From the Director
Every month, I try to bring something to the forefront that has to do with the awareness month. June is LGBTQ+ Awareness Month. I would encourage us to have a conversation about those in our communities who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or other. There is an enormous problem in this community and it’s not going away because it’s not being talked about. That problem is sexual assault.
People who identify as LGBTQ+ are more likely to be sexually assaulted than heterosexuals. It is often perpetrated as a hate crime. It is underreported, just like all sexual assaults. Many people from the LGBTQ+ community never come forward to report the crimes against them. If they do decide to report, they are often dismissed by those who are supposed to help them.
The statistics are staggering. 40% percent of bisexual women have been raped, compared to 17% of heterosexual women and 13% of lesbians. 40% of gay men and 47% of bisexual men have experienced sexual violence other than rape, compared to 21% of heterosexual men. These are our sisters, brothers, cousins, friends, neighbors, and community members. Nobody deserves to have this happen. And if it does, they deserve to be treated with respect.
At Diane Peppler Resource Center, we do not discriminate against anyone seeking assistance for violence crimes committed against them. Our door is always open. We respect all. If you are being hurt by a partner, have been sexually assaulted, or if you are being stalked, please consider us a friendly environment that can offer assistance. I would also like to invite people to join us on June 15, 2018 at 9:00pm at Zim’s where we will be offering education during the monthly drag show.
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