Asking you to consider something...

[moominmuppet]

So I'm writing a good deal today about the crap that happened to G at my/our house today. Part of why I'm writing about it is because I can. Because G and I are both out, because we don't have to worry about a homophobic landlord kicking us out, because we're got a supportive household and social circle who aren't asking us shit about whether we "brought it on ourselves". Because we're extremely educated about our rights. Because we're relatively comfortable trying to "take on the system" to make long-term changes, even though it'll be pretty pointless in the short-term.

This is about the most minor end of hate crime there is, and we're in an ideal position to let you see what that looks like and what it feels like, if you don't know.

Please consider than in the vast majority of cases, it's not this "easy". It's worse, or more persistent, or more violent. It happens to people who aren't in a position to get support, who often don't even entirely believe they deserve support. It happens to people who are less likely to get listened to than my semi-respectable-looking 37-year-old forceful and fancy-talking white ass.

My heart will still be in my mouth tonight when I have to deal with the cops about this, wondering if we'll get a sympathetic officer or not. There are still threads of stress about whether these assholes could come back and do us actual harm (vandalize our houses, endanger our animals, etc). Having someone go out of their way to communicate their hate of you leaves you with those kinds of questions. As relatively minor as this is, it's not a non-issue because of the context in which it happens. A context that does include the knowledge that shit like this happens in my state, in my country, to people like me and G.

The thing about hate crimes is that they're meant to send a message. Not just to the person they're directly targeted at, but to the entire community. A lesson about shutting up, about stopping daring to be noticed. It has more in common with terrorism than with individual conflict, generally.

So yeah. Today's sucked a bit, and I want to talk about that because I want you to understand.

Comments

[mac-arthur-park.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry this happened to y'all. Write as much as you need about it. *hugs*

[moominmuppet.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Thanks; I can't express how much I appreciate that I have such friendly space, both online and in-person.

Also, shout-out for my biofamily, who have totally gotten the support thing right on this.

[3fgburner.livejournal.com]

I can't find the original PinkPistols-WA logo with Google, but it showed a pink triangle, fist punching out through it with a .44 mag, and the slogan "Bash THIS". I think a sign with something similar, or something off the Pink Pistols website, with "Trespassers will be shot. Survivors will be prosecuted.", might get the message across to the assholes. Although that type generally might be too dim even to get a message that blunt.

[moominmuppet.livejournal.com]

The thing is, we're pretty much pacific hippy activist types; we've all fought when we had to, but we aren't armed and don't plan to become so, so it doesn't feel like it would reflect us accurately at all to everyone else who comes by to share our house.

[3fgburner.livejournal.com]

Hm, back to the drawing board, then };-D>

[moominmuppet.livejournal.com]

Suggestion from a friend who knows I have a ball python:

Warning: Bigot-Eating Attack Snake on Premises

[rebecoming.livejournal.com]

Ugh, I'm really sorry to hear that happened!

[moominmuppet.livejournal.com]

Thanks; we're doing pretty well and I think we've got it pretty well handled now.

[dimensionm.livejournal.com]

It sucks that there's still people like this in the 21st century and it sucks even more that they make a point of reminding us that there are people like this in the 21st century. I know that in your case you can take care of yourself to a large extent, but you bring up a very good point regarding people who aren't in such fortunate situations.

I'm always hesitant to even use the word "terrorism", because of all the connotations of that in the "post 9/11 world", but I do not question that this sort of behavior is meant to terrorize and intimidate and impose a particular view of the world by force. All of this should be completely unacceptable, and yet, it isn't. It only makes it worse that so many members of the police and law enforcement don't seem to understand their jobs in the proper context and, as a result, act either indifferently or with outright malice.

Best of luck with whatever action/followup you decide to take. Stay safe.

[moominmuppet.livejournal.com]

Thanks, much appreciated!

[loreeley.livejournal.com]

I don't know the context at all, so this may not be possible or may already have been done, but could you in some way involve the neighbours and people in your local community? Even if they are not queer, hate crimes concern everyone. So maybe your neighbour is not queer, but I'm sure they have been discriminated against or harassed in the past. All humans know what being scared and intimidated feels like, unfortunately. If the neighbours and local community are sympathetic, having other people be aware of the problem and watching out may make you feel much safer in terms of repeat action or other similar occurrences. If I were your neighbour, I'd want to know and be angry about it, regardless of being queer or having a colourful house or whatnot. Hate crimes concern everyone. The only way to stop such behaviour, and stop hate and stupidity in general, is to stop thinking "oh this doesn't concern me, I am not like them" and be strong together. It does concern as all. Hate is so uncool!

[moominmuppet.livejournal.com]

Thanks, that's a good idea!