GAY HATE.com - Message Boards

Is there really a solution?

Jason — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:00:01 GMT

Hello all

I am new to the site, having just joined today. What brought me here was recent homophobic abuse and now vandalism that I have suffered.

This has all revolved around a gang of teenagers, of the 'hoody' variety who for about 2 years have thrown non stop insults, taunts and intimidation. Something I have just ignored and decided to just rise above it, believing they would just get bored eventually. But the past 6 months they had taken to finding it highly amusing to set my car alarm off every weekend by running over the top of my car. I never bothered reporting anything as i viewed it as just teenagers who didn't know any better.

But last night they went a step further and a neighbor came over to say he had called the police as he saw this group jumping on my car and they have smashed a wing mirror off. So the police were involved and I have to say handled it fantastically, swiftly and strongly. The neighbor managed to recognize one so a name was given and the police were able to go and question the lad. Don't know whats going to come off it yet, but as far as the police go, they have done their job very well indeed.

I hope that this puts an end to the issue, and not now raise the stakes higher for these youths to decide to try and get even or now has raised the bar for them to commit more serious levels of hate crime against me and my property.

What can we do to protect ourselves and just be allowed to live a normal life without this fear? Is there really anything we can do in these situations? I believe it needs to start in schools, tollerance will never exist unless taught from young. And even then, the parents are the real issue. But at least if schools pushed for more education regarding sexual issues, then maybe there would be hope for later generations. Studies show that homophobia in schools is worse than ever before, so I doubt there is much hope for the immediate generation. And although there are steps that will help generations to come, what really can be done right now at ground level to help people like myself?

Is there really a solution to the general hate and prejudice that still exists, and from all accounts is flourishing? I personally am not convinced there is.

Anyway rant over. Love to hear what others think.

Forum: Advice Centre

vigilantes operating in the Matlock area Derbyshire

Lee — Thur, 21 May 2009 07:53:34 GMT

This week we have heard of vigilantes armed with chainsaws and shotguns are targeting men cruising in Dales woods in Derbyshire. Read Matlock Mercury article

Forum: Homophobic Attacks - Heads Up

Colin Haw and his gang

Lee — Thur, 21 May 2009 07:50:50 GMT

Colin Anthony Haw, 47, of Mayflower Road, Boston and his gang filmed men they believed to be gay in a local wood near Sleaford in Lincolnshire. The gang uploaded footage to http://www.bostontown.net 9.2 million page hits were recorded between January 2008 and last April. Often the footage was dubbed with Village peoples YMCA or the nursery rhyme Teddy Bears Picnic.

The court was shown images of Haw a self-employed mechanic and his gang dressed in balaclavas and combat kit brandishing a video camera and walkie-talkies.

Haw was caught after he confronted a motorcyclist in a lay-by on the A17 in June last year. He asked the man what he was doing and was told that he was going to the toilet and it was none of his business.

Haw said: 'What are you doing in the lay-by?'

The victim replied: 'Would you mind telling me what business it is of yours?'

Two days later the victim was at home when he saw the footage on Haw's website. The matter was then reported to the police.

Haw was also ordered to pay his victim 400 and costs of 120

Pat Walsh, chairman of the bench, sentenced Haw to four months in prison, suspended for a year and a half.

He also ordered him to do 200 hours community service work but rejected an application by Lincolnshire Police for an anti-social behaviour order to be made against the amateur film make

Forum: In The News

Hate-Crime

Steve — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:01:26 GMT

Hello, I am new to the board, so bare with me as I give in details, two incidents which has happened to me. In July and just recently On Friday, 19th September, I was subject to an abusive and violent attack by my next door neighbor, He tried to smash in my front door, in the process he smashed the Window pane in my door. He also called Me a Gay B******, and said that if he did not get his hand on me he would make sure that his friend would do me in. That specific night, I feared for my own life. I have seen violence, but this guy was out to murder someone. Just so hap pend that he targeted me.

Now I reported this to police, he was lifted and charged, He appeared in Court on Monday 22nd September, where he pleaded guilty to the incident. But he was given bail, on the condition he was to stay away from my property.

I know from this guys mentality, that he will not stay away from my property, also he lives next door to me, so basically he cannot stay away.

