Stop Gay Hate In Queensland
You don’t have to delve too far into the Queensland GLBT community to find stories of homophobic violence or harassment. In fact, a study conducted by the Australia Research Institute in 2003-2004 identified Queensland as one of the least progressive states with regard to attitudes about homosexuality.
In an attempt to gain an insight into this issue, researchers are looking for input from members of the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgendered communities in Queensland who have experienced violence and harassment. Launched in late May, participants have been responding to anonymous surveys relating to Queenslanders’ homophobic experiences in a bid to understand and provide better protection for the GLBTI communities. In addition to the online surveys, “we are also holding focus groups throughout metropolitan and regional Queensland, including Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Townsville and Toowoomba, to explore the personal experiences of GLBT persons,” Dr Berman said.
Griffith’s Socio-Legal Adjunct Research Fellow Dr Alan Berman said this research aims to develop legislative initiatives, increase awareness of crimes triggered by homophobic attitudes and improve victims’ access to appropriate policing and community support group services. Dr Berman said it was critical to investigate the real and the perceived barriers in accessing justice for victims of homophobic crimes. “When we understand the barriers, we need to ensure shifts in attitudes as well as changes in legislation,” Dr Berman said. “Law alone does not change the rate of crime, there needs to be a change in legal enforcement agencies’ culture and the general population’s attitudes to prevent such devastating crimes and harassment.”
So far over 800 surveys have been completed but researchers hope to achieve 1200 responses by the time their research ends. The survey runs until the end of October, so interested participants need to visit the website and complete the questions as soon as possible. Taking part in this research is important to our community and the researchers note that the more responses they receive to the survey, the greater likelihood of the report and recommendations being taken seriously by law enforcement and community support groups.
To participate in the survey you must be a Queensland resident with an experience of homophobic violence or harassment, it does not have to be an experience that was reported (formally or informally).
Researchers are also still looking for participants for the focus group to be held on the Sunshine Coast on October 31. If you are interested in participating in such a focus group, you should contact Dr. Shirleene Robinson at srobinso@bond.edu.au.
To participate in the survey, visit the website www.stopgayhatenow.com. You can also show your support for this project by joining the Facebook group.
hazyinseptember
said ages ago