Hate crimes exist here

The Portland area may feel like a safe place. And in large part it is. However, hate crimes happen here. And if you missed this article this morning (Washington County’s only known hate killing unsolved 5 years later) it may sadden you to note that they aren’t always solved either. What adds insult is that hate crimes against gender variant individuals are not considered hate crimes. And while I am glad that another murderer was convicted today, a man who murdered a transgendered teen, I am saddened that it was manslaughter. I am sadden it will not be counted among hate crimes. I am saddened that it has not received the same media attention that the slaying of a young white gay man has received over the years.