Exclusion and discrimination by the Pride media credentialing office!

For the last 8 years I have been covering the Pride celebration in San Francisco, not only as an out transsexual but also as a producer of a public access TV show called Tranny Talk. I have given that event nothing but positive media coverage. And every year I obtained media passes. Every year I have been treated with respect and dignity by the media credentialing department, BUT not this year.



Several months before the event starts Pride makes media fill out and fax or mail forms to prove we are legit.

I did that, but when I went to the media credentialing table on Saturday at 10 am the person in charge was disrespectful and did not give me the appropriate passes to photograph or video tape the parade. Instead of the passes I got a statement, well if you come to the media table at Beale street on the day of the parade I may be able to accommodate you. No guarantees, just a maybe.



So when I contacted the person in charge, Ray West by email, he gave me nothing but stories. He was not responsive to my needs and when I emailed him he continuously blamed the matter on me. It's not my fault I need passes to photograph a parade. Freedom of the Press dictates just that; FREEDOM.



Lets keep in mind I am an independent journalist, and

a recent grad from San Francisco State in the Radio and TV department, so I am confident enough to say I know what I am doing.



The reason for the story is that everyone discriminates all the time. It does not matter if your straight gay, lesbian, or bisexual; people will discriminate.



And at this time I feel the media credentialing office at Pride discriminated against me. So since I am not happy next year I will NOT cover Pride in San Francisco, and I will NOT attend that event. Who cares one less transsexual at Pride won't hurt anyone.

(I want to add that the Pride safety monitors were nice and were responsive to my needs and even gave us a lunch.)

(I also want to add, that in order to get a word in at the Trans march one of my supporters, friend and ally Denise had to go to the planners of Trans March and raise hell with them)

Story by Dina Boyer

Please check out my website.

http://homepage.mac.com/trannytalk/Menu1.html