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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/polls/item_id/1145118-Hermaphrodite-exposed-at-death
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Rated: 18+ · User Poll · News · #1145118

Does gender, sex identity, preference, genetics belong in the news when someone dies?

Poll Question:
Based on an article. this is the link:
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2006/aug/16/family_shocked_transients_death_train_c...

This is my blog response: "Death of Jeannie New Moon" Open in new Window.

Does someone's gender, sexual identity, sexual preference, or birth sex belong in an article when someone dies? Does it matter if someone is hermaphroditic, trans-gendered, genetically XXX, XXY, X or in any way deviant from the 'norm' of heterosexual XX, XY?

My friend Jeannie Marie New Moon died after being hit by a train. The newspaper, Lawrence Journal World, commented on her sexuality in this manner:

"Jeannie NewMoon was, physically, a male, according to the Douglas County coroner and Kansas Department of Corrections records. But she identified herself as a woman and was known by all her friends and family as a female."

MY QUESTION:

Is this appropriate for the newspaper to comment on something that was very personal and irrelevant to her death?
Poll Options:
      Her sexuality should not have been mentioned. The paper should apologize.
      Her sexuality should not have been mentioned, but it was okay that they did.
      Her sexuality is irrelevant but newsworthy.
      Her sexuality is news and should be commented upon.
      The comment by the coroner and newspaper is fine.
      This is an example of good journalism.
      I have mixed emotions, but it was unfair.
      I have mixed emotions, but it's okay.
      None of the above fits my opinon (please e-mail)
Note: Once you have voted, you will be shown the current results for this poll. You may only vote one time in each poll and you will see up to the minute results anytime you may view it again.
Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/polls/item_id/1145118-Hermaphrodite-exposed-at-death