Some of you may recall back in February I visited a local community garden. Having lived in Texas for 16 years it did not surprise me to see plants growing in the garden mid-winter. What did surprise me was finding a memorial to people killed during hate crimes.
Sometimes it is easy to forget how far we have come and how far we still have to go. One of the web sites quoted on the memorial for MH is Unfinished Lives. I have followed this blog for quite some time and each time I read a story about the beating death of a transgender individual, or the arson attack against a lesbian couple, or the harassment of a gay man I can’t help but remember the friends I have lost to hate and the risk all of us continue to face daily, simply because we refuse to pretend to be a person we are not.
In loving memory of Mia Henderson.
1988 – 2014
For more information on transgender hate crimes visit unfinished lives.com
In loving memory of Rudolf Brazda.
The last member to have worn the pink triangle
1913 – 2011
May they all rest in peace….and may we all learn to choose love over hate.
Conversations Around the Tree 
That’s so sad. We do have a long way to go.
Yes we do Patti….thank you for commenting!
What a lovely tribute to a sad situation.
I can barely comment on this- too many thoughts and emotions so I will just agree – yes, we have such a very long way to go in so many areas and I am so very tired of the hate and intolerance. “Love others the way you love yourself. Treat others the way you want to be treated.” How hard is that, people?
It seems like such a simple solution doesn’t Sue?
I don’t know why the human race has to make it so complicated!!
I don’t understand mankind’s propensity for hate and cruelty. Stories of abuse, beatings, killings, etc because someone is ‘different’ – for whatever reason – disturb me profoundly.
As I write this, I’m biting back tears that a garden such as this would even have to exist.
It is difficult to understand hate. It seems a logical solution to simply keep distance from someone you don’t like or approve of….why physically attack some simply because your brain isn’t big enough to encompass their lifestyle?!
Seems the obvious thing to do because we are logical and compassionate people.
Good morning, Tree. Sue, Joanne and you said it well. I, too, don’t understand this at all. I wish there is a solution…
Have a great day!
I also wish there were a solution Helen.
I hope you have a wonderful day
Sobering …
So sad indeed. May they rest in peace.
yes
I don’t know what to say to express what I feel. If only…
Yes…..if only