Editorial on homosexual discrimination

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community has undoubtedly experienced advancement within the last couple of years. The acceptance of "civil unions" in New Jersey, along with a few other key states and most recently, the passing of the Hate Crime Bill and the
Matthew Shepard Act, all within the last 2 years, attest to this fact. However, we must caution ourselves in coming to the quick conclusion that the current state of affairs is acceptable. It is imperative to realize that no form of discrimination can be discussed in terms of progress, but only in the form of the lingering social problem.

Though legislative advancements are notable, they do not hold true nation wide. According to the Human Rights Campaign, which lobbies for equal rights for the LGBT community, there are still at least 20 states that do not recognize the discrimination against people based on sexual orientation and identity. Furthermore, such laws do not fully prevent people from acting in a hateful manner towards others.

I have talked to countless people about their view about homosexuality and have come to realize that some feel a responsibility to respond in a politically correct manner.

Many claim that though they do not personally agree with homosexuality, they would not discriminate based on that factor. However, I would raise the point that one is only capable of "accepting" others to the point that their personal beliefs allow them to.

While these individuals may not consciously discriminate against those who do not fit the stereotype of sexually "normal," by the belief that such people live their lives in a manner seemingly unfit, one is therefore directed by the inferences placed on such people.

I once dated a man who labeled homosexuals as possessing a "spiritual disease." Like many other people, he stated that he not only had gay friends, but was not homophobic. It is not possible, then, that he could believe such a heinous thought and still treat people in the LGBT community equally; it is quite the paradox.

I am continually impressed by the amount of hate that boils in some people concerning homosexuals. It is a disgust that has led to hideous name calling, severe beating and even brutal murder. The most saddening factor is that most of these crimes are done with such violent excess leaving behind little to no traces of humanity instilled in the victims and assailants alike.

If there are people who feel validated in brutalizing and even killing others based on their sexual preference or identity, which is something that should strike fear in us all. The mere fact that people are willing to extensively harm another and leave them for dead, because understanding and acceptance is lacking, should indicate that though laws are in place, they may not do much to rectify the warped social mind frame.

Many are well aware of the devastating Matthew Shepard murder, in which he was severely beaten and left for dead, roped to a wooden fence in the hills of Colorado in 1998. Shepard was found almost 18 hours later by a cyclist and with such extensive wounds he was, at first, thought to be a scarecrow.

Some may blame the limited amount of diversity in small communities for the growth of ignorance and hatred that perpetuated this act. However, such occurrences are not alien to us living in urban and diverse areas.

In as little as 2 years ago a bouncer at the "Silver Fox," a gay bar in Long Beach, was severely beaten while walking one of the female bartenders to her car. As he was being pulverized, the assailants screamed numerous derogatory, anti-homosexual terms at him. The saddest fact of this story was that he was a heterosexual man who had worked at the bar for numerous years, he was a man beaten so extensively he was placed in intensive care after the confrontation.

We like to believe that because we live in a diverse city, seemingly homosexually friendly, that such things do not happen. However, it is clear that homophobia, a term I shall replace with homosexual hate, as it is more appropriate, is alive and well, even in the most diverse of places.

The most pulsing truth seems to be that we all judge as we are all judged. Maimed by our own insecurities those most damaged become the antagonists in this novel we title life.

The Reverend Martin Luther King once alluded to the idea that hate only begets hate, and love begets love. I must then be understood that we must understand our neighbors instead of merely tolerating them. If we cannot do so, we are more far gone than we are ahead; it might be said that we may even be hopeless if this touches the souls of none.