Key Focus Areas:
• Normalization of Negative Stereotypes: The impact of media influences and segregated neighborhoods on perpetuating divisions among different races.
• History of Hate Crimes against LGBT Individuals: Examples such as the Stonewall riots and the murder of James Byrd Jr. illustrating historical and ongoing violence.
• Desensitization Among LGBT Individuals: How continuous exposure to hate crimes has led to a sense of acceptance and normalization of fear and violence within the LGBT community.
• Impact on Mental Health: The psychological effects of hate crime victimization on the safety, self-worth, and overall well-being of LGBT individuals.
• Legislative Measures: The inclusion of sexual orientation in hate crime laws, such as the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
• Media Representation: The role of media in shaping public perception of the LGBT community and perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
• Public Displays of Affection: The challenges faced by LGBT individuals in expressing affection publicly without fear of harassment or violence.
Project Overview:
The project underscores the importance of understanding the roots of hate violence and the need for societal change to address the desensitization and trauma experienced by the LGBT community.
Supervised by:
• Professor McKail
Date:
• August 10th, 2024
Data Sources:
• 2022 Census Data: Provides insight into ethnic group distributions in Southern California.
• 2022 FBI Hate Crimes Statistics: Shows an increase in hate crime incidents by 794 cases.
• Scholarly articles and studies focusing on hate crime victimization and desensitization among LGBT individuals.