The P/F (Procurator Physical informed me that he cannot come within 100 yards off myself or my property). Or he would be in breach of his bail conditions.

I also spoke to my Landlord, asking for either myself to moved or for my next door neighbor to be evicted. Which they informed me that they could not do this. They would have to go through a lengthily process in getting him evicted. I told them everything that happened. Their res ponce was, oh well it has only been 2 incidents. Which is not much.

Forum: Advice Centre

The Heterosexism Enquirer

robertanthony — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:24:12 GMT

Please be advised that this test is for heterosexuals...& for those who may have internalized homophobic stereotypes...

http://www.mun.ca/the/attitudetest.html

Forum: General Chatter

gays from gaymengc

gaymengc — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 10:07:09 GMT

The guys from gaymengc have now launched the new website and have gone global , thank you gayhate.com for all your support in the past :-

http://www.gaytravellersnetwork.com

best wishes and keep up the good work.

Forum: General Chatter

Erkan Halil jailed for 5 years for robbing gay men

Lee — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 15:40:04 GMT

A knife-wielding mugger who preyed on gay victims at a well known cruising haunt was jailed for five years today.

Erkan Halil, 29, is believed to have carried out a series of robberies in the park, targeted his victims knowing many would be too embarrassed to give evidence against him.

Since his arrest, as he tried to flee to his native Cyprus, no mugging have been reported in Cranford Park, near Heathrow Airport.

Today Detective Constable Adam Lewis, of the Uxbridge Robbery Unit, said today: "We believe Halil specifically targeted the gay community because historically victims were unlikely to come forward and report such incidents.

"There was a whole spate of robberies mostly reported by third parties or by victims who did not wish to press charges but since Halil was remanded in custody there have been no crimes reported to the police.

"We hope this gives the gay community confidence knowing that police treat all hate crimes seriously and would encourage any other victims crime from all communities to come forward and report incidents."

Judge Usha Karu, sitting at Isleworth Crown Court, told Halil: "It was patently obvious during your trial, that you were targeting homosexuals for the purpose of robbing them, taking advantage of their vulnerabilities.

"You frightened your victim in September by threatening him with a knife saying you would stab him and kill him. This was for 20. In October your victim was physically assaulted and so terrified, despite being bigger and older than you, that he was unable to resist your demands for money.

"The level of intimidation and threat was significant," the judge continued. "No doubt both victims suffered all the associated trauma and one of them says his life has changed completely.

"You attempted to flee the country and said you felt no guilt in your body. In my judgement you had planned these offences and careful considered your vulnerable targets. You committed these offences to humiliate and punish your victims".

Earlier Edward Fenner, prosecuting, told the court that Halil "made eye-contact" with Carl Brain, 33, in September last year.

"The two men went into the woods and the defendant made a demand for money with threatening and intimidating comments. Mr Brain tried to turn and walk away but his arm was grabbed and he was told 'If you try that again you will get hurt'. He was told to take his wallet out and about 45 in cash was removed. Then Mr Brain ran away, back towards the car park".

Nine days later another man "married with children and unwilling to be named"was in the park. This 40 year-old also came across Halil and walked towards the woods with him.

They were seen by park warden Brian McGillivray, said counsel. Halil demanded 20 from the man who said he had no money.

He was forced to pull out some cash "20 note and one for 10 which Halil took saying 'I have a knife and I'll stab you and kill you.'

"He felt threatened and was scared," said Mr Fenner. He started to run away back towards the car park.

Both victims told the jury they were very scared by the incident, Mr Brain saying "I was absolutely terrified."

Halil was arrested four days later having been identified by the park warden. He denied robbing either man and claimed they had approached him for sex.

He repeated this story in court asking why they should be afraid of him when "they go there to have sex with strangers".

Erkan Halil, 29, who was living at Ledwood Ave, Hayes, was found guilty of two robberies on gay men in September and October last year.

Forum: In The News

Lydia Jayne Lake - Vile little cow

Lee — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 21:49:16 GMT

Reading the article below I cannot believe that no one received a custodial sentence. This vile cow and her friends armed themselves with wooden chair legs attacked two women until they were barely conscious. You have NO RIGHT love to be walking the streets you SHOULD be LOCKED UP.

