L2E: Hate Crimes, Homophobia, and Michigan Law

Dear Editor,

The beating of a local 15-year-old boy because he is gay is a frightening event, not only for those of us who identify as homosexual, but for all who care for us. Almost as outrageous is that what was clearly a hate crime cannot be called such in Michigan because state law does not protect us as it does other minority groups.

When we are targeted with physical violence, our ability to move safely through the world is destroyed as our very lives are threatened. When employers harass or fire us for being who we are, no matter how qualified or hardworking we may be, we are denied the means by which to sustain our lives. When we are denied a roof over our heads because we’re homosexuals, we are denied shelter, a most basic human need.

Clearly, homophobia is alive and well in Kalamazoo, and we are not safe in our own community. The beating of this 15-year-old is a hate crime, whether the legal system in Michigan recognizes it or not, and these other examples of unjust discrimination are clear violations of our human rights. .

When we work for safety and security in our community, we are not working for special privileges but for basic human rights.

Signed,

Andrea C. Siferd