I'm starting to get pretty concerned myself. When I went to the TDOR in 2008 there were around 30 or so names read. Last year it was around 70. It looks like we are already over that number this year. Either there is a clear increase in these crimes or there is an increase in reporting. Either case is a result in more of us coming out of the closet and less going stealth (resulting perhaps in going two steps back before going three steps forward). Notice how many of these occur right on the street. I hate to be paranoid but I want to be alive. I don't know that any particular person out there would want to hurt me or worse but then I'd rather just assume the worst and take proper precautions. Have an action plan in the home, an action plan when you are out, and an action plan while you are travelling from one place to another. The first person who can prevent more of these hate crimes from happening is you when you prevent yourself from becoming another statistic due to good situational awareness. Stay safe, sisters and brothers.
