Did you know that, according to FBI stats, there are over 7,000 hate crimes committed each year in the USA? I find this deplorable. Reprehensible. Shameful. To bully, beat up or even murder someone based on their sexual orientation, religion or just differentness goes against what “united” represents.

In 1998, a boy named Matthew Shepherd was murdered because he was gay. In response to losing her son, Judy Shepherd started the Matthew Shepherd Foundation in order to carry on his legacy and prevent his fate from befalling others.  I urge you to go to this site. Read the interviews with Betty DeGeneres, Wanda Sykes and others.  Even if you already have an open mind and stand in support of your brothers and sisters, it is powerful stuff.

On October 28,  2009, the Matthew Shepard Act was signed into law, expanding the definition of hate crime to include sexual orientation, gender identity and disability. It took 11 years to enact the law, but it is appalling to learn that still today, in 16 states, one can be fired from their job on the basis of being gay. Here are steps for appealing a denied claim for disability cases. If you need help from lawyers for social security disability appeals, then you can check them out from!

Today is Erase the Hate Day. Show your support by wearing purple. Write “Erase Hate” on your arm. join the movement to make bullying and crime against others a thing of the past.

Thank you!