American entrepreneur Andy Dunn once said, “Tolerance, diversity, and inclusion are not political opinions. They are non-negotiable human rights - hard fought and secured in America.”
While this is true in theory, there is still much work that needs to be done to make this quote a reality.
An NBC News report on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 2019 Hate Crime Statistics Report announced that 7,120 hate crimes took place that year.
Given that June is Pride Month, we wanted to point out that of the 7,120 hate crimes reported by the FBI in 2019, approximately 19 percent were an anti-LGBTQ+ bias. Furthermore, the NBC news report on the statistics stated the following:
“Nearly 1,200 incidents targeting people due to their sexual orientation, the majority targeted gay men (roughly 60 percent), while approximately 12 percent targeted lesbians, 1.5 percent targeted bisexuals, 1.4 percent targeted heterosexuals and the remaining incidents targeted a mixed group of LGBTQ people. Transgender and gender-nonconforming people were the targets in 168 reported incidents, approximately 2.4 percent …”
Not even one hate crime should ever occur, but it’s clear many still are.
We’ve got to do better.
Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Riots, which were a number of demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community in response to a police raid that took place on June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village in Manhattan.
Many events are held around the globe each June, recognizing the impact members of the LGBTQ+ community have had on the world. These accomplishments deserve to be celebrated, and root causes of anti-LGBTQ+ bias must continue to be identified and discussed.
Despite one’s personal beliefs, be it religion or personal mantras, we’ve all heard the phrase: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
On this Pride Month, as a newspaper covering the 1,000 square miles of Sullivan County, we reaffirm our commitment to each person in our community, no matter their race, religion, political party or sexual orientation. We love you all because you each bring something unique to our community.
It’s okay to not yet fully understand the increased use of pronouns –– although it’s a good idea to read up on it –– but it isn’t ok to treat others differently because of their beliefs, orientation, race or who they choose to love.
Our county and this world will never be as good as it can be until we practice the ideals of acceptance, inclusion and respect for all.