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From Harm to Healing: Understanding the Physical, Psychological, and Social Impacts of

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Hate Crimes on the 2SLGBTQI+ Community
Brian Lu

Mount Royal University
CRJS 2009-001: Selected Issues in Human Justice
Dr. Ritesh Narayan
November 18, 2024

Copyright & Licensing
This work is completed in its entirety by Brian Lu. CC BY 4.0: This work is licensed under an Attribution 4.0
International (CC BY 4.0) license. For details, visit creativecommons.org/licenses.
Institutional Repository Statement
This undergraduate research paper is deposited in the Mount Royal University Institutional Repository for long-term
access and preservation. It is made available under the terms of the author's chosen license and is subject to
institutional repository policies.

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From Harm to Healing: Understanding the Physical, Psychological, and Social Impacts of
Hate Crimes on the 2SLGBTQI+ Community
Between 2022 and 2023, Canada recorded an alarming 69% surge in hate crimes
targeting the 2SLGBTQI+ community (Statistics Canada, 2024, Table 35-10-0066-01).
According to Statistics Canada (2024), police-reported hate crimes based on sexual orientation
spiked from 509 incidents in 2022 to a staggering 860 in 2023 (Table 35-10-0066-01). The
2SLGBTQI+ community "represents Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer,
intersex, and additional people who identify as part of sexual and gender diverse communities"
(Women and Gender Equality Canada, 2023, "2SLGBTQI+" section).
Flores et al. (2022) found that 84.7% of 2SLGBTQI+ hate crime victims were targeted
due to their sexual orientation. The United States Department of Justice (2024) says a hate crime
is committed when the offender's bias motivation targets the victim's race, ethnicity, religion,
sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
Sexual orientation refers to how an individual classifies their "emotional, romantic, and
sexual attraction to people of a particular gender [identity]" (Schmidt, 2024, "What is Sexual"
section). Sexuality plays a significant role in shaping an individual's identity and self-expression.
Identity labels, attraction, and sexual behaviour evolve over time because of different life
experiences, making sexuality fluid (Katz-Wise, 2022, "Attraction, Identity" section).
A 2SLGBTQI+ individual's life is more severely impacted by the trauma they suffer
from a violent hate crime compared to a crime that is not motivated by hate (Flores et al., 2022).
When 2SLGBTQI+ individuals are victims of violent hate crimes, they endure physical injuries
that lead to long-term mental health challenges, resulting in a loss of identity. This paper will

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examine the impacts ofharm experienced by 2SLGBTQI+ individuals targeted in hate crimes
and highlight their lived experiences ofhealing and recovery.
Physical Injuries Suffered by 2SLGBTQI+ Hate Crime Victims
During the commission ofa violent hate crime, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals frequently
suffer physical harm from the offender. Herek et al. (2002) noticed how these victimizations
often occurred in public spaces, such as "streets, parking garages, or [on] public transit" (pp.
322-323).
David Gomez's Victimization
In June 2021, two men and a woman followed 24-year-old David Gomez at Hanlan's
Point Beach in Toronto, Canada (Toronto Police Charge, 2021; Espinosa, 2021). After spewing
homophobic comments, the suspects "'knocked [Gomez] unconscious and [nearly] [beat] [him]
to death "' (Espinosa, 2021, para. 4). Gomez was "'dragged around, kicked and punched in the
face"' (Espinosa, 2021, para. 4). The suspects caused injuries such as "a broken nose, cheekbone
and orbital bone, [and] an injury to [Gomez's] hip and a concussion" (Toronto Police Charge,
2021, para. 9).
Despite Gomez's pursuit oflegal action to obtain justice, the pain, suffering, and scars
from his injuries will last for years, ifnot his entire life. Due to his injuries, such as the
concussion, Gomez likely experienced headaches and fatigue (Flores et al., 2022). Every victim
processes their victimization differently. In the days leading up to the apprehension ofthe
suspects, Gomez could have had a low appetite because the suspects had not been arrested yet
(Flores et al., 2022). Various poor physical health symptoms, including high blood pressure and
nightmares, can impact other 2SLGBTQI+ victims' physical health (Flores et al., 2022).
Felson and Clarke's Ten Principles of Opportunity and Crime

