TOPIC INDEX    		 Bias-Related Violence
    >Bias-related behavior includes any action that discriminates against, ridicules, humiliates, or otherwise creates a hostile environment for another individual. Using slurs and epithets is a way of telling LGBT people that they are less than human, or do not deserve respect. Bias-related violence or hate crimes directed at us (or people who are perceived to be LGBT) may include property crimes (like robbery), threats, intimidation, or actual acts of physical violence. The actions can involve language or symbols, such as anti-gay slurs, or they may occur while we are engaged in "gay-related" activities, such as leaving a gay bar or attending a Gay Pride parade. In addition to name-calling hate motivated actions may include refusing to hire you or providing you with lower quality service.

    We are chosen because of assumptions about our sexual orientation or gender identity, whether or not these perceptions are actually correct. Like hate crimes based on religion, disability, race, ethnicity and national origin, these crimes are unique because they are directed towards entire groups of people, even if it is only one victim who is targeted. Victims of bias-related violence often do not report the crime because we fear we will receive similar abuse from the law-enforcement personnel or will be "outed" publicly in some manner. Many of us suffer post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in silence. We need to educate our health and human service providers so that they understand how sex bias-related violence impacts us.

    When we are targeted...

    • It generates fear; .
    • It makes us more closeted, because disclosure can be dangerous.
    • It makes us feel afraid of one another, especially those who are out or "obvious," because we fear those 'others' will bring violence onto us.
    • It makes us feel that being abused is our fault.
    • It produces depression, anxiety, and fear of socializing with other LGBT people.
    Here are some things you can do if you are the victim of bias-related violence.
    • Understand your need for safety, caution, and preparedness.
    • Recognize the signs of bias-related treatment in employment, educational settings, and treatment centers and assist in the development of critical thinking regarding how they are being treated.
    • Encourage self-esteem and positive self-regard regarding sexual and gender identity.
    • Recognize symptoms of PTSD in survivors of bias-related violence
    • Help to label and name the violence.
    • Work with police departments, rape crisis centers, and court systems to educate them about bias-related violence.

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