Chairman of the bench Keith Dawe told Lake: "These offences are totally unacceptable. You are not a stupid person. You have some intelligence and it's about time you grew up."

So Mr Chairman you dont think this vile little cow is neither stupid nor worthy of a custodial sentence? What message does this send out to those who carry out homophobic acts, that its OK to do so?

Lee

A teenage girl behind a homophobic hate campaign has been punished for making two women's lives a misery.

Lydia Jayne Lake, 18, waged a war of harassment and homophobia against gay couple Carol Cashmore and Nina Meffen homophobic taunts, firework attacks, constant jibes and intimidation.

The catalogue of abuse took place last year, starting with a vicious attack in July when a 20-year-old man and two teenage girls armed themselves with wooden chair legs and rained blows on the two women until they were barely conscious.

Chairman of the bench Keith Dawe told Lake: "These offences are totally unacceptable. You are not a stupid person. You have some intelligence and it's about time you grew up."

A sobbing Lake was also given a restraining order to prevent her having any contact with the victims and was ordered to pay 650 court costs and 50 compensation to both women. She must also complete 100 hours of unpaid work.

The 15-year-old was sentenced to a restraining and referral order at Southampton Youth Court.

Forum: In The News

Gay Gran Canaria

gaymengc — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 11:38:05 GMT

For all the latest Gay Gran Canaria info and more you are all very welcome here:-
http://www.gaymengc.com/blog

Forum: General Chatter

Discrimination

ukblackout — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 23:38:42 GMT

Many of us belong to several different communities. We may identify ourselves as being Black, gay and a woman, for example. As a result we may experience discrimination at several levels, perhaps racism and homophobia.

From a research being carried out by our website ukblackout.com, and of 319 respondents, 41% said they had experienced racism on the gay scene with 23% more than once.

With these figures one would think that there would be an ongoing debate on the problem and looking at measures to address them.

Can we start the debate by hearing your thoughts on this?

Forum: Discrimination On The Gay Scene

Discrimination On The Gay Scene

ukblackout — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 23:30:50 GMT

Just found your website and found it very interesting, highlighting the problems we face as lgbt people and the crimes that are committed against us.

I am, however, disappointed that there is not a section in your forum for Discrimination On The Gay Scene.

As a black person, I find that this subject is too often swept under the carpet and not talked about. This is a real issue, and people have experienced racism and discrimination on the gay scene.

We are not one happy family as many would have us believe. Just ask the ones who have experienced it.

Let's start the debate.

Forum: General Chatter

HEADS UP - Gang attacking gay men in Brighton

Lee — Thur, 28 Jun 2007 11:43:38 GMT

Two men have been viciously attacked in Brighton. The victims have serious injuries.
The homophobic attacks have taken place in the Preston Park area.

The gang targeted a male couple. They were walking along Hamilton Road, which is near to the park.
A car pulled up and four men got out shouting homophobic abuse.

They attacked one of the men, stealing his gold necklace, watch, and wallet. He was left with severe injuries to his face and legs. His partner escaped by hiding in a park.

The next day the gang returned using the same car this time in Preston Park Road, its about a mile from the first attack. Again the gang hurled homophobic abuse, the man was then physically attacked and robbed. The man suffered severe swelling doctors have been unable to assess the extent of the 26 year old mans injuries.

The attacks have been carried out by four Afro-Caribbean men in a red saloon. One of the attackers is in his 20s, 5ft 10 and around 14 stone with tightly braided hair. The other three attackers all have short cropped hair.

If hear or see this car and are subjected to any homophobic abuse call 999 immediately."

Please if you have ANY information call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 quoting Operation Leighton or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Or use the GayHate online report form.

BBC news report

Forum: Homophobic Attacks - Heads Up

Liverpool, Dale Street

MISS_ROXY_RIVERS — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 08:19:03 GMT

Watch yourself on Dale Street Liverpool when walking between the gay venues.

Groups and solo drunk straight men have shouted abuse at me and my friends several times in the past but fortunately no physical incidences have occurred.

All I am saying to the gay guys/girls/trans who go out in that location is to

BE AWARE

BE CAREFUL

& BE SAFE!

