

I don't know [Sidibe]. I will always give people the benefit of the doubt and assume that they weren't thinking and just need some education. We all deserve that chance. We all need the right to redeem ourselves. And I believe this for her, in spite of the fact that it felt very mean-spirited and horrible to me, especially since she has been the point of much ridicule for her differences. It has often been those who are also different -- like trans people -- who have defended her. I hope this is a learning experience.

But what do we say about the larger picture? Here's what we know: People who are trans are 41% more likely than the population as a whole to attempt suicide. Violence against trans people is widespread, representing a significant number hate crimes each year. The treatment of people who are trans in the judicial and prison system is deplorable...

