Mountaindewed, we've all got to be strong and not let hate make us hide or back down. Your therapist is correct that it is out there and on the rise. Since just before 2016 it's been especially stoked and many with hate feel empowered and given a voice, where it "seemed" less prevalent in the past. To hide from hate is to let it win and to give up life.

No one seems to be immune from hate crimes, especially nowadays. Not even me and I'm not exactly a person many would point at as a likely recipient of one. I've also been a victim of other types of crime. The lessons I've learned keep me safer, but without giving up the life I want.