#Many people believe Seattle is a place that is extremely open to LGBTQ people, and in some parts of Seattle, this is true.
#However, I was unpleasantly surprised to see that data from 2012 shows that Seattle has the third-highest rates for anti-LGBTQ hate crimes among large U.S. cities. For every 100,000 ?Seattle citizens, there are three hate crimes against LGBTQ people. Only Washington, D.C., and Memphis, Tenn., have rates higher than this.
#People in the LGBTQ community in Seattle have noticed that hate crimes are on the rise, and we must do something to stop this. While this city isrenowned for accepting diversity, we need to bring to the public’s eye that there is still work needing to be done to help support LGBTQ people.
#Being a lesbian living near Seattle and having many LGBTQ friends, this is a very important issue to me because I don’t want to have to worry about what could happen to myself or my friends if we hold hands with a same-sex partner down the streets of Seattle.
#We must remain vigilant and take action. Gay Mayor Ed Murray has done a great job investigating methods of improving safety for the LGBTQ community, but more needs to be done.
#I think we need more attention on this subject in the news, particularly because people always assume Seattle is an extremely welcoming place for people of all sexualities and gender orientations.
Taryn Gustafson
Woodinville, Wash.