Hate. It is defined by the dictionary as disliking intensely or passionately. I was raised to use the word loosely. Cries of “I hate peas!” or “I hate doing dishes!” resounded throughout the years of my childhood.
Did I ever go out to the garden and rip up the pea vines? No. Did I ever break the dishes defiantly to avoid cleaning them? Maybe. That’s beside the point.
What escapes my spectrum of understanding is at what point people are driven to act on their “passionate and intense dislikes.” It is truly a shame that hate remains a “family value” -passed from generation to generation, more like a plague than sound moral guidance.
It’s also a sad day to realize that our own city is falling victim to these “haters.” Barely two weeks ago at a local gay bar, New Beginnings, three men fell prey to a couple of these hate-filled individuals.
The local police intend to label this event as a simple assault. “Hate crime” just leaves a nasty taste in the mouth of those in the community. Out of sight, out of mind. What number of witnesses, what degree of injuries does it take for the truth to come out?
Sadly, at this point, there has been no continuation to the story, despite the optimal description of the perpetrators, and even the provision of the license plate number. No quest for justice. No protection for all. Out of sight, out of mind.
I believe it’s one thing to hate something that you can’t avoid, such as bug guts on your windshield, or rising gas prices. It’s another to enter into an establishment that is known to cater to the GLBT community and seek someone out to taunt and torment.
Hate crimes follow an interesting path. They aren’t so different than the flu strain. The flu vaccine must be recreated every year, as the flu strain constantly adapts and changes. Hate will never be contained.
Legislation, public support and tireless advocates can temporarily minimize the sheer number of hate crimes committed each year, but it’s just a matter of time until something new is found to focus on, to ridicule and to lash out at. It’s hard to say what drives the waves in the sea of hate.
It’s hard to say why it’s OK for girls to kiss girls and like it, if even just a little. Wait, because it’s in a song. And if it’s in a song, it’s just for entertainment. If it’s just for entertainment, it can’t be real. Out of sight, out of mind.
Hate crimes dominate in this “pick and choose” society we live in. It’s one thing to watch gay characters on the TV, and even find them amusing and enjoyable individuals, but for some strange reason, when those silly gays dare step out of that little box and into the real world, it’s wrong, sinful and disgusting.
Maintain your out of sight, out of mind beliefs, but believe and know that there will come a time when justice is served to all, because there is always going to be someone making sure that the ugly and messy is brought out of the closet it is rammed into.
Evan Baker is responsible for public relations for GLBTieS.

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