Few days ago, I was reading news that there was a blatant hate crime occurred in DC where three men attacked two gay men because of their sexual orientation. I learned these gay men who were survivors of hate crime happens to be ASL interpreters and I would like to vouch that they are top-notch interpreters. The names are Michael Creason and Zach Link. It is heart breaking. It is bullshit. It’s unbelievable. Head nodding.

The rising of hate crime in DC is nothing new. With response to high rate of hate crime coming from irresponsible and culture of fear. This hate crime was met with agenda from bigots. Did you know that DC hate crime within 2017 coming for 2018 is not good news?

After doing some research, D.C police statistics, about 40 percent of hate crimes has committed against individuals in 2017. In the same year, the total of hate crimes: 179 in the District of Columbia alone. 56 out of 179 hate crimes were based on sexual orientation. Ouch.

According to Lauren Taylor with D.C. Anti-Violence Program, makes a powerful quote, “Hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender expression are the highest, by far, of any hate crimes in the district.”

Status in Hate Movement:

Ascribed status: Status where mobility is limited. Status you are born into. Gender. Race/Ethnicity, Sexual Orientation, and Ability/Disability.

Psychological Roots of Hate:

Fear of change: Rapid social change leads to anxiety and the results end up going and blame the agents of change. Explosion of Gay-violence: Visibility, and Gay Rights Movements.

Can we start and learn about institutionalized homophobia, mainstream homophobia, and political homophobia? Michael Creason and Zach Link do not deserve this. I am lucky to know them as professional interpreters.

-JT

Copyright © 2018 Jason Tozier

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