Triangle Foundation — the Detroit-based anti-violence and policy organization for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders — released its annual hate crimes report today. The report shows that in 2007, crimes and discrimination against the LGBT community and those with HIV had increased substantially over the last year. The report showed a 133 percent increase in crimes and discrimination reported in Michigan over 2006 statistics. In real numbers, Michigan reported 226 incidents in 2007, up from 97 reported incidents in 2006.

“I am saddened but not surprised by these numbers,” said Melissa Pope, director of Victim Services at Triangle Foundation. “Hundreds of Michigan LGBT people are abused emotionally, physically and financially because of who they are. One person suffers anti-LGBT discrimination in Michigan every 29 hours and, of those individuals, one person suffers anti-LGBT violence, vandalism or harassment every 39 hours. It is my hope that this report will raise awareness to the treatment of LGBT persons in this state.”

One victim of discrimination, Angie Potter, told her story to Michigan Messenger last fall.

“I was shocked to find out that the attack on me was not a hate crime in Michigan,” said Potter, who was assaulted because of her sexual orientation while staying in a Michigan hotel. “I looked for help but I was met with more disrespect. It wasn’t until Triangle had a protest in front of the hotel that justice started to be served.”