OK, more on reporting Hate Crimes. (and our plans from here)
As I told Mom a bit ago, I can get intimidated, or I can get ENRAGED. I'm pretty clear on my choice here. I've talked to my coworker and boss, and they understand why I'm headed home early today to deal with this. G has a hard time with cops, and I'm sure as shit not making him report it by himself, but I do want it on paper today.
Also, G's taking suggestions for appropriate yard signage in response. (which reminds me; I wonder what happened to our "We are the 99%" sign?)
My ideas: btw, if we don't come up with appropriate verbiage for a new sign, I vote we just hang a big-ass rainbow flag so they won't have to come to the door to ask anymore. On the other hand "Yes, we're queer. Now go away and let us sleep" could work.
Convo with Chad:
Chad: how are you?
me: So-so. Irked that my day is going to be hijacked by wondering how worried I should be about this shit. And all the surrounding thoughts, like not being willing to be intimidated, and political elements of decisions to react, etc.
Chad: Nod - I can understand all that. I'm feeling the same.
Hugs
me: hugs
me: I'm processing it by doing it aloud -- on LJ. Trying to make it a teachable moment and also get the support I want right now (which is to feel like my community is around me)
Chad: I understand that. It's really beyond ridiculous, and I can't see how it is not illegal harassment. And I can understand all of the other thoughts too.
I know there are ugly people out there, but you should feel safe in your own damned home.
me: nod I strongly suspect it is illegal, given that they came onto private property (clearly -- gate!) for the express purpose of harrassing us.
Chad: Nod. I know I'm repeating myself, but if you need anything...
me: Thanks. Right now I'm trying to decide whether to call the cops today, or wait 'til we talk to the Center tomorrow.
Leaning toward calling them today.
Debating about trying to get home early in order to help G deal with that if we're going to, though.
Right now, going out for a smoke and to call my folks and rant about fucknuggets.
Report Hate Crimes -- Instructions from Lambda.org
Paste from the site (links at the original)
Report Hate Crimes
To report hate crimes, call 911 or your local police department. Assistance for survivors of hate crimes is available through:
HATE-CRIME NETWORK (USA/international) click here
Hate Crime National Hotline (USA) 206-350-HATE (4283)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to do following an incident
If you have been victimized in a hate crime or hate incident, here are some suggestions for things you should immediately do:
In an emergency, dial 911, 0, or the emergency number in your area.
Get medical attention for any injuries.
Call the police as soon after the incident as possible. You may be eligible for financial compensation for damages.
Get the responding officer's name and badge number.
Write down all details of the crime as quickly as possible after the reporting.
If you saw the perpetrator(s), try to remember gender, age, height, race, weight, build, clothes and other distinguishing characteristics. If anything was said, such as anti-gay epithets or threats, make a mental note about them.
Carefully preserve any evidence, such as notes, clothing, graffiti, tape recordings, fingerprints, etc. Take photographs of any injuries and of the location where the incident occurred.
If you want the crime to be reported as a hate/bias crime, tell the officer to note that on the report.
Make sure the officer files an incident report form and assigns a case number.
If the police do not assist you properly, file a complaint and contact LAMBDA immediately.
If a police report is not taken at the time of your report, go to the police station and ask for one. Always get your own copy.
Contact your local GLBT community center, P-FLAG, the HATE-CRIME NETWORK, or the Hate Crime National Hotline (206-350-4283) for assistance & information -- even if you choose not to contact the police. Contact your District Attorney's office or police department's victim services unit.
LAMBDA's Anti-Violence Project can often provide you with referrals to local anti-violence and victim advocates in your area.
To complete a report online, click here.
Even if you don't feel comfortable reporting to the police, report what happened to the HATE-CRIME NETWORK. No problem is too small, no incident is insignificant. We care and we can help.
Also, G's taking suggestions for appropriate yard signage in response. (which reminds me; I wonder what happened to our "We are the 99%" sign?)
My ideas: btw, if we don't come up with appropriate verbiage for a new sign, I vote we just hang a big-ass rainbow flag so they won't have to come to the door to ask anymore. On the other hand "Yes, we're queer. Now go away and let us sleep" could work.
Convo with Chad:
Chad: how are you?
me: So-so. Irked that my day is going to be hijacked by wondering how worried I should be about this shit. And all the surrounding thoughts, like not being willing to be intimidated, and political elements of decisions to react, etc.
Chad: Nod - I can understand all that. I'm feeling the same.
Hugs
me: hugs
me: I'm processing it by doing it aloud -- on LJ. Trying to make it a teachable moment and also get the support I want right now (which is to feel like my community is around me)
Chad: I understand that. It's really beyond ridiculous, and I can't see how it is not illegal harassment. And I can understand all of the other thoughts too.
I know there are ugly people out there, but you should feel safe in your own damned home.
me: nod I strongly suspect it is illegal, given that they came onto private property (clearly -- gate!) for the express purpose of harrassing us.
Chad: Nod. I know I'm repeating myself, but if you need anything...
me: Thanks. Right now I'm trying to decide whether to call the cops today, or wait 'til we talk to the Center tomorrow.
Leaning toward calling them today.
Debating about trying to get home early in order to help G deal with that if we're going to, though.
Right now, going out for a smoke and to call my folks and rant about fucknuggets.
Report Hate Crimes -- Instructions from Lambda.org
Paste from the site (links at the original)
Report Hate Crimes
To report hate crimes, call 911 or your local police department. Assistance for survivors of hate crimes is available through:
HATE-CRIME NETWORK (USA/international) click here
Hate Crime National Hotline (USA) 206-350-HATE (4283)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to do following an incident
If you have been victimized in a hate crime or hate incident, here are some suggestions for things you should immediately do:
In an emergency, dial 911, 0, or the emergency number in your area.
Get medical attention for any injuries.
Call the police as soon after the incident as possible. You may be eligible for financial compensation for damages.
Get the responding officer's name and badge number.
Write down all details of the crime as quickly as possible after the reporting.
If you saw the perpetrator(s), try to remember gender, age, height, race, weight, build, clothes and other distinguishing characteristics. If anything was said, such as anti-gay epithets or threats, make a mental note about them.
Carefully preserve any evidence, such as notes, clothing, graffiti, tape recordings, fingerprints, etc. Take photographs of any injuries and of the location where the incident occurred.
If you want the crime to be reported as a hate/bias crime, tell the officer to note that on the report.
Make sure the officer files an incident report form and assigns a case number.
If the police do not assist you properly, file a complaint and contact LAMBDA immediately.
If a police report is not taken at the time of your report, go to the police station and ask for one. Always get your own copy.
Contact your local GLBT community center, P-FLAG, the HATE-CRIME NETWORK, or the Hate Crime National Hotline (206-350-4283) for assistance & information -- even if you choose not to contact the police. Contact your District Attorney's office or police department's victim services unit.
LAMBDA's Anti-Violence Project can often provide you with referrals to local anti-violence and victim advocates in your area.
To complete a report online, click here.
Even if you don't feel comfortable reporting to the police, report what happened to the HATE-CRIME NETWORK. No problem is too small, no incident is insignificant. We care and we can help.