J lllle 1937, Page 7

VLGR Discrimination and Violence Results

Following are the results of the survey
sponsored by Vermonters for Lesbian and
Gay Rights (VLGR). The data were
gathered from 123 respondents from
November I, 1986 through February 1, 1987
by means of a pre-coded quantitative
questionnaire disseminated across Vermont
via this newspaper. As the results show,
most of Vermont‘s homosexual population
remains hidden. This is not a random
sampling as it is not possible to obtain one
from a hidden population.

These results were presented to
legislators as evidence to support the need
forH.247.

ACTS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST
LESBIANS AND GAY MEN

Physical Violence because of their sexual
orientation:

80% experienced some kind of
harassment or violence while 96% reported
concealing their sexual orientation to avoid
intimidation, harassment or violence. 79%
believed anti-lesbian/gay violence was
prevalent enough to cause them to fear for
their safety. 76% expected to be assaulted
or threatened at some time in the future
due to their sexual orientation. And 89%
knew people who were victims of violence.

Acts of violence
respondents included:
32% had been chased or followed.

experienced by

21% had objects thrown at them.

19% had ‘property vandalized or
destroyed by fire.

16% were punched, hit, kicked, or
beaten.

14% were sexually assaulted.

5% were assaulted or wounded with an
object or weapon.

Verbal abuse because of their sexual
orientation: '

Clelehrating an ftnninersarg?

‘ Send us your anniversaries! We want not
only to keep us all informed of lesbian and gay
news, we want to note our personal and commu-
nal celebrations. If you have ever wanted to
publicly proclaim your anniversary(for example),
this is your chance.

To have your anniversary published, we need
to receive the following information by the 15th
of the month preceeding publication.

Please send the full names of both partners,
number of years as a couple and anniversary
date. Please specify if you want only your first
names published.Send to

Out in the Mountains
PO Box 438
Hinesburg, VT 05461

81% of the respondents had been called
anti-lesbian/gay names.

36% were threatened with physical
violence.

41% had been verbally abused by
relatives.

POLICE

37% of those reporting violence and
harassment because of their sexual
orientation had reported at least one
incident to the police. 17% of those had
found the police encouraging in the pursuit
of this matter. 35% had found the police
to be discouraging in pursuit of the matter.
And 48% had found the police to be
neutral. In addition, 8% reported having
been victimized by police in such ways as
being called anti-lesbian/gay names or by acts
of violence.

EMPLOYMENT

44% had experienced some type of
employment discrimination (e.g., not being
hired, denied promotions, raises, or benefits,
demoted, etc.). In addition, 82% have
concealed their sexual orientation to avoid
employment discrimination.

31% had been questioned about their
sexual orientation.

18% were not hired because of their
sexual orientation.

13% were fired or pressured to resign.

10% were denied promotions, raises, or
benefits.

9% were threatened because they
reported discrimination.

4% were denied apprenticeship or
equal membership rights in labor
organizations.

2% were demoted.
PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION

76% reported concealing their sexual
orientation to avoid discrimination in public
places.

MEDICAL

24% had been intimidated or treated
with less than professional conduct by
doctors, nurses or other health professionals
while 41% reported concealing their sexual
orientation in order to avoid medical
discrimination. In addition, 31% reported

concealing their sexual orientation because of,

AIDS related issues.

HOUSING

19% had experienced some type of
housing discrimination (e.g. being denied
purchase, denied leasing or rental, evicted,
etc.) while 54% had concealed their sexual
orientation to avoid this discrimination.

13% had been denied leasing or rental
because of their sexual orientation.

6% had been evicted.
EDUCATION

7% had been discriminated against in
the pursuit of educational goals (i.e.
admission, financial assistance, equal
opportunity).

38% reported concealing their sexual
orientation while in school.

CREDIT

36% reported concealing their sexual
orientation to avoid discrimination in matters
relating to applying for credit.

CHILD CUSTODY

Of the respondents who reported having
mothered/fathered children, 27% concealed
their sexual orientation to avoid denial of
custody/visitation rights. ‘

RESPONDENT DEMOGRAPHICS

The respondent population consisted of
64% (75) females and 36% (58) males
ranging in age from 19-58 with the mean
age of 33. The respondents represented 11
of Vermont's 13 counties. 80% are
employed, 5% are unemployed.

RELIGIOUS UPBRINGING

41% Protestant
45% Catholic
5% Jewish

RESIDENCY

21% Native
26% 10 + years
22% 5-9 years
23% 1-4 years

EDUCATION

45% College Graduates

31% Masters & above

16% Some College & 2-year Degrees
7% High School

ECONOMIC STATUS

36% Earn less than $10,000/year
30% Earn $10,000 - $20,000/year
23% Earn $20,000 - $30,000/year
11% Earn $30,000/year +