Transexual Activist Maria Louise Roman was assaulted, discriminated against and wrongly incarcerated – ironically, after a taping of "Transamerica" segment for Spanish TV Talk Show Cristina.

This letter comes directly from her.

Dear Friends:

I am writing this letter to give you a snapshot of how I was assaulted, ridiculed, humiliated and wrongly incarcerated while celebrating a successful taping of the Cristina Show. These events took place on March the 10th in the city of Miami.

Many Media outlets continue to perpetuate stereotypes and sensationalize our lives. It has been a long process but I am a firm believer that the only way we can influence change is by being involved in the process of creating this change. We cannot sit back and expect change to magically happen.

For this reason whenever there is an opportunity for me to be involved in how the media depicts my reality as a transgender women I am the first one to sign up.

On March the 10th I was panelist for an upcoming Cristina Show, a Spanish speaking International show that reaches millions of Spanish speaking homes in the US and Latin America. The taping of the show went very well; the questions were relevant and focused on the complexity of the transition process. They also discussed discrimination and rights of people of trans experience. The panel was very diverse, composed of both FTM and MTF people. It also included A 15 year old Argentinean transgender woman who was supported by her entire family.

After a successful taping there was much reason to celebrate, Little did I know that my celebration would not last long.

I went to a popular Miami club called Space, Accompanied by a friend. We had a drink, danced and enjoyed the scene, needless to say the club was packed.

About 40 minutes later while going to get a second drink, we were making our way though a very crowded club headed toward the bar. I was pushed by a man, and when I turned around he began yelling "Fuck! that's a man" To several of his friends, who then joined him in the name-calling as the pushing continued.

He then physically assaulted me. As the attack continued, security came to the scene and grabbed him. He was still calling me "you fucking faggot", even though he was restrained by security personnel.

In panic, in pain, dazed from the attack, I screamed to my friend, "he broke my nose!" I was also concerned about my safety because I did not know if the other individuals who accompanied him might also attack me in retaliation, after seeing their friend taken by security.

I decided to follow the security officers as they where escorted the man to the first level, telling them in bits and pieces what happened and how this man had attacked me unwarrantedly. I made it very clear to the security guards that I had intentions of filing charges of assault since I was physically attacked and I had not retaliated. When we got to the office, there were other men in uniforms and I assumed they were also security guards.

I asked them to call the police since I wanted to press charges against the man who had just assaulted me. To my surprise they informed me they were Miami Police Department Officers. One of them was a sergeant. I would find out later that the sergeant was also a bigot.

At that moment he ignored me and proceeded to ask the man who had attacked me what happened. I was furious at his apathy towards me, but remained calmed.

As he continued to ignore me he asked the Security Guards who escorted the man who attacked me, "WHAT DID HE DO?" (They used male pronouns to refer to me). I felt disrespected by his comment. I reached in my purse for my California Identification Card, which states my gender as female, hoping this would redirect focus to the assault and not my gender. I tried to tell the police about the assault, however it was difficult since their focus continued to be on my gender; snickering back and forth. Things were taking place quickly. The sergeant looked at me with a smirk on his face and told the security guard next to him "He has nice tits."

At that moment I realized that things were not going to move in my favor. Two security guards grabbed me by the arms and began escorting me down some stairs towards the entrance of the club. It was clear that they were escorting me out of the club however my concern was still focused on ensuring documentation of my attack. I continued questioning their behavior, repeating that "I was assaulted." I questioned why I was being escorted out of the club since, in fact, I was the victim of a crime. '

The circumstances that transpired during and after my assault were blatant violations of my rights, and negligence on the part of the police. I was forcefully detained by security for no reason and then placed in the back of a police car. At that moment it was clear to me they were arresting me, however I could not think of what they would charge me with since I had not committed a crime. During this ordeal I maintained restraint. I was never disrespectful to any of Police Officers or Security Personnel. I was humble but firm in pointing out the wrong-doing on their behalf.

