Thomas' Blog

Current Events

Schools are increasingly locations for hate crimes, FBI data shows

Between 2018 and 2019 all types of school were the third most common location of a hate crime. 4,300 offenses were reported in an educational setting between those 5 years. Theres been an increase in hate crimes, in 2018 ~8,400 offenses were reported, compoared to ~13,300

The most common were anti-Black (1,690), anti-LGBTQ (901) and anti-Jewish (745) offenses over the course of the five years.

When broken down LGBTQ+ offenses in school were at community events that serve the LGBTQ+.

In the FBI’s most recent overall hate crimes report, the same three groups were found to be the most common targets. More than half of race-based crimes in 2022 targeted Black people, and more than half of religious-based crimes targeted Jews. The data also pointed to a nearly 40% increase in anti-transgender crimes compared to the prior year.

Song of the week

Love this song. It is stuck in my head.

Current Events

Nearly 30% of Gen Z adults identify as LGBTQ

Summary

All data used was from the U.S. Source is linked in title.

More than 1 in 4 adults between the age of 18 to 25 identify as LGBTQ+. This is a increadible increase from the 4% in the baby boomers.

“In its LGBTQ identity breakdown, the report found 72% of Gen Z adults identified as straight, 15% as bisexual, 5% as gay or lesbian and 8% as something else.”

Reasearcher also found that Gen Z was more racially and ethnically diverse. Though they were less likey to associate with an established religion.

“Last year, more than 500 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in state legislatures around the country, a record, including 75 that were signed into law, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.”

Opinion

It's astonishing to see the new generation of adult be more accepting of who they are and their ability to explore their sexuality. I'm excited to see the future our society will go through. Though the reach away from religion is an interesting statistic I kept in the summary. I find this to most likey have a correlation with how a lot of religions are anti-LGBTQ+. It's scary to see the anti-LGBTQ+ bills passed, but I think in time they will be rolled back. What worries me is 75 of the 500 bills proposed were signed in. Some of the bills talked about are making people flee to other states. This fear is running throughout the community enducing panic. To everyone struggling with mental health Click Here to learn about ways to get help.

Song of the week

Just love this song. I used to listen to it when it first came out. A bit of a throw back.

Current Events

The links for the respective news artices is accessed by clicking on the title. The first paragraph is a summary of the article. My opinion is labeled respectively.

What are “deadnames”?

Before we start in lamens terms, a “deadname” is the birth name of a transgender¹ person.
Inquiries in the word “deadname” increased in March due to the “parental rights” legislation. Though “deadname” isn't utilized in the legislation, it was commonly used in media coverage. In early 2022 the “don't say gay” bill was signed in. The bill originally prohibited prefered names in the classroom, restricting kids to only birth names up to the 3rd grade. Preferred names help trans*¹ people to better fit who they are through gender expression. Quickly after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis expaned on the bill, which forbid the talk of sexual orientation and gender identity. This applied for kindergarden all the way up to the 8th grade. The new version of the bill also limited health education for 6th to 12th graders. 10 other states have followed suit with this bill and have restricted the use of prefered names and pronouns. Using a deadname towards a trans* person can be very harmful. Using a “deadname” can invalidate their identity and can send them down a route of mental health troubles, like feeling wothless. It is important to note gender dyphoria² effects a lot of trans* individuals and takes a toll on their mental health.

Opinion

I find this very sad to be a conclusion for the end of the year. Though I am glad to say that all this talk on the LGBTQ topic has educated people. I hope this condensed news article can help educate people on what a deadname is. I want to urge you to consider the effects on trans* youth's mental health with all this political preasure. Please take the time to educate yourself on any topics you don't know about. Feel free to message me using the button at the bottom right if you have a topic idea.

Song of the week

The movie that brought this song into the limelight is horrible? The disturbing nature of the film makes me not want to name it. The song is increadible, it's just that the circumstances are incredibly preverse.

Happy new year

To start off the new year I have some resolutions!

• Walk over 10k steps for 6 days of each week
• Read at least 1 book a month
• Pick up a new hobby
• Reduce spending
• More consistent with blog updates

Song of the week

New obsession