[News] [NC, USA] Transgender Activists Call For Changes To FBI Data

[Transgender News]

FOX Charlotte, NC, USA


Transgender Activists Call For Changes To FBI Data

by Kirk Hawkins, Photojournalist Chris Keimig

Story Created: Dec 12, 2012 at 9:15 PM EST

Story Updated: Dec 12, 2012 at 11:08 PM EST


[VIDEO]

Charlotte, N.C.--Charlotte-Mecklenburg is bucking the trend on hate
crimes in North Carolina. New numbers from the FBI show while
incidents are up statewide, they are down here in the Queen City.

There were three race related hate crimes last year in Charlotte
Mecklenburg, compared to six in 2010. Three were motivated by
religion, down from five the year before. And one based on sexual
orientation compared to two in 2010.

Paige Dula has no regrets about her transition from man to woman. But,
she and other transgender people say they receive resistance for their
choice to change. "As rapidly as things change, human beings seem very
averse to change when it comes to social situations," said the Concord
resident.

F.B.I. statistics show seven hate crimes in Charlotte Mecklenburg last
year including one motivated by sexual orientation. That's a drop from
2010 when there were 13 crimes, including two motivated by sexual
orientation. But, Roberta Dunn said those numbers are inaccurate. She
is the vice chair of the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, "Until
you include everyone in there that's a minority, then you're not gonna
get a full representation of what the hate crimes really are," Dunn
said.

Activists say the FBI gathers data about gays and lesbians involved in
hate crimes but not transgender. Activists are hoping local law
enforcement agencies like Charlotte Mecklenburg Police will follow the
FBI's lead if it changes its policy. "If no one is collecting it, why
should I do it, I don't have the budget for it. But when it's a
mandate you have to find budget for it. And that's the important
thing," Dunn said.

Dula said she also supports tracking crime against transgender people,
"When people don't know what's going on. Fear breeds ignorance and
that breeds violence," she said. Statistics, she says, are the
foundation necessary for protection and policy changes.

The FBI is supposed to start collecting data on crimes committed on
the basis of gender identity next year. The first reports including
that information could come out in 2014.


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