Forum: Homophobic Attacks - Heads Up

Officers' homophobia hampered murder investigations, says review

Lee — Tue, 15 May 2007 19:55:07 GMT

Hugh Muir
Tuesday May 15, 2007
The Guardian

Scotland Yard: criticised for handling of 10 murders of gay men or transsexuals. Photographer: Martin Argles

Scotland Yard's reaction to killings and attacks on gay, lesbian and transsexual people has historically been blighted by "institutional" homophobia, according to a report. A review of how detectives handled 10 murders of gay men or transsexuals says that in some cases inquiries were hampered by lack of knowledge, reliance on unfounded stereotypes and personal prejudices. Of the cases examined in a process sanctioned by the Met, four remain unsolved.

The report, written by the independent Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Advisory Group, says the problems were mirrored and in many cases exacerbated by coverage in the mainstream media.

The work is seen as so important by the Met that those involved are today expected to be commended. Some feel the research is equivalent to the Met's re-evaluation of how it dealt with racist crime after the Macpherson report on the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence.

The review recognises that Scotland Yard has substantially improved its dealings with gay, lesbian and transsexual communities and its investigative processes since the 1990s. But the authors warn that more radical steps are needed.

Their report calls for better intelligence procedures to track known and potentially violent homophobes and to better safeguard places used by such communities. They also call for a more effective system for warning people when particular sites become dangerous. While applauding the extent to which detectives have become more sensitive, they also call for a more coherent strategy.

The report says: "If we borrow the terminology of the Macpherson report, historical police practice amounted to 'institutional' homophobia and transphobia."

It adds: "There were several investigations where we have deep reservations about the way in which the identity of the victim informed investigative decisions at the time. We also found evidence of inappropriate attitudes to the circumstances of some murders."

Among the cases examined were five murders in 1993 by Colin Ireland, who attacked gay men he met in a pub. The review finds that the inquiry was "hampered by a lack of knowledge of the gay scene in London and the special culture of S&M bondage. In particular, valuable time was lost before the police managed to recognise two common threads to the crimes. These links were established only after the death of the fourth victim."

Police overlooked similarities between the way the bodies were found, and initially missed evidence that they had all met Ireland in the same pub. The report says police "failed at the time to deal adequately with ... life and culture. The initial investigations seemed to us to be more focused on determining promiscuity and risk taking." More should have been done to warn communities. The result was "a serious failure of policing," the report says. Colin Ireland eventually turned himself in to police.

Similar concerns surround the unsolved killing of Geoffrey Windsor, who was murdered in a south London park in 2002. The report finds that there had previously been homophobic attacks in the same area but that there was "insufficient communication of the level of risk associated with the cruising ground to the very wide range of people using it". The authors recommend more effective sharing of intelligence between borough police officers.

The authors cite one notorious comment following the unsolved murder of actor Michael Boothe who was killed in 1990. A senior officer was quoted as saying: "A person born with any sort of colour doesn't have a choice in the matter. I would suggest that sexual preferences, however, are a matter of individual choice."

The report draws a clear distinction between the 20th-century and the 21st-century investigations. Independent advisers, who began work after the Macpherson report, provided community expertise to the more recent inquiries. Liaison procedures dealing with the families of victims and their partners and friends have also been enhanced.

Bob Hodgson, co-chairman of the review, says: "Things were awful but now they are better. Prosecutions are improving all the time. But our main point today is prevention. Preventing these murders from taking place is better than having the most brilliant prosecution."

He adds: "It is important to assess how things were and how they are now if we really hope to move forward."

Commander Dave Johnston of the Met's specialist crime directorate, says: "We have learned from past investigations, increased our understanding and introduced a number of initiatives."

The victims

Disjointed inquiries and inappropriate appeals

Michael Boothe, 49
The actor was killed in Elthorne Park, Ealing, west London. A gang of youths arrested and questioned because they were known to have made homophobic remarks could not be linked to the killing. The case has been closed. A Met review said his lifestyle was "destined to bring him into contact with his murderers". The new report says the killings might not have occurred if previous attacks had been "investigated seriously".

