What is a hate crime?  A hate crime is words or actions that are intended to harm or intimidate individuals because they are lesbian or gay. (Herek)  Today, they are becoming more prevalent on the news.

     Antigay hate crimes can have serious physical and psychological affects on the victim.  Homosexuals often feel as if they must hide their sexual orientation out of fear.  However, homosexuals are NOT the only ones that are afraid to exhibit certain behaviors.  Heterosexuals also fear that an action that they exhibit will be “labeled” as being “gay”.  In a survey done by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, almost all interviewees had been victims of harassment, threat, or attack. (Herek)  There are suggestions that antigay hate crimes are increasing, but it may also be due to the fact that more of the crimes are being reported since more organizations are becoming recognized and the overall problem has become more known.

     ¨ What is causing the increase of antigay hate crimes if there is an  increase?  It may be that the AIDS epidemic is causing a frenzy.  Many people believe that homosexuality and AIDS is directly connected (which is not true!) Another reason for an increase may be due to religious beliefs, although religious beliefs have always been the same.

¨ Although many do not realize it,  some antigay hate violence occurs  within families too.  If it involves an adolescent, it is sometimes to the point where that individual is thrown out on the streets where they receive even more victimization.
 ¨ Just recently Matthew Shepard, a student of the University of Wyoming was brutally beaten and murdered because of his sexual orientation.  This caused bills against hate crimes to be pushed forward.  

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    House Bill 730-change the state’s hate crime law to include crimes committed due to a victim’s sexual orientation.

    House Bill 731- Obligates the state police to collect information on  incidents and crimes that were associated with the victim’s sexual orientation.

    These bills should help prevent or decrease further crimes from occurring. In addition to these bills, there are also programs for lesbian and gay survivors of hate crimes.  By informing others about the victimization of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals we can help victims overcome injustice against them as well as those who are ignorant of such issues.