I made it clear to the sergeant that I was going to do everything in my power to ensure that this does not continue to happen and that they would se me again. That the oath they took to protect and serve includes me, and that their discrimination and bigotry would not be silently ignored.

While being transferred to the car which would take me to county jail, the sergeant told one of his colleagues as my dress was lifted, "yes that's a man, but I would fuck him in his ass" And they all laughed. The humiliation was endless.

The only way I could let my anger and frustration out was by crying, at that moment I was so powerless. I have been fighting this kind of injustice for years, yet I was never a victim. And none of my many surgeries, speaking abilities, beauty, or the charm I have been told I possess, could make these people look at me as a woman. Because even though they did call me a man, I am certain that if two men had been involved in a physical altercation, both would have been arrested. Yet I was a victim of an assault and I was the only one incarcerated.

You would think my ordeal would have been over but it continued while being processed in the local county jail. I was stripped and searched, and paraded for all to view and laughed at. I continued to weep in anger and despair, I would spend the next 18 hours afraid for my safety, questioned about my gender, asked improper questions, and sexually molested.

I was assaulted, ridiculed, mistreated, and incarcerated because of who I am. As incredible as it may sound my sense of true self is offensive to even the people that take an oath to protect and serve us.

However I take an oath to my self and the rest of my community that I will continue to do anything and everything in my power to expose this bigotry, hate and perpetuate mistreatment by people in law enforcement and their apathy to crimes fueled by hate associated with our gender or sexual orientation.

At the present time I am continuing to work with the support of Ron Brenesky from "Unity Coalition", a local organization in Miami, along with Monica Taher who has been a great support. Currently Ron is contacting the local agencies trying to categorize this as a Hate Crime.

Under Florida law Transgender individuals are not recognized. So much work ahead for our community However I am only one person. Let’s continue to ensure that we all grow from our experiences by supporting our own and each other. Don't be silent. Let’s let them know that there are many of us and we have each others’ backs. Remember none of us are immune to acts such as this. I will be going to court in Miami in April on a false trespassing charge. I would like your support. I want to send a clear message to the club and the police department that this kind of mistreatment will not be tolerated. If this type of neglect, discrimination and violation of our rights by police officers in Miami is an ongoing practice the time to put a stop to it is now. PS: Even though this was a very traumatic time, my spirits are high and I am looking forward to continuing to fight this. My nose is a little to the right and the bruises in my arm are gone, otherwise I am all good. I thank God that I am here and that things did not escalate more. Many men and women have lost their lives to crimes fueled by hate. On March the 10th at 1:35 am this kind of hate fueled a man to strike me simply because I was a transgender woman. Thank You, Maria Louise Roman Proud Transgender Woman Orgullosa de ser Latina Mariathemost@aol.com Ron Brenesky Unity Coalition Miami, Florida 786 317 3557

Amnesty International has a report called "STONEWALLED" about the abuse of LGBT people in the American penal system.

It can be downloaded as a 143 page pdf. file here:
http://web.amnesty.org/library/pdf/AMR511222005ENGLISH/$File/AMR5112205.pdf

A second report (104 pages) can be downloaded here:
http://web.amnesty.org/library/pdf/AMR510012006ENGLISH/$File/AMR5100106.pdf
Stonewalled – still demanding respect
Police abuses against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the USA

As a personal friend of Maria Roman, I am outraged, angry and bewildered that such a crime could be perpertrated by alleged "law enforcement" officers in Miami, or anyone else.

I've always admired Maria as one of the most beautiful and articulate Trans woman in our community. I last saw her at our club in West Hollywood about 2 months ago. She came over to ask me how I was. She said she was fine and back in Hollywood for the holidays.

I gues you can read about things like this happening to strangers, and it doesn't have the same impact as when the "statistic" is someone you know.

Another sister of mine and I were assaulted near the same West Hollywood club a few years ago, but we got suport from the Sherriffs and went to court where the asailants were convicted and given time. I do know if I could have acted as calmly as Maria if I had experienced the same police assault.