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Gomez's victimization can be analyzed by using the fourth and eighth principles from
Felson and Clarke's Ten Principles of Opportunity and Crime. The fourth principle states that
"[c]rime opportunities depend on everyday movements of activity" (Felson & Clarke, 1998, p.
16). As Hanlan's Point Beach is a popular beach and walking trail for residents in Toronto, the
three suspects and Gomez likely frequented the area as part of their weekly routine.
For instance, Gomez's favourite sunset observation area could have been the beach. The
suspects also could have lived near this beach and used it as a frequent walking trail. Depending
on their routines, Gomez and the suspects may have crossed paths at the beach at any time of
day. When both of their routines intersected, so did the opportunity for the suspects to terrorize
Gomez. Given that it was after sunset and the park had lots of forestry, the suspects took
advantage of the opportunity to victimize Gomez. A public park having minimal street lamps
after sunset, little to no security cameras, and lots of trees increases the chances of a hate crime
victimization occurring.
Felson and Clarke's (1998) eighth principle of opportunity and crime emphasizes how
"crime can be prevented by reducing opportunities" (p. 23). More street lamps should be
installed by the City of Toronto along the park's pathways, especially in areas where people still
walk despite the lack of adequate lighting. If opportunist criminals take advantage of the lack of
lighting along these pathways to target their victims, brighter and more street lamps will prevent
victimization to some extent (Hilborn, 2009, p. 26). The use of a help button with a speaker
system connected to these street lamps is beneficial (Hilborn, 2009, p. 31). During a
victimization, the victim can run for help and press the button to alert authorities. Hilborn (2009)
also proposed the idea of cities hiring more security guards to patrol the park during hours of
operation (p. 30).

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The 2016 Pulse Nightclub Shooting
The Pulse nightclub mass shooting is a well-known hate crime against the 2SLGBTQI+
community. On the morning of June 12, 2016, 29-year-old Omar Mateen entered the Pulse
nightclub in Orlando, Florida, and opened fire on innocent people (Ray, 2024). Pulse had a
reputation for fostering an inclusive environment for the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Molina et al.
(2019) reported that 97% of the Pulse shooting victims were Latinx. This is because Latin Night
was being hosted, which attracted many Latinx clubgoers (Ray, 2024).
The influx of wounded victims arriving at the emergency after the shooting did not stop,
prompting trauma surgeon Dr. Chadwick Smith to urgently call his off-duty colleagues to rush to
the hospital to assist (Pilkington & Smith, 2016). Smith et al. (2018) concluded that 90% of
injured patients were shot (Results section). Of these clubgoers, 39% suffered gunshot wounds to
the head and 78% to the chest (Smith et al., 2018).
Kaliesha Andino's Survivor Story
Kaliesha Andino, a queer survivor of the Pulse nightclub shooting, endured gunshot
wounds to her back and arm (Alter, 2017, para. 2). The injuries from the shooting impeded her
ability to physically function. Andino says in addition to receiving medical surgery three times,
she also had to engage in physiotherapy three times a week (Alter, 2017, para. 3). She was
unable to move her fingers and could not perform everyday duties, such as picking up a pan to
cook or doing her hair (Alter, 2017, para. 3).
Despite her injuries, Andino is determined to attend college and start her own business
(Alter, 2017, para. 5). While some survivors are alive today to share their story and embody
2SLGBTQI+ resilience, the other 49 victims sadly passed away from their wounds (Stapleton et
al., 2016). Rest in peace to the 49 victims and countless other 2SLGBTQI+ victims worldwide;

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your stories will never be forgotten. Although 2SLGBTQI+ survivors of hate crimes live to share
their story, the physical violence they suffered triggers psychological responses that harm their
mental health.
Psychological Impacts of Hate Crimes on 2SLGBTQI+ Victims
Although 2SLGBTQI+ hate crime victims may heal physically over time, the
psychological impacts on their mental health remain long-term, affecting their ability to function.
As a result of victimization, trauma can present itself in various ways, such as victims
developing major depressive disorder.
Defining Trauma
The American Psychological Association (n.d.) defined trauma as "an emotional response
to a terrible event" (para. 1). Distressing events include being a victim of a car accident, mass
shooting, sexual assault, tsunami, or experiencing the death of a loved one. Survivors of
traumatic events often experience shock and denial (American Psychological Association, n.d.).
They may unpredictably develop mental disorders based on their coping strategies (American
Psychological Association, n.d.). Psychologists can determine an individual's exposure to trauma
by examining their proximity to the traumatic event they experienced (May & Wisco, 2016).
Trauma Among Pulse Nightclub Survivors
When Omar Mateen trapped the survivors of the Pulse nightclub shooting in the club,
some were a few feet away from him when he shot them (May & Wisco, 2016). Gavulic and
Gonzales (2020) discussed how, after the Orlando shooting in June 2016, younger 2SLGBTQI+
men recorded the "highest levels of severe psychological distress" (p. 260).
Due to prolonged trauma, the young Latinx men who survived became extremely
terrified and avoided leaving their houses after the shooting (Molina et al., 2019). They preferred

