Gay anti-violence group: 2008 attacks might be up

NEW YORK (AP) – A new report says a rash of attacks against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across the country suggests the number of reported assaults in 2008 has likely increased.

Sharon Stapel, executive director of the New York City Anti-Violence Project, says the number of reported attacks against LGBT people increased 24% in 2007 over 2006.

Stapel attributes the increase in part to more people reporting incidents, but she believes there actually could have been more assaults because 2008 was an election year.

The baseball bat beating of an Ecuadorean immigrant in New York on Sunday was the latest in a number of reported assaults. The attack left the 31-year-old man brain dead.

Jamaica Criticized for Alarming Violence Level Against Gays

 Howard Campbell, AP | Article Date: 12/07/2008 12:00 AM

KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) – The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights said Friday that there are still too many incidents of excessive police force and attacks against gays in Jamaica.

More than 350 questionable shootings involving Jamaican police are being investigated, with the majority occurring in poor communities, according to the island’s Bureau of Special Investigations.

“Everybody acknowledges (police) are under stress, but there is no adequate system of accountability and investigation,” commission chairman Paolo Carozza said.

His team arrived Dec. 1 in Jamaica and expects to issue a full report next year on what it calls an “alarming” level of violence.

More than 1,240 killings have been reported this year in the island of 3 million people.

Carozza said he also is concerned about the lack of law-enforcement resources. Carozza said the government’s forensic lab is understaffed and not properly equipped, while the coroner faces a massive backlog.

Carozza’s team also met with police and government officials about the increasing attacks on homosexuals.

“What alarms us is the general level of violence against gays that goes unpunished. As far as we can tell, these are not investigated properly,” he said.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding came under fire earlier this year for saying he would not allow gays in his Cabinet.

This report reprinted with permission of the Associated Press.

Accusations of Violence & Vandalism

I have read reports on Christian web-sites — though none in legitimate press — of physical violence and vandalism of Gay Rights Supporters towards Christians and Mormons.  I’m certain that much of it is exaggeration, but still urge those to resist the temptation of violence and vandalism.

Have they resisted their temptations of the same?  Certainly not, or I wouldn’t be typing names of GLBT deceased into our sister web-site, The PATH Project (thepathproject.wordpress.com) on a daily basis.  And should we feel anger?  Certainly.  We had basic human rights stripped from us, and we’ve had another layer of stigma placed upon us.  But we have to rise above this to move forward with our goal of achieving Equality.  We need to lick our wounds, learn from mistakes, and look to the future.

Though we understand your frustration, and the need to scream to be heard, please make the religious groups aware of their ignorance through peaceful means such a letter writing campaigns, boycotts and marches. 

Having moved from the Midwest to California, I have learned a valuable lesson, which is to state calmly, not yell, that I am gay.  I worked in many conservative, small town office buildings, where I presented myself exactly as they were.  I set out photos of my daughter on my desk, and exchanged recipes and some gossip.  I became their friend and gave lifts home from work when needed.  Only after they got to know me, did I “come out”.  I never lost a friend and one office included in their employment handbook a clause on discrimination due to sexual orientation.

Sometimes the best way to achieve your goal is not by slapping them in the face with it, but by holding their hand.

Concerns Over Media Coverage

A debate took place during the West Hollywood March last night:  Concerns Over Media Coverage.

1. The media is reporting incorrect number of protestors.  They “shrunk” the Silver Lake marchers number by roughly 2,000 people.
2. The media is focusing on violence.  They covered the “three arrests” in Long Beach with vigor.
3. The media is interviewing select people who do not share most of the GLBT community’s views.  They seem to interview only the most radical protestors.

PLEASE BE AWARE OF THESE FACTORS WHEN PROTESTING! 

And write to your local media with your concerns.