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In collating this special edition I chose queer hate purposefully. As I argue later in the edition, homophobia does not capture the true essence of our experiences as LGBTQ people. I have a phobia of snakes; friends have phobias of spiders œ we are able to learn to deal with these phobias. Yet the abuse and hate we experience in our lives is more than someone‘s phobia. Queer hate is also about encompassing the myriad of sexualities and sexual lives that are often placed on the periphery of society. Homophobia is not encompassing of these forms of sexuality. Transphobia and biphobia, although accepted terms, also suffer the same issues as homophobia. Queer hate is a more informative term. Queer as a broad and inclusive term and hate as it is more than a phobia, or a fear perpetrators have œ it is hatred and intolerance.

Issues pertaining to expression of queer hate are never easily summarised. Each jurisdiction in Australia has separate laws and although there may be similarity, there is variety between states. Not all states afford the same protections. Vilification laws on sexuality vary as do the application of antidiscrimination laws. Let alone legislation protecting the rights of trans people and I can not think of, nor find, explicit mention of bisexuality œ still a silent taboo within and outside our community. When we consider queer hate the issue of speech-acts is often not given the same strength as physical acts. Language is an important cultural symbol and language often forms the basis of some of the queer hate experiences we have in our lives. The old saying may state—stick and stones may break my bones “but we know that words can …