Violence against Gays up in 2007

Violence against the GLBT community rose 24 percent in 2007, increasing from a total of 1954 victims reporting incidents to 2430 victims incidents. . By the same token the number of reported incidents rose by 23 percent from 1486 to 1833. The statistics come from the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs and more than thirty of its members. In a 78 page report the group concludes that hate-based violence against Gays, Lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders had increased by 24 percent.

Regrettably incidents of harassment have also increased. Now why, you might be wondering would incidents of harassment and violence be on the rise? oh Jeez, I don’t know. Maybe it has something to do with the hate speech and reactionary rhetoric of the far right as it attempts to undermine civil unions and gay marriage.. In its determination to promote straight marriage the far right has opted to demonize gays and lesbians. Instead of promoting straight marriage the far right has equated gays and lesbians with everything from incest and bestiality to child molestation. I don’t know about you but the last I knew most people, gay or straight alike, don’t want to marry their brothers, sisters, or parents. The vast majority of people be they gay or straight, don’t want to marry their Dobermans and German Shepherds. And only the sickest of individuals want to have sex with children.

But what the homophobes ignore is the fact that homosexuality is perfectly normal expression of human sexuality. It occurs in all cultures and within all religions. Indeed, as we recently learned, very often those who condemn homosexuality the loudest are in fact trying to deny their own gay tendencies. That said psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, view homosexuality as falling within the normal range of human behavior. Granted, there are always a few exceptions to the rules, but for the most part it is not viewed upon abnormally.

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