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to receive social services from the comfort of their homes (Molina et al., 2019), surrounded by
family members, friends, or their partners.

Patience Murray's Experience Living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Survivors of 2SLGBTQI+ hate crimes are more likely to exhibit depression, aggression,
and post-traumatic stress disorder following their victimization (Rose & Mechanic, 2002, p. 15).
Patience Murray, now in her late twenties, survived the Pulse nightclub shooting. Murray now
suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (McLellan, 2023). Miao et al. (2018) explained how
post-traumatic stress disorder develops after experiencing a distressing event (p. 1). PTSD
impairs an individual's ability to function emotionally and mentally and can include symptoms
of psychological distress, such as anxiety or a panic attack (Miao et al., 2018, p. 1).
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual ofMental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5; American
Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022) and its diagnosis criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder
can be used to examine Murray's PTSD symptoms and the psychological effects the shooting
had on her. Murray meets Criterion A because she was exposed to the possibility of death and
serious injury (APA, 2022, Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders section). Murray could have
died from the gunshot wounds in her femur and both legs if first responders had not rushed her to
the hospital in a timely manner (McLellan, 2023).
Additionally, Murray "recalls waking up from nightmares about being in the bathroom
stall at Pulse" (McLellan, 2023, How Pulse Changed Her section). She also experienced a
fight-and-flight response when she "'walked into a public bathroom that .. .looked similar to
where the [shooting] happened "' (Murray, 2021, as cited in McLellan, 2023, How Pulse
Changed Her section). Both situations demonstrate criterion B because Murray recalls the

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traumatic event and experiences distressing dreams (APA, 2022, Trauma- and Stressor-Related
Disorders section).
During her recovery from the injuries sustained during the shooting, Murray dealt with
feelings of immense survivor's guilt and suicidality. Flores et al. (2022) emphasized how
2SLGBTQI+ victims of hate crimes were at increased risk of having suicidal thoughts. Murray's
survivor guilt was extremely severe, to the extent that she believed she did not "'deserve to
exist "' (Murray, 2021, as cited in McLellan, 2023, The Weight of Survival section).
Murray's injuries led her to feel as though she was falling behind in life. When she
checked social media and saw her friends dancing without her, she felt extremely disconnected
from her social circle (McLellan, 2023, How Pulse Changed Her section). Murray no longer
viewed her life as normal. Instead, she viewed herself as a victim who got shot and is now unable
to do anything productive with her life. Murray's mindset of blaming herself reflects criterion
D2, D3, D4, D6, and D7 (APA, 2022, Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders section), where
she blames the downfall of her life on deciding to go to Pulse that night and getting shot.
The Spectrum of Healing
As Murray moved forward, she found that "[h]aving a support system and finding
community ...helped her [heal] [from] the trauma and grief' (McLellan, 2023, Learning to Live
with Pain section) of surviving the Pulse nightclub shooting. As a path to healing, Murray
channeled her painful emotions into writing a book about her experience during the shooting.
Murray titled her book Survive Then Live.
Murray's healing journey serves as an inspiration for other victims of 2SLGBTQI+ hate
crimes, conveying a powerful message: true healing begins when an individual no longer views
the world and everyone in it through a lens of anger. They redirect their anger and guilt towards