We hear so much about how things have changed, but these outrages serve to bring us back to the reality that we still have a long way to go.

I not sure what to do at this point, but one thought comes to mind is to contact federal prosecutors for violation of her civil rights under color of state law.

I' lI call and right my friend Maria to give her my love and support..

I urge her many friends here in LA. to do the same.

It's a shame in this society we still have not been able to realize that people are people and everyone should be respected no matter what.

Bless you girl. I remember meeting you on one of my cross country trips. I was the sister (previously driving a RV) trying to open up safe homes for our sisters and brothers in need. You were helping my spanish sisters in LA when i met you a few years ago. May your wonderful work continue and may God/Godess above watch you and protect you always.
bye love Danielle

I am shocked and furious.
I hope you are recovering ok.
This was an incredibly ugly and brutal assault to a beautiful and courageous woman. You continue to be an inspiration.
Stay safe,
Alison
Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation
& Wingspan

Wow. That is so totally unbeleivable. I bet Maria you tought you were having a nightmare.

How ca we support your case against this false acusation you're under?

I think that the L.A. policemen need serious education about GLBT people. We have done some training with the police force here and our security has improved a lot. Policemen and women shows a lot of respect and are educated about violence even within our own glbt groups. I live in Montreal, Canada. And the police force here could be set as an example of how educating our policemen and policewomand is possible and something that must be done. We can't let the people who are supposed to protect us become our aggressors. That's totally unaceptable behavior and I think these policemen should be suspended because not only they humiliated you but they invented a false accusation to cover themselves wich is alltoguether and awefull abuse of their power. They make the LA police look like they have no ethic code.

Maybe we should all protest and send letters or petitions to the city of LA so that they educate police members about transexual issues?

I think a demonstration would be good too. It makes things move/change. We have to take action.

I'm willing to support and provide help. I'm the manager of http://butch-butch.com and on of our members brought that incident to our knowledge.

I'm sincerely sorry for what happened to you Maria. I hope your physical and psychological wounds will heal nicely overtime.

Chris Soucy. Montreal, Qc, Ca

Maria,

I am horrified, disgusted, but not surprized on the behavior of Florida's "finest". This is still happening all over and People need to know. Go forward with your story... go completely public... national. This needs to be heard. And go after them (civil court if necessary!). You have my full support. May you find a moment of peace and calm in your life over this. You are an amazingly strong woman. I hope you find the support and help you will need, where you are at.

Dear maria,

As vice-president of OII ( Organisation Internationale Intersexués-es ), i wish to let you know that my organization denounces any and all discrimination based on gender as well as any violence towards women and people.

Please know that although our org is small, it is international and i will send your story off everywhere.

in solidarity,

Joëlle

It seems that bigotry against the transgendered is one of the few remaining generally acceptable behaviors in our culture. Bigotry and descrimination in any form connects us to the lowest forms of human behavior and it's up to all of to realize that if we don't speak out - we condone. My heart goes out to the victim of this disturbing sequence of events and I hope she finds peace and resolution as these events play out.

brave WOMAN

theres no point in being diffrent if you dont stir things up!!

Maria, I feel deeply for what you went through but I applaud your courage. I only hope the City of Miami prosecutes these supposed protectors of the people and they are properly punished.

I have been doing my part to educate the public as best I can. Thankfully, Illinois has laws that in place that protect transgender people.

Keep your head up. Stay strong. There are more people who support you than you realize. And thank you for being who you are.

Julie Moriarty
Chicago, IL

I am outrage that this has happen in the land of free!
We need to do something and make this public.
We need to oust that club for starters and hit the spot light on those officers who IS to serve and protect.
I own a yahoo group called TGIF: Transgender Girls In Florida. What can we do to use it as a tool to help fight this bigotry? Let me know what I can do to help.
See the link and it is not a pornographic site. It is a support and very friendly and clean community. I would like to use my group as a tool to help Maria and others fight back. Tell me how!