Emanuel Spiteri, 41
Killed by serial murderer Colin Ireland after a meeting in the Coleherne pub in Earls Court, west London. Witnesses saw him with Ireland en route to his flat in Catford where he was later found strangled. Police released a picture of him in a leather jacket and leather cap which may not have been appropriate for a public appeal, the report said.

Robyn Brown
A pre-operative transsexual woman, the sex worker was found dead in her flat in Marylebone, north-west London. The murderer has never been found. She was identified to the public using different names which may have hampered attempts to connect with intended communities.

Jaap Bornkamp
The Dutch-born floral designer, 54, was stabbed to death in 2000 after leaving an all-night gay sauna in New Cross, south-east London. Detectives took independent advice. Despite deficiencies the level of family liaison and visible appeals were seen as "a model of good practice".

Andrew Collier
The housing warden, 33, was another Ireland victim. Murder was classified homophobic and linked with Peter Walker, his first victim. Police worked with a gay helpline but could have done more to warn the public once the link was made.

Forum: In The News

International Day Against Homophobia - May 17 2007

Lee — Mon, 14 May 2007 14:56:26 GMT

International Day Against Homophobia

MAKE MAY 17 2007 A DAY TO REMEMBER. (click here for IDAH website)

UK campaigners are gearing up for the 3rd International Day Against
Homophobia on May 17th. Last year there were over 40 events in the UK
to mark the day in 1990 when the World Health Organisation removed
homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. Internationally, 50
countries are now involved in the campaign for LGBT rights to be
recognised as human rights across the globe. IDAHO organisers are
asking all those who support the campaign to organise events on and
around May 17th.

One of the themes of this years campaign is No to homophobia-yes to
education. Students at the University of the Arts in London will be
designing two sets of posters that focus on challenging homophobia,
and celebrating LGBT people, both contemporary and figures from
history. The four winning posters will be displayed at a major event
in Central London on IDAHO day. While in Manchester several key
organisations have come together to support a campaign called
Exceeding Expectations a three year initiative which will reach more
than 12,000 education professionals and provide resources training and
advice in combating homophobia-information about IDAHO and
international homophobia will be a central feature of this campaign.

IDAHOs main focus internationally will be its campaign for a United
Nations Resolution to decriminalise homosexuality. This campaign has
received massive support around the world and the petition on
http://www.idahomophobia.org has now been signed by over 5,000 people. Ben
Crouch, UK North West Coordinator said The positive effect that a
resolution of this type being approved at the United Nations will have
on the global LGBT community will be equivalent in gay rights terms to
the discovery of creating electricity. For all those who have faced
persecution in the world, for all those who have faced death, torture
and imprisonment because of their sexuality, this resolution is for
them.

Alongside this vital campaign, there will be many opportunities for
individuals and organisations to challenge homophobia. The IDAHO UK
website on http://www.idaho.org.uk has been designed to share information,
provide a forum to promote events and activities, share ideas and
access resources. Suggestions for involvement are organised around 4
strategic themes of Being Seen, Being Heard, Being Well and Human
Being.

Following a highly successful event in Sheffield last May, organised
by the Centre for HIV and Sexual Health in partnership with the SHOUT
centre, IDAHO organisers are encouraging major cities and towns in the
UK to take on the challenge of organising a minutes noise against
homophobia. Many LGBT people throughout the world have to suffer
intolerance in silence, and this minutes noise provides those of us
who have the freedom of speech without reprisal to SHOUT out on their
behalf. IDAHO UK is also encouraging people to lobby their local
councils to fly the rainbow flag on IDAHO Day, as many did last year.
Councils can also pass resolutions supporting IDAHO as Brighton did in
2006.

Derek Lennard, IDAHO-UK Coordinator said This is a chance for us to
demonstrate that we are not smug about advances made against
homophobia in the UK, and at the same time we can not stand idly by
while LGBT people are persecuted, criminalised and slaughtered around
the world. IDAHO is a network with no bureaucracy to speak of, created
by activists. So our question to all those interested in equality is
stark and clear. As we state on our poster International Day Against
Homophobia, 17th May 2007-What are *you* going to do?.

IDAHO UK Coordinator Derek Lennard.
derek.lennard@idaho.org.uk

IDAHO North West Coordinator, Ben Crouch.
ben.crouch@idaho.org.uk

Forum: In The News