accepted. Once you get that toe hold in, the rest will fall into line.

Thanks for the comment, and, like I said, I honestly do welcome debate on this one – I am interested in hearing what people think.

And a good example of why:

If the “gay” community accepts a non-discrimination bill that doesn’t include the transvestite protections, that leaves our brothers and sisters who have worked hard WITH us out. That means that when “hate crimes” are reported, it leaves out the people who are murdered for being transvestite or transsexual. It means that most of us move a step forward but that we’re willing to leave some behind.

We can’t do that, and we won’t. We cannot stop demanding EVERY right we should have, and could have, and need to have. And we won’t leave anyone behind.