Beware of Bubba

Though we'd all prefer to focus on the good things in life, we've got to take the bad with the good. The reality is, Bubba does exist, and he lives everywhere. Rather than ignoring the problem, let's face it, and try to find ways to deal with it.

On average, in the United States, one transgendered woman per month dies violently at the hands of Bubba. Furthermore, history indicates that 25% of all genetic women are violently raped by Bubba sometime during the course of their life. Bubba is a serious concern to all who identify as female, visible minority, physically weaker, or culturally different. Sadly, Bubba is so low in moral fiber that he will even victimize little children.

I have grown up all my life watching for Bubba, and avoiding him when I see him. I learned very early that trying to reason with Bubba is generally pointless, as he's not too smart. From my experience, he can often be found wherever the testosterone runs thick: men's sports teams (particularly football and hockey), weightlifting gyms, country bars, biker bars, truck stops, pool halls, monster truck races... you get the picture.

I find Bubba to be such a repulsive entity that I tend to avoid venues he is known to frequent. If I accidentally find myself in such a place, and spot Bubba and his friends, I generally won't risk sticking around. While genetic females are at risk in the presence of Bubba, I would venture than transgendered women would be at even more of a risk. Appearing female, you are certain to attract Bubba's attention. If he realizes you are transgendered, he is likely to believe that you "tricked" him, and would feel justified in harassing you if not worse.

Not everything about being female is rosy. With the female gender comes sexual objectification, stalking and harassment. As transwomen, you may not be accustomed to being treated as female, and as such may not operate with the same caution that all females must.

We don't walk alone at night or go out to clubs alone. We can't leave our drink unattended. We have to be more careful about talking to strangers. We must look over our shoulders and stay alert at all times. This is reality, and the only advice I can give about Bubba is prevention and protection measures:

** NEVER **

1) Go out alone at night, except to very public places.
2) Go to a drinking establishment alone, or leave with a stranger.
3) Leave your beverage unattended, accept a drink from a stranger, or become too intoxicated.
4) Look down at your shoes when you walk... pay attention always!
5) Remain in an establishment where you've spotted Bubba, particularly if he is drinking... take your party elsewhere before it's too late.

** ALWAYS **

1) Carry a cell phone and a personal alarm.
2) Carry protection, ideally mace or bear spray. If you carry a gun or a knife, you'd better be an expert at using it lest it be taken and used on you.
3) Stick together as a group - even bathroom trips should be done at least in pairs.
4) Learn a self-defense technique (martial arts, boxing)
5) If connecting with someone new, take your own car and meet him rather than having him pick you up.

Here are a couple links to check out:
http://www.defendingwomen.com
http://bad.eserver.org/issues/1995/22/rentschler.html

Those who know me realize I am not the type of person to run from conflict. In the case of a conflict with someone like Bubba, it's the only safe thing to do. Sweetest sisters of mine, please always stay alert, watch your backs, and be careful out there.

AVOID BUBBA AT ALL COSTS!!

Originally posted in response to: http://genderevolve.blogspot.com/2005/08/beware-of-bubba.html