Hate crimes against LGBT community are on the rise, Despite Acceptance

BY RUTH FINE, SAN DIEGO BY LGBT WEEKLY 
by LGBT Weekly

Crimes spanning robbery, beatings, and even murder have increased significantly this year alone, with statistical data that shows a contributing to a rise in hate incidents by 13 percent from 2009 to 2010. This year, the LGBT community has also mourned 27 deaths arising out of murders, the second-highest total amongst groups in the United States.

After a series of violent acts against the LGBT community hit headlines this year, it comes as no surprise that crimes against gay people are on the rise, according to Suzanna Walters, professor of gender studies at the Indiana University, and author of All the Rage: The Story of Gay Visibility in America.

Offenders of the crimes were mostly strangers: white, non-transgender men.

Walters says the rise of homophobia is “hidden,” ironically due in part to the rise of social support of the LGBT community. Social acceptances like marriage and the repeal of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy have all contributed to a larger support of gays within the community, but while the majority of America enjoys social change, there are many who act out against it through hate crimes.

“These positive changes are very real, there is no doubt about it, but the more visible you are as a community the more vulnerable you are, too,” she says in an interview with MSNBC.

Major cities like New York, Chicago, Kansas City, and surprisingly San Francisco have all reported a rise in hate crimes against the LGBT community. But, while crimes against the LGBT community are on the rise, violent crimes throughout the United States are on the decline.

“There is a protection in the closet, as awful as that is. Real homophobia with violent outcomes is not a thing of the past and there is much more work to be done.”