TRANSGENDER /TRANS FAT- Two Trans-Stories

TRANSGENDER

The term transgender is a general term defined by the Merriam-Webster’s dictionary as, ”of, relating to, or being a person (as a transsexual or transvestite) who identifies with or expresses a gender identity that differs from the one which corresponds to the person's sex at birth.”  The World English dictionary simply says, “of or relating to a person who wants to belong to the opposite sex.”  So how do transgender inmates get treated in prison?

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart just announced a new policy for the treatment of transgender inmates in an exclusive story to the Windy City Times newspaper. 

“The seven-page policy mandates that transgender detainees be allowed to consult with a "Gender Identity Panel" of physicians and therapists before being placed into male or female housing. It also directs correctional staff to allow transgender people to wear clothing/ own hygiene products consistent with their gender identity. Further, it requires that corrections staff, physicians, and therapists undergo gender-related sensitivity training administered by the sheriff's department. The policy is a far cry from old standards, which, officials said, were nonexistent.”

So now transgender inmates will be searched, housed and dressed according to the gender they identify with rather than the one they were born with or with what genitalia they.

I know I am going to get in trouble with the LGBT community by saying this, but what is to prevent a heterosexual man from saying he identifies with women just so he can be housed with the opposite-sex where the work load is lighter and he could participate in sexual relations?

I asked that question so you didn’t have to.

 

 

 TRANS FAT

 

 

The State of Illinois is experiencing a huge deficit and runaway spending. You could call it budget fat. But as another example of legislators working on the wrong type of fat, the Illinois House on Wednesday passed a ban on the use of trans-fats in food served in restaurants and vending machines starting in 2013.

 HB 1600 SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

“Creates the Trans Fat Restriction Act. Sets forth definitions for "food facility" and "trans fat". Provides that every food facility shall maintain the manufacturer's documentation for any food or food additive that is or includes any fat, oil, or shortening for as long as the food or food additive is stored, distributed, or served by the food facility or used in the preparation of food within the food facility. Provides that beginning on July 1, 2011, no oil, shortening, or margarine containing trans fat for use in spreads or frying, except for the deep frying of yeast dough or cake batter, may be stored, distributed, or served by a food facility or used in the preparation of food within a food facility. Provides that beginning on July 1, 2012, no food containing trans fat, including oil and shortening that contains trans fat for use in the deep frying of yeast dough or cake batter, may be stored, distributed, or served by a food facility or used in the preparation of food within a food facility. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall adopt rules to administer and enforce the Act. “

Sponsoring Rep. LaShawn Ford, D-Chicago said, “I feel like this is a great step in the right direction.  Health problems cost our state so much money and if we can use prevention to keep people out of emergency rooms and keep them healthy this is a step in that direction.”

The passage of the Act means that the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will have to hire more inspectors to send out to check if anyone is using trans-fat in food sold in restaurants or vending machines.  Which, of course, means that the IDPH budget will have to get fatter to pay for the extra personnel to administer and enforce the Act.  The doughnuts served at late night sessions won’t be as tasty after January 1, 2013, will they?