As a Transsexual woman, I have also been the victim of such violence. I want to know what I can do to make sure that the Miami police pay for their actions, and that such terrorism against the TG/TS community does not occur again in that city

Dearest Maria,

We at GenderEvolve are horrified at the abuse you were subjected to at the hands of not only your attacker, but most alarmingly, the Miami police. What happened to you is every transwoman's nightmare come true. Maria, the way in which you were treated is inexcusable!! Our hearts are with you, as are our full efforts to express public support of you. Society needs to recognize the hate-crimes that transwomen are subjected to, most atrociously, at the hands of police!!!

Transgendered people are not protected by Florida laws, nor the laws of most other states and countries. Upon closer scrutiny, even the United Nations excludes (by omission) transgendered people in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Maria, due to this crime against you and so many other transwomen, we are launching a petition directly to the U.N. Your case is included among those which we intend to present. This effort is only a baby step, but it's the very least we can do to work toward justice for you and the countless other transwomen who are being violated and abused.

Transgender petition to the United Nations:
http://transgenderunity.blogspot.com

Maria thank you for being so strong and brave as to reveal publicly this crime which was perpetrated against you. We shall do our utmost spread the word of this critical matter.

You are in our prayers, beautiful lady.

Love and light,
Michele Angelique
www.genderevolve.com

Here is the home page of Translegal. They are a defense and education organization that fights for transgender rights. They also fight to change local policy as well as provide legal services. You should get them involved or at least obtain information from them on how to proceed. Miami should feel this on in the wallet!!

http://www.transgenderlegal.org/

I have already forwarded this article to them for review. Go get em' girl!

Dearest Maria
What a nightmare you have exposed! Your conduct through this horrible ordeal was truly courageous and an example for us all.
All the online transgender groups I am part of are responding. We need contact info for the authorities in Miami so that we may let them know their department's actions are not going on unnoticed.
Any marginalized group, transgendered or otherwise, would do well to hear your story and respond to it. Thank you for being such a courageous leader and example for us all.
Marie

Still really trying to understand why "Trans" seem to be such a despised target here in the States, but not in most other developed (and developing) nations. The mindset here is truly baffling. As tragic as it is to say, the mistreatment of Maria Louise Roman, does not really surprise me. The random acts of violence directed against trans people in the usa bring little more than shrugs of indifference from most. I see the same lack of caring expressed by most of my american "friends". How can my "gg" friends claim to be my " good friends"; yet, their closest circle of friends is populated with people (both straight and gay) who express open, or barely concealed, hostility towards Trans people. If their closest friends are open about their bigotry, and don't find it the least offensive, what does it say about my "gg" friends? Moreover, can someone not be influenced by their peer group; i.e., can they not be affected (or infected) by their friends' bigotry? That so many gay men and lesbians, in the States, are completely intolerant when it comes to "trans" is equally inexplicable. It never ceases to amaze me how often I will get hit on in a lez club , until I tell one person (or a friend with me mentions, and thank you that's always so considerate of you) that I'm a post-op. After that .nothing but malevolent stares.
My Trans friends here in the States don't seem overly bothered by their relative ostracism. In fact, many seem to take a sort of weird pleasure in it. When we do talk about it, the comments are almost always the same; i.e., "stick with your own kind", "you're going to get hurt if you keep hanging with straights", "what did you expect., did you really think they'd treat you like one of them". Most seem resigned to the intolerance they face. Why? What is it about the culture in the States that makes it so prejudiced. and so seemingly isolated from the rest of the developed world. Why is so much of the gay community here, particularly the lesbian community, so biased when it comes to "trans" women? I don't get it. What is so threatening about a transsexual, or (as in my case) inter-sexed person. It seems so bizarre to be in a country where the populace acts in ways that suggest they fear being infected by transsexuals.as if it was a communicable disease. Moreover, even fewer here seem to understand that one is born TS or IS.- that it has a fetal and genetic basis. While the rest of the developed (and developing) world pass laws based upon scientific research.amerika has committed itself to finding a "faith-based" cure. Even Iran follows an EU type approach regarding treatment of TS, and at government expense no less).

