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"I am delighted to see that this site has been set up for people going through this unfortunate experience. I am a lesbian and I often go through the same thing because I have been accused of not looking like a lesbian and trying to pass for straight. It's funny because I have come out to everyone that knows me and have tried to 'look gay' but I have to be myself. It's great to have this support. Homophobia is bad, but in the gay community its worse. If they can't support me, who can?"—Deborah Clarke, Ireland

Welcome to the Silence Is Not Golden project. We need your help to help us tackle homophobia by raising awareness. Tell us your experiences and thoughts. Spread the word that Silence Is Not Golden. Tell the police about incidents and crimes. Break the silence surrounding the lives of those affected.

Best wishes,

Lisa.

Tackling Homophobia and Gay Hate Crime

I am now 16 but when I was 13 I came out. Because there were a lot of homophobic people in my school, it was not a good idea, even when you a popular. Just a tip - only tell very close friends so that you can talk to them and keep telling small amounts of people. Now about 24 of my very close mates know though the rest of my friends have no idea. I know what it’s like not being able to be yourself but it will be okay. —James Burns, Cumbria, United Kingdom.

Have you—or has someone you know—been a victim of homophobic abuse or hate crime?

Break the silence. This is not only for the benefit of LGBT people, but for our whole society.

By working together and spreading the word, we can break through the silence that surrounds the lives of people affected by homophobia and hate crime. We can help make homophobic behaviour unacceptable.

Silence Is Not Golden is not just a facility to raise awareness—we also make it easier for those people affected to report a hate crime by explaining what might be classed as a homophobic incident; why you should report it; and the different ways in which you can do so. You can also read the personal experiences and thoughts of others who have been courageous enough to speak out or contribute your own story.

Everyone has the right to live without fear. If you are a victim of homophobia—tell someone.