Just want to share something with y'all
I had debated whether to share this even with family but on reflection, I would like some kind of public record about what happened to my partner and I a few short weeks ago.
A little background here. My partner and I are very visible Democrats and an out couple. (During election cycles our house looks like an outsized kiosk festooned with signs for Dem candidates.) On occasions when certain events are scheduled - like the recent boycott for low wage workers -- we'll put a hand-made sign in our front window. We also have a more permanent, large decal in support of Planned Parenthood there.
Anyhoo... I've been renovating my studio after some storm damage; the windows to my studio face the street. As I was on the ladder repairing some plaster, I happened to glance out the window and see some weird debris on the sidewalk. I went out to clean it up and to my alarm saw that there were two bullet holes in the house, just below the windows of the studio where I was working.
Of course I called the police. They took some cursory photos of the bullet holes, looked a bit around the neighborhood and left. End of story.
My partner and I are no strangers to being targeted for our political views or for the fact that we're out. Mostly it's just religious extremists leaving messages at our doorstep though one time, when we lived in Virginia, the KKK visited us in the middle of the night and left us a lovely letter. Nevertheless, we aren't the type to scare easily and even now I'm not frightened, just really pissed. The only thing I can't abide more than a bigot is a cowardly bigot.
So now we're left wondering just what pissed someone off so much that they decided to send us a message. Is it because we're an unapologetic, out couple? Our proud support of Planned Parenthood? Because we're dyed-in-the-wool Dems? All of the above?
There's been no followup investigation as to who took shots at us and we both know there isn't going to be one. But just in case something should happen in future, heaven forbid, I thought it prudent to share this story on a more public forum and I think the LGBT forum here is a safe space to do that. I also know that those who choose to participate in this particular group won't dismiss our concerns and fully realize that the intimidation and threats against GLBTs in this country are very real.
That's about it. I'm not inclined to take up forum space with personal issues such as this but hope you will understand why I decided to post this here.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Make copies of EVERYTHING and send to someone you trust; actually send several copies out. When I was being harassed by my bosses, I sent copies to my parents, and my best friend, just in case my apartment, which they had access to, was "inspected." (I lived in university housing and they could inspect my premises at anytime.) This means a copy of this post, all police reports, and anything else that may be in written or recorded form. I know this may sound strange, but contact the ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), as they actually do have persons who deal with sexual orientation issues. I would also suggest contacting a GLBT rights group, just to have one more place of record which is an official organization.
Take care of yourselves and never feel you can't share in this group; that is one of the reasons this group exists!
I can understand your unflappable nature; I was the same when I was single; now, I am "flappable" but it is a wicked flapping, especially if my partner or our animals are involved! You may want to try a women's organization as well. G-d forbid, you need a safe space, then it could be ready and accessible to you both.
Also, I think it is good of you to become a "statistic," because, sadly, too many do not report. Rape, harassment, hate crimes, and bullying are all under-reported, some because people are, well, unflappable and let it roll off them, and others because they are scared. It takes strength and resolve to come forward, even if only to report!
I don't know what else I can do from this part of the country, but if you need something, let me know; I'll do what I can (and I guaran-goddamned-tee there are others here who would do the same!)!
My solution to having the garage window shot out, the spray-painted graffiti messages, the three break-ins, the 6 foot fence being torn down, and now the two bullet holes beneath the front window is to grab the toolbox and make a trip to the hardware store. My first thought is always, "something else to #@**@ fix!". I suppose this last incident was a little too close for comfort. Though I did repair the bullet holes within an hour after the police left. What can I say??? 
I would be scared...and mighty pissed! One night, I got a text from my neighbor asking if we were alright. She had seen people approaching the house, and they ran off when they saw her turn on the porch light. I told my partner, who was already in bed, and he said call the police and promptly went back to sleep. 
For the most part, it was likely some kids trying to steal my sidewalk lights. All I will say, is this is Oklahoma, and everyone has a gun! For the most part (knock on wood), we have been lucky. Of course, when I was in college, then at my first job, I was involved with two people putting a "hit" on me. Ended up with FBI protection, both times. Now, that can get a bit scary, especially when you are dealing with drug lords (I had busted their runners).
Not to be too preachy, just make sure you balance "unflappableness" with a certain amount of caution.
Where were you when my fence blew down?! That shit cost me $2400!
Our hope is to spend our retirement years in a safe, gay-friendly locale. Believe me, we're already looking.
