LGBTQ Hate Crimes Rising
The LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) community has suffered alongside many other discriminated groups that have been outcasted by mainstream society. The community is targeted not for the color of their skin or background but for who they choose to love. There have been many major hate crimes directed towards the LGBTQ members such as the murder of Paul Broussard that happened 30 years ago in Montrose, Houston. That crime was the last drop of water into an already distressed dam. Thousands went to the streets to protest and fight for the safety of the LGBTQ community. Another major crime that happened most recently in 2016 was at an Orlando nightclub called Pulse. Shooter, Omar Mateen, killed 49 people and wounded over 50. The killing spree was followed by many protests as well demanding the safety they asked for long ago. The years 1991 and 2016 have a 25-year difference but nothing seemed to change. Violence, fear, discrimination, and hate follow the LGBTQ community wherever they go.
These isolated hate crimes are only a fragment of the bigger picture. LGBTQ hate crimes have been on the rise over the past 3 years. Statistics from the FBI show how hate crimes increased from 2.2% in 2018 to 2.7% in only a year and only continues. 16.7% of hate crimes in total are based on sexual orientation. Unfortunately, even the numbers are not entirely accurate due to the lack of reports on hate crimes. From 2018 to 2019, hate crime reports dropped by 451. The most distinguished statistic shows that a population of over 100,000 people in 71 cities did not account for a single hate crime. The numbers do not add up and indicate incredibility. The reason for hate crimes not being reported is linked to the fear LGBTQ members have and lack of trust towards the law enforcement to bring them safety.
Even in a month dedicated to celebrating the communities’ trials and efforts to reach society’s acceptance, they are still targeted by discrimination. During June 2021, many crimes have happened in only 31 days. In Iowa, Robert C. Geddes, was charged with trespassing and harassment. He left letters and burned flags to show his hate towards the community. In Toronto, Canada a group of men jumped a 24-year-old man that was on his way home from a queer-friendly bar. The crime was confirmed to be hate-driven. Those crimes along with many others have filled the month of June with a haze of worry from the community. The efforts from law enforcement did not go unnoticed. Chicago has introduced LBGTQ liaisons into the community to build trust. Although the deputies themselves say that liaisons will not be enough to battle the hate crimes in their community, they are hopeful it is a step in the right direction.
Locally, there are unreported hate crimes the LGBTQ community bares with. Vanessa Fuentes,22, is one of those members that experienced violence towards her and her partner. When going on a night out with her partner, they decided to go to a bar after their dinner date. The night was described as a perfectly enjoyable time with the woman she has loved for 3 years now. When showing her partner affection, Vanessa felt immense pain on her skull that came from nowhere.
“It was the sharpest pain I’ve ever felt in my life. It was also the fastest. My first reaction was to reach towards the area I felt the pain and when I pulled my hand back to see what happened, my palm was covered in blood.” Vanessa said.
Vanessa’s head was cut open with a beer bottle. A man had come from behind a smashed the bottle on her head while calling them homophobic slurs.
“I was so angry. I mean it was 2019 so why is this still a thing? I wanted to fight him but realistically I knew I was not even in the right shape to defend myself. I grabbed my partner and went straight to the hospital.”
Vanessa got 5 stitches that day and will never forget it. She said ever since then she has been more reluctant to show her partner affection.
Stories like Vanessa’s happens all over America and even all over the world. There are organizations made to help victims speak up and report the crimes inflicted on them. Those websites can be found below.
