Pinko Magazine Hedonism + Activism

There was a tragic murder Saturday in the Bronx: 25-year old Sanesha Stewart was stabbed to death, killed at home in a dispute with a man who may or may not have been a “john.” Shanesha, it’s alleged, was a sex worker and there are many unanswered questions. The working theory is that the murder suspect flew into a rage when he discovered that Stewart was transgendered.

The story is confusing and very sad to begin with; the last thing anyone needed was sensational coverage from the New York Daily News, playing up the “novelty” of Stewart’s gender and sexuality instead of the violence of the killing. The Daily’s “article” starts out not with the details of the crime, but with an anecdote about the victim:

Talib (Sanesha) Stewart was not your everyday sight in the Bronx - a 6-foot man in high heels and lipstick - but was accepted as family by those around the victim, loved ones said Sunday.

The article goes on to describe Stewart as “statuesque,” describe Stewart’s breast implants and the plastic surgery and makes the claim — with no evidence — that Stewart was a prostitute.

The strangest thing to me is the tone of the article, which goes to great lengths expressing shock and some confusion that a trans person was actually treated like … a person:

A neighbor: “We all accepted her.”

Another neighbor: “I called him ‘her’ out of respect.”

The headline: “Slain transgendered neighbor a friend of whole building.”

Stewart’s grandmother: Evelyn Stewart, said she loved the victim. “I’ve always been close to him,” she said after identifying Stewart’s body yesterday. “I didn’t care what he was.”

The high note, even for the New York Daily News? The writers conclude by making an excuse for the assailant, who, we should note, stabbed Stewart repeatedly in the neck.

“I’m not saying that’s a reason to kill anyone,” [A neighbor] said. “But I’m sure he was in some type of turmoil or shock.”

I’m not even remotely sure where to begin. My friend Margot wrote a beautiful letter to the editor noting that the piece all but blames the victim, and is both sensational and wildly disrespectful to a range of populations. I realize it’s the New York Daily News, but still it’s important not to let these moments pass without making sure the writers know that there is some accountability.

The emails: voicers@edit.nydailynews.com and the writer — tmoore@nydailynews.com.

Back to funny stuff later.

About The Author - Ben Wyskida is a writer, activist, conscientious hedonist and political communications strategist living in Brooklyn. - Visit Ben's site.