My stay here has been somewhat akin to "Alice"- after falling down the rabbit hole. Saying its "Bizarre" just doesn't begin to properly describe it, and I'm truly at a loss on how best to explain it to my friends back in HK and Bangkok.

Hi Maria,

Stand tall Sister we have a long road ahead for our Transgender people.

I am appalled that society still has the distinction to challenge any individual for their self-expression is being challenged! I am in disarray that we have a society that still has the nerve to judge others and they themselves,unfortunatly like me, were born naked into this world. Since when did those did the assult(whether it is physical or even mental and/or psychological-it doesn't matter!) be allowed to be put on those robes!I just hope and pray a swift,speedy recovery! It shames me,to see that we cannot be a more tolerant society,but we instead are more closed minded, more stubborn and more anti, than positive!Sure we have our disagreements, sure we have our other side of the issue, but one factor does remain,if I may quote Shakespeare:"Cut us do we not all bleed"? What about that founder of Christianity:"Judge not,low,less thee be judged"? After reading this human-being's injustice of a society that will not accept their human rights, it made me join Amensty International.

yes i want to fight for transgendered rights.
i ran into an occurance also where i was just wearing a fur coat and they thought i was a prostitute and then dump my purse over saying if i had drugs when i repeatly told them i was waiting for my friends they taunted me with name calling and made fun of me. these where men on bikes patrolling san jose, downtown. they were part of the police dept. this happened about 2years ago.

im shocked at this mistreatment i hope all is well now and that theses people will be brought to justice

Maria was born a man, till the end of the earth he will remain a man, changing sex and acting as a woman cant change this fact. what was done to him (wrong in all) was something that could have been done to anyone. regardless of if the person was trans or not. the world would not change for her, she cant possibly expect everyone to respect her. truth be told, no one should be treated that way. learning to live with the world is how to go about it. he made his choice the world didnt. best of luck

Hello Maria,
I am new on the site but this is one of the first things
that had caught my eye and i cannot well, i do believe
that there are still very mean & hateful people in the
world and in law inforcement. I am a gay female &
wheither i was or not the terrible altercation you had
to endure was unspeakable and i am glad that you are
a strong women and do whatever it takes to get the
justice that you deserve, noone should be treated in
that manner EVER! i SUPPORT YOU 100%. Good Luck.

What they did to you is really sick. Everyone should have the same rights in this country. I hope you know that not everyone thinks this way. I am a straight female, but I have only love and respect for transgenders, gays, bi's, straights. I think how you feel on the inside is who you truly are. If you were born with a female mind, then you are truly a woman. Your body is just your shell, and you can change and express it however you want. Based on your picture above, you are a beautiful woman. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I hate those policemen, and I hope one day they realize how effed up they are. I'm so sorry you had to experience what you experienced.

- I'm so sorry that happened to you. Thank you for your support for the TG community! We're behind you ALL THE WAY!!!!

This is a perfect example of one part of the male masculinity that we as TG's find so disgusting (and want to disassociate ourselves with). I know that many females understand this clearly too. Typical male egos, and their "I'll kick your ass" attitude, is so silly and one more reason that I find myself more on the feminine side. Cavemen are not instinct and this is proof! These childish boys flaunt their insecurities during these testosterone ignited rages. Things like this continuously remind me exactly why being a guy is so ....what's the word?

Unfortunately, many police officers are there to prove their manhood. SOme are there to protect and serve, but the peer pressure to conform is enormous. And theri greatest fears? Anything that threatens their manhood and their sense of heterosexuality. Yet many men do find transexual wonem attractive, and are embarrassed by this fact.
One day in the not-so-distant future, tasnsgendered women will be accepted as the Norm, along with the more conventonal roles of genetic male and female.
I think it takes a lot of strength to go with your heart and be the person you were meant to be, regardless of birth.

