Sexual Assault in the LGBT Community by Blogger Ashley at Bradley University

When we usually talk about sexual assault, we tend to focus on heterosexual females assaulted by heterosexual males. While that is the main demographic we are shown, we must not forget others who are equally affected by sexual assault. Women in general feel the stigma that they won’t be believed if they admit they’ve been sexually assaulted, but also add in the fact that someone’s sexual orientation could hurt them even more in the society we live in.

Via the Blue Grass Rape Crisis Center’s website, I looked at some statistics relating to sexual violence in the LGBT community:

·         “If a survivor is not ‘out’ she or he may be afraid to risk coming forward and being ‘outed’. Or, he or she may be confused, embarrassed, and ashamed of the sexual assault or consider it a ‘normal’ first-time experience.”

·         

 “   "Discrimination and hate crimes lead some survivors to feel their identity, and therefore their very existence, is questionable and so reporting may seem futile.”

·         “When a LGBT survivor seeks assistance from the community or law enforcement, he or she may not be believed or taken seriously due to homophobia or lack of training/information.”

·         “LGBT individuals generally suffer from greater isolation from family and friends than heterosexual people and, therefore, they may not expect support even if they did come forward.”

·         “Many people deny LGBT relationships are legitimate which can be a barrier to reporting sexual violence and seeking help.”

·         “Survivors of same-sex sexual assault have been invisible in mainstream legal/medical/community organizations, and so providers may not believe someone coming forward.”

·         “Internalized homophobia or transphobia may lead to feelings of responsibility (e.g. “This happened to me because of who I am”). 

      They may question their orientation and/or gender and feel helpless.”

These are just a few of the statistics, and they are very real. Though our society is growing to be more accepting of the LGBT community, there is still a huge cloud of discrimination overshadowing the community. People are people, and one’s sexual orientation is an important part of them like anything else. Regardless if you agree with someone’s orientation or not, we should agree that no one deserves to be assaulted nor should anyone stay silent because of who they are. As a community, as a society, we are to fight for justice for ALL not justice for some.

Resource: http://www.bluegrassrapecrisis.org/education/facts/lgbt.html