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๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ช Belgium /Crime & Justice

Trans Woman Files Complaint After Neighbor's Assault and Transphobic Slurs in Westmalle

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Trans woman Ann from Westmalle filed a police complaint against a neighbor for physical assault and transphobic slurs.
  • Ann reported being punched by her neighbor after attempting to film him during an altercation.
  • She expressed ongoing fear but also resilience, sharing her story to advocate for transgender acceptance.

Ann, a 50-year-old transgender woman from Westmalle, has filed a police complaint against a neighbor who allegedly physically assaulted her and used transphobic slurs. The incident occurred last week when, according to Ann, her neighbor began shouting derogatory terms at her. When Ann attempted to film him with her phone, he allegedly jumped over a fence and punched her multiple times.

He kept shouting 'dirty trans' and other nasty words that I won't repeat.

โ€” AnnDescribing the verbal abuse she endured during the altercation with her neighbor.

Ann described the physical pain, which has since subsided, as affecting the cartilage between her ribs and sternum. However, she expressed significant psychological distress, stating, "I am very scared because that man is still walking around here in the neighborhood." She reported feeling well-supported by the police but remains anxious about potential future encounters.

I am very scared because that man is still walking around here in the neighborhood.

โ€” AnnExpressing her ongoing fear following the assault.

Despite her fear, Ann is determined to share her story to promote understanding and acceptance of transgender individuals. She revealed that her transition has been a difficult journey, involving a long internal struggle and facing unsupportive family members, which led to a suicide attempt and psychiatric hospitalization. "It is a very heavy struggle against incomprehension," she stated. Ann also noted receiving heartwarming support messages from friends and the public, which she finds encouraging.

It is a very heavy struggle against incomprehension.

โ€” AnnReflecting on the difficulties she has faced in seeking acceptance for her transgender identity.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.