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their recovery through actions such as seeking therapy, embracing vulnerability, and surrounding
themselves with people who support them. Healing begins when an individual reflects on their
emotions and asks themselves - how can I transform what I am feeling into strength to grow
and become more empowered?
2SLGBTQI+ victims may engage in unhealthy coping mechanisms to heal, such as
abusing substances or withdrawing from their friends, family, and partner (Flores et al., 2022).
This shines a light on 2SLGBTQI+ victims ofhate crimes who lack access to adequate resources
or support systems. Without external support, they lack internal self-confidence. As a result,
2SLGBTQI+ victims internalize the homophobia directed at them, leading them to believe their
queer identity is unacceptable in society.
Identity Loss Among 2SLGBTQI+ Hate Crime Victims
The physical and psychological trauma from hate crime victimization leads 2SLGBTQI+
victims to adopt a more masculine facade. 2SLGBTQI+ victims project this facade to protect
themselves from revictimization and gain social acceptance, mistakenly believing it boosts their
confidence. However, they end up sabotaging their true, queer identity.
This causes individuals to lose their identity as they conform to harmful societal
standards that reinforce toxic stereotypes about feminine-passing men. Kutateladze (2021) found
that 34.5% of2SLGBTQI+ victims purposely adopted a stereotypical masculine persona after
being a victim ofa hate crime.
Harmful Effects of Homophobia and Femmephobia
During a hate crime, the offender spews homophobic hate speech that the victim
internalizes (Klinger & Stein, 1996, as cited in Cheng, 2004).

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In eighth grade, while walking with my friends for lunch, I briefly made eye contact with
a male adolescent whom I had never seen before at Peter Lougheed School. He was walking
alongside a group of grade nine students I knew, but I had never observed him interacting with
them previously. After my friends and I settled in a secluded outdoor comer on the south side of
the school to eat, the male adolescent suddenly appeared around the comer and yelled the
derogatory slur "faggot" at me.
I argue that the male adolescent targeted me because, at the time, I presented as
feminine-passing, characterized by my ponytail hairstyle, my choice of neon-coloured
clothing-which he interpreted as flamboyant-and I was the only male in my friend group,
which consisted of girls. This adolescent's behaviour reinforces toxic masculine beliefs, adhering
to the belief that a male who does not conform to traditional, aggressive masculine norms is
deviating from what is considered normal. This attitude is known as femmephobia - the belief
that masculine traits should dominate over feminine traits in men, and that any deviation from
this norm should be met with hostility (Hoskin et al., 2023, p. 127).
As a result, I became afraid to spend lunch outside of my Humanities teacher's
classroom, where I felt safe. I no longer felt comfortable talking much; I put my head down
while walking through hallways, and only wanted to wear darker-coloured clothing. I
internalized the homophobia and femmephobia I experienced, trying to dress more masculine
and act stereotypically straight to avoid being revictimized (Kutateladze, 2021, p. 1050). I
lowered my voice pitch to sound more masculine and less feminine. My attempt to conform to
the ignorant beliefs of homophobic and femmephobic individuals limited my ability to express
myself comfortably.

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Homophobic and femmephobic attitudes reinforce the belief that society should publicly
shame 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, especially gay, feminine-passing men, into acting more
traditionally masculine.
Schafer's Typology of Victims
Schafer's Typology of Victims apply to 2SLGBTQI+ victims of hate crimes who are
vulnerable to victim-blaming attitudes. His third category of victims argues that precipitative
victims bear some blame for their victimization, but not because their behaviour harms the
offender; rather, their behaviour provokes a response that motivates the offender to commit a
crime (Fisher et al., 2015).
Schafer's third category of victims helps argue that the male adolescent was provoked by
my flamboyant appearance and saw this as an invitation to wrongfully call me a "faggot."
Hurtful beliefs regarding the appearance and mannerisms of gay, feminine men contribute to the
social marginalization of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
Conclusion
Overall, hate crimes against the 2SLGBTQI+ community inflict not only bodily injuries,
but also harm victims' psychological well-being, making them feel unsafe to express themselves.
Experiencing violence because of one's 2SLGBTQI+ identity causes long-term wounds
and scars that permanently change how an individual physically and mentally functions.
Following victimization, deteriorating mental health and the onset of post-traumatic stress
disorder can challenge a victim's resilience and ability to heal using healthy coping mechanisms.
To avoid revictimization, 2SLGBTQI+ victims conform to homophobic and femmephobic
societal standards, resulting in a loss of queer individuality and authentic self-expression.

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Despite the upsurge in anti-2SLGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence, the community heals by
transforming hate into strength, which fuels their resilience and drive to continue advocating for
societal reform. To every 2SLGBTQI+ survivor of hate: only you have the power to define who
you are or who you should be. Your identity is a vibrant sunset, radiating with beautiful, distinct
colours that reflect each aspect of your unique self- let those colours freely shine.

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