I am so sorry that something so horrible happened to someone so sweet and gorgeous. you didn't deserve that Maria . I love you sweety. hang in there love Michaela

I am so sorry that something so horrible happened to someone so sweet and gorgeous. you didn't deserve that Maria . I love you sweety. hang in there love Michaela

Ms. Roman,

I want to apologize to you for the way the Florida justice system had treated you. You are beautiful both inside and out and I know you will overcome this cruelty. I live in Lexington, KY and would love to get involved with you to make sure that this does not happen in our state as well.

Keep your head up Baby Girl!

Chris

I can only re-iterate the feelings already expressed, for police officers to do this is deplorable. It has happened again of course this last week in Michigan, 2 officers sacked after being court on cctv.

I am a virtual prisoner in my own home as the local youths and adults have made my life hell, and senior cops do not think it neccesary to put more police on the streets to handle the threats and intimidation.

Trans the world over must sound as one voice to stop the human rights violations we face daily.

I don't pass particularly well, but that shouldn't make any difference, we all want to be shown respect as human beings.

xx

Stephanie from UK

Maria..

Que bonita mami... Pobre Rescita.. Aye dos mios.. Mi corazon es para Maria.

Te quiero
Krissy

I am both moved and encouraged by this article written by a true transgender sister. Standing up for our community is one thing, but when faced with the ugly face of hate and discrimination ourselves, it can affect us deeply.

I am so proud that you had the strength to voice this terrible situation that happened to you. I have had many stories of similar sorts, myself being a TG woman. But I also share the advocacy work that you do for your TG Latina community, I also do here in the islands working with Asian & Pacific Island TG communities. It is a constant struggle and I feel that through education, advocacy, and empowerment of our peoples, we will be able to make this world a better place for those to follow. I stand besides, you my sister, in this hope for a better tomorrow.

With all my love and aloha,
Taffy T. Ashton

Hiya Maria...I've just been watching you on uk TV and I googled afterwards, because I thought what an amazing, selfless, thoughtful & beautiful woman you are. Yet now I see that you have suffered this horrendous ordeal...How horrible. It's an outrage...I can't believe this has happened to such a lovely warm person...I feel so angry for you...Please know that I am thinking of you. You're wonderful and I really hope that you recieve justice and that the Miami police force punishes the officers involved..big hugz...besos

Dear Maria

My friends and I saw you on Trantasia and have been following your life ever since.

We are not gawping at or sensationalising your life, but you are incredible. We think you should have won that beauty pageant.

We particularly enjoyed your fierce putdown of that jerk that was insulting you on the street during your segment of the programme. And we think you are visually stunning in addition to all the wonderful activism work you do.

I am sorry to hear that you were attacked by some dickhead and I hope you got a resolution to this sorry event.

Please accept our support and love from your fans in London, England.

XXXXXXX

Dear Maria

My friends and I saw you on Trantasia and have been following your life ever since.

We are not gawping at or sensationalising your life, but you are incredible. We think you should have won that beauty pageant.

We particularly enjoyed your fierce putdown of that jerk that was insulting you on the street during your segment of the programme. And we think you are visually stunning in addition to all the wonderful activism work you do.

I am sorry to hear that you were attacked by some dickhead and I hope you got a resolution to this sorry event.

Please accept our support and love from your fans in London, England.

XXXXXXX

You asked for it! Alot of TG women are extremely flamboyant for their need of attention and to seek validation. And alot of time u will attract the wrong attention too. That goes to natal women too. So if u want respect, you need to start respecting yourself first. Thats all.

first off let me state that i am not a transgener person(but im a male).secondly, as i read this article it brings some tears to my eyes because i beleive in equality and transgender people should be treated equally not as some strange being that we should hurt in any way.i am friends with transgender female on facebook and we are good friends. Miami police officers should be ashamed of themselves because they did not protect or serve her and they should be striped of their badges and be in prison for wrongfully aressting a woman who did nothin wrong! I am joseph and i believe in equal rights for transgender people because wether people like it or not THEY ARE HUMAN BEINGS TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!