The best part of libel/slander/defamation is that you do not have to believe that the comments are negative. You just have to prove that 1) the person making the statement intended to harm you and 2) that you suffered harm as a result, and 3) that the statement is false.
There’s some more nuance on a case by case basis, but like Tolstoshev said, this seems pretty cut and dry. Even if the majority have no issues with trans people, there are some - and this official was speaking to them with the intent to negatively impact this person.
Yes, I’m not saying being accused of being transgender in and of itself is bad, but siccing your followers on someone for harassment is the issue. Being trans isn’t something negative, I’ve got many trans friends and my niece just recently came out. Fortunately all of my family feels the same way so she is supported and everyone uses her new name and pronouns, the way every trans person deserves.
Well one of them could surprise you :) Two of my trans friends were well into adulthood before they transitioned. I’m happy to report that they are both doing well and are outspoken activists!
I’m sure that I have met and interacted with one or more people who are trans, as I have known enough people to be statistical likely.
an few literally, we are in our 40s and and openly positive about accepting differences including LGBTQ+ folks so odds are it would have come up by now.
Seems like a pretty straightforward libel lawsuit. The victim clearly suffered damage to her reputation and bullying.
Just to be clear, by damage to reputation you do mean the negative attention and not the possibility of being transgender, right?
The best part of libel/slander/defamation is that you do not have to believe that the comments are negative. You just have to prove that 1) the person making the statement intended to harm you and 2) that you suffered harm as a result, and 3) that the statement is false.
There’s some more nuance on a case by case basis, but like Tolstoshev said, this seems pretty cut and dry. Even if the majority have no issues with trans people, there are some - and this official was speaking to them with the intent to negatively impact this person.
Thank you for clarifying that. The statement was clearly made with malicious intent, even though there is absolutely nothing wrong with being trans.
Yes, I’m not saying being accused of being transgender in and of itself is bad, but siccing your followers on someone for harassment is the issue. Being trans isn’t something negative, I’ve got many trans friends and my niece just recently came out. Fortunately all of my family feels the same way so she is supported and everyone uses her new name and pronouns, the way every trans person deserves.
That is great to hear! I was hoping that was the case and hoped that asking would head off someone assuming the opposite.
While I do not have any trans friends, that is due to having the same few friends for decades as I’m not very outgoing.
Well one of them could surprise you :) Two of my trans friends were well into adulthood before they transitioned. I’m happy to report that they are both doing well and are outspoken activists!
I’m sure that I have met and interacted with one or more people who are trans, as I have known enough people to be statistical likely.
an few literally, we are in our 40s and and openly positive about accepting differences including LGBTQ+ folks so odds are it would have come up by now.