Transgender Activists Call For Changes To FBI Data

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by Kirk Hawkins, Photojournalist Chris Keimig

Story Created: Dec 12, 2012 at 10:15 PM EDT

Story Updated: Dec 13, 2012 at 12:08 AM EDT

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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