Indiana hate crime victim speaks out

by Kyle Flood
posted at Indiana Equality


Hate Crime legislation has been suggested in Indiana but nothing has made a serious advance toward making a real difference. Every time a bill is proposed, the Christian Right spreads lies that put Hoosiers into a panic for what could "hurt" the heterosexual majority. Instead of helping protect minorities the Right feel as if their way of life will be threatened by properly prosecuting those who break the law.

I bring this up because nearly two weeks ago I, along with a handful of others, was attacked in Muncie, Indiana based on sexual orientation. Within walking distance from Ball State University, two college-aged students attacked two students and I in what can only describe as a hate crime.

Sitting in the emergency room, I could only think of how ignorant our attackers were. These men thought they were doing themselves good by attacking us. Calling us faggots, throwing punches, and even putting a female in a chokehold must have provided a much-needed rush for their masculinity. We were not helpless victims, but we were no match to their attack.

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