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Every crime has a bad effect on the victim but hate crimes are probably the most damaging. They happen when a person hates someone else enough to abuse them, attack them or commit some other offence against them. Sometimes the crime happens in what should be the peace and safety of your own home and the violence or other abuse comes from someone you know well. Sometimes it happens because someone, a complete stranger to you, doesn't like anyone who is different to them. A different skin colour, a different race, a different religion, a different sexual orientation.

Whatever the cause, it hurts - not just physically but in other ways too. And its effects - fear, outrage, anger - can be felt throughout a community. Every crime is senseless but hate crimes are probably the most senseless - because they come from prejudice and ignorance.

I was hideously abused and threatened in NW London on April 23rd 2004. The person responsible was found not guilty of common assault at Brent Magistrates Court on 20th October 2004. Details of the homophobic attack I suffered and the aftermath can be found by clicking this hyperlink.

I was left feeling frustrated, isolated, and disillusion about the verdict. I wanted to share my journey, and try and help someone else who may be suffering from homophobic abuse. I searched Google there wasn't much in the way of resources or information relating to hate crime against gay men and women. I hope in the coming months to provide links to various organizations, persons, and resources that can help anyone who has been a victim of hate crime because they are, or perceived to be gay, lesbian, transgender or bi-sexual.

I was concerned for the safety of my partner and myself. If I'm totally honest I was concerned about the house and car being subjected to attack.  I know the latter are material items, but going outside in the morning to see your vehicle damage, or much worse the thought of a brick, or firebomb being thrown through the window generally means  a sleepless night. That statement may to some appear dramatic, for me personally, it was a real fear.  Thankfully my fears and anger have been channelled into producing Gay Hate. I’m under no illusions there’s much work to be carried out on the site, be patient and in time Gay Hate will be awesome.
We need to campaign and support the like of Stonewall and Outrage to ensure our legal system changes to bring us on par with other minorities in that hate crime towards us, our friends, or family becomes a criminal act.  It’s unacceptable that we are not protected in law from derogatory language.  It must change.  Use the forums for discussion and advice, support. If you would like to see a category created please let me. 

If you wish to make a contribution to the site to inform us of a good solicitor, or agency in your area , in fact anything you believe may assist another person who as been the victim of hate/harassment because they gay, lesbian, transgender, or bi-sexual please email us with the relevant details.

Are you a solicitor? Can you provide legal advice, and if necessary representation in court? Do you work for a law firm? If you answered yes, please place you mouse pointer over the text and left click right now.

Be safe and take care. And be strong and postive.

Love

Lee & John

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