Hate Crimes

Well, I saw this on the news this morning at a glance but just read the following article on ‘Gay’ hate crimes. Ignorance pisses me off more than anything, but ignorance toward gays REALLY sets me off. This IS something I will absolutely hold a debate about. I take this personally because I am a married lesbian…who lives a life just like anyone else. I do not believe in god…I don’t believe a word of the bible. I do not live my life through christ. I don’t believe a word that comes out of any religious assholes mouth. I just don’t…don’t convince me.  I’ll win. There is NO physical proof of this! Seriously though, who the fuck is anyone to challenge someone at what makes them happy, who they should spend their time or life with, who they associate with, etc. ‘Gays’ sure as hell don’t go around doing it. Oh, and it’s ok for ‘straight’ people to walk down the street holding hands, or showing other PDA? Why? It’s all because some book says you’re not supposed to. Bullshit! Let me start by saying that I don’t hate men. Actually, just the opposite. I find a lot of men attractive, A lot of my closest friends have been male (I prefer it that way, less drama), but for me it’s the bond, common ground and the intimate (no, I don’t mean sex) connection I can share with someone, simply because they UNDERSTAND, they are better listeners, they’re more sensitive and really take stuff in. For me, it’s about having a solid connection with SOMEONE, and that someone happens to be another female. For me, intimacy doesn’t work with anyone unless I feel completely connected on all levels. I never felt that with a male. Being gay doesn’t change me, or make me who I am. It doesn’t make anyone, actually. Intimacy should be private for everyone, whether straight, gay, trans, bisexual….it’s nobody’s fucking business what I do in my bedroom, and I sure as hell don’t want to hear about YOUR sex life. Honestly, I’d rather see two women holding hands, rather two straight people going at it, looking like they need to rent a room…in public! I think people need to relax, and realize where we are. Things are not the same as they used to be, and the ignorant people just need to get used to seeing openly gay people….because guess what? We will be allowed marriage, and the SAME rights as everyone else in every state eventually. F’n people think gays are animals and should be caged. I think people should really educate themselves, and know that being gay is not a choice. Why would anyone ‘choose’ to have a hard life, feeling like they will be discriminated against in the work place, etc. With so much ignorance in this regard, it WOULD be easier being straight. But, I choose who I choose because SHE is a great person, she treats me better than anyone has ever treated me, she is great to my kids, she’s a professional and I know she loves all of who I am, and all that I have to offer. I could write a book on this alone, that’s how passionate I feel about it….but for now, take a look at this. If you think that this is ok (anti-gay, or not), then I guess you seriously have something wrong with YOU!

Reference from the Cape Cod Times:

The bustle and color of Provincetown at the kickoff of the summer season appeared unperturbed last night by an alleged assault early Saturday morning that police are calling a hate crime.

But residents and visitors alike said they were disgusted by the incident.

“People are outraged,” said Dana Hope outside the Post Office Cafe and Cabaret, where Eric Patten, 20, of Winthrop allegedly accosted two women and assaulted one of them.

Police say Patten was intoxicated and thought the women were gay men. His spewing of “anti-gay language” during the alleged assault is part of the basis for the hate crime charge, according to police.

Hope, who works the door at the restaurant, said she was home at the time of the incident but had heard several accounts of the violence.

“If you are a hater, why come to Provincetown?” she said. Although Hope said she feels safe on the town’s streets at night, the alleged attack has given her “pause for thought.”

Elaine Anderson, a member of the Provincetown Board of Selectmen, called the incident shocking and reprehensible. “It’s not acceptable. Certainly this town doesn’t want to turn a blind eye to it,” she said.

Demetra Shelton, 35, and Blake Davisson, 26, both from the Boston area, said Province-

town is usually a place where people can feel safe and be themselves. “I would say it’s awful,” Shelton said of Saturday’s events.

“I think most people think of (Province-

town) as a refuge,” Davisson said.

“This is so disappointing for Province-

town,” said Michelle Crone, 59, who said she has been coming to the town off and on for 20 years and works at the Art House and the Universalist Meeting House.

Crone was the former manager at Vixen, the bar from which Patten was reportedly kicked out before the alleged attack.

A man who owns a business next to the Post Office Cafe said most people in Provincetown look out for one another. “It’s a safe place, and we don’t need people to act like that,” said the man, who declined to give his name for this report.

Representatives for Vixen declined to speak to a Times reporter last night.

Patten faces charges including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a window), assault and battery under the state hate crime statute, wanton destruction of property of more than $250, disorderly conduct, assault and battery on a police officer and resisting arrest, according to police.

Patten was held overnight and released on bail Saturday. He is set to appear for an arraignment hearing tomorrow in Orleans District Court.

Staff writer Robert Gold contributed to this report…Cape Cod Times