Bullying, Discrimination, and Hate Crime Resources
"It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences." — Audre Lorde
What is a hate crime?
An LGBT hate crime is abuse or violence committed against someone which is perceived to be motivated by hostility towards sexual orientation or gender identity, or the perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. This can include:
Physical attacks
Sexually threatening or violent behaviour
Stealing or damaging your belongings
Blackmail, including demanding money not to ‘out’ you
Sending abusive or offensive messages
Verbal abuse, such as calling someone anti-LGBT+ names
Acting in a threatening or intimidating way
Encouraging others to target LGBT+ people
Immediate Steps if You're Being Bullied or Attacked
Stay Safe:
Remove Yourself: If possible, get to a safe place away from the person or people causing harm.
Alert Someone Nearby: Seek help from nearby people or bystanders who can offer immediate assistance.
Contact Authorities: In situations involving physical danger, don't hesitate to contact the police.
Document the Incident:
Keep Records: Write down details of the incident, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of the perpetrators.
Collect Evidence: Save any abusive messages, emails, or other evidence that can support your case.
Witnesses: If anyone witnessed the incident, ask if they are willing to provide a statement.
Reporting Hate Crimes and Seeking Legal Help
Reporting:
Local Authorities: Report the incident to the police. You can call 999 (emergency), 101 (non emergency), or attend any police station in person. Ensure they classify it as a hate crime.
Online Reporting: Police Scotland allow you to report via a variety of different methods, including online, through a third party, and anonymously if you don’t feel comfortable going in person.
Legal Advice:
LGBTQ+ Legal Support: Reach out to organizations that provide legal support specifically for the LGBTQ+ community.
Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with local laws and your rights. Many places have specific protections against hate crimes.
Building a Supportive Network and Preventive Strategies
Building a Network:
Friends and Family: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who affirm your identity. Tell them about what happened and seek their support.
Allies: Find allies in your community, workplace, or school who can stand by you and offer support.
Preventive Measures:
Education: Educate yourself and others about LGBTQ+ issues and rights. Knowledge is a powerful tool against ignorance.
Visibility: Participate in LGBTQ+ events and activities to foster a sense of community and visibility.
Advocacy: Get involved in advocacy work to push for stronger protections and better awareness about hate crimes.
Seeking Emotional and Psychological Support
Support Groups:
Community Centers: Many LGBTQ+ community centers offer support groups where you can share your experiences and get advice.
Online Forums: Join online forums or social media groups focused on LGBTQ+ support.
Professional Help:
Therapists and Counselors: Seek out therapists who specialize in LGBTQ+ issues. They can offer professional guidance and coping strategies.
Hotlines: Utilize hotlines that offer immediate emotional support, such as Switchboard or other LGBTQ+ crisis lines.
External Links
Equality Network (Kinship and Family)
In 2022, published a Scotland-wide survey, publicising this across events, groups, as well as online, and are currently analysing the results of this.
The National LGBT Hate Crime Partnership brings together 35 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) organisations from across England, Wales and Scotland and provide resources to help with everything from an overview of UK hate crime laws to emergency housing to financial assistance.
Provide a guide to reporting LGBTQ-phobic hate crime, including the difference between a hate crime and a hate incident, hate crime legislation and how to report hate crime anonymously through them.
Galop’s the UK LGBT+ Anti-Abuse Charity
Galop has a handbook for any LGBT+ person who has experienced acts of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, or any type of ant-LGBT+ hate. It includes info on your rights, sources of help & support, the criminal justice system, and reporting.
The UK’s national LGBTQIA+ support line. You can get emotional support and advice via phone, email, or online chat.
Stonewall have an app where you can anonymously report hate incidents that occur to yourself or others. By flagging these incidents, you can help create a more accurate understanding of hate crime, which will hopefully help drive social and policy changes. Currently, only 1 out of 8 hate crimes are reported.