ARE YOU A VICTIM OF A HATE CRIME?

According to the Bureau of Justice Administration (BJA; 1997), the official definition of a hate crime is an offense motivated by hatred against a victim based on his or her race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or national origin."

Taken literally, this definition confirms that every gay and lesbian person living in the United States is a victim of a hate crime ñ the perpetrators being our very own elected officials and our legal and medical institutions.

When our government repeatedly denies us the same basic rights that are granted to heterosexual, married couples, they are motivated by their own homophobia.

Homophobia, as defined by author Suzanne Pharr, is the irrational fear and hatred of those who love and sexually desire those of the same sex (Homophobia: A Weapon of Sexism, 1997 Chardon Press).

If our elected officials do not fear and hate us, why do they continue to pass legislation that denies protection and respect for our relationships? More importantly, why do we continue to allow them to do so?

Right now, only in the states of Vermont and California have passed legislation giving gay and lesbian partners some of the legal protections granted to heterosexual married couples. Unfortunately, for the rest of the country, there is no justice. In order for gays and lesbians to protect each other we must do the following:

Create legal documents that name our partner as the beneficiary of our estate and appoint our partner as our power of attorney to make medical and financial decisions for us.

Get involved in the political process -- VOTE OUT homophobic elected officials and VOTE IN candidates who will pass legislation to honor and respect our relationships.

If you think that your vote does not count, think again. Did you know when you do not vote you are actually helping the forces that keep you oppressed? Low voter turnouts tend to favor politicians with a message that appeals to a small yet highly motivated core of right-wing fanatical activists.

An August 1999 Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll found that most Americans adults clearly prefer candidates with more liberal positions on the issues. But the same poll found that, among the most likely voters, candidates with right-wing and conservative positions had a solid lead.

When we refuse to get involved in the political process we are aiding and abetting our oppressors. Just as the southern Blacks in the 1960ís, the LGBT community must become aware of the need to take part in our own liberation and realize the power of our own vote.

Don't sit by and watch as homophobic politicians bash you and your partner with unfair laws that force you to live as a second class citizen. Make them accountable to all of their constituents, including the LGBT community. Let them hear your voice. Encourage your supportive friends and family to do the same.

You don’t need to be tied to a fence to be a victim of a hate crime and you do not have to passively wait for permission to get the respect that is rightfully yours.