In the Life "Dismantling Hate" on WXXI-TV

IN THE LIFE talks to hate crime victims and perpetrators about the nature of hate.

As has been the case for many social and political minorities in our country, the LGBT community confronts a media landscape effective in spreading misinformation about it. The most radical voices claim that gay and lesbian people are a threat to children, our country, even our way of life. In the lead segment, we look at hate-speech and whether, in a nation lacking legal protections for LGBT people, it incites violence against the LGBT community.

IN THE LIFE "Dismantling Hate" airs Sunday, April 25 at 11:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV (DT 21.1/ cable 1011 and 11).

This episode of IN THE LIFE also features Alix Smith, an artist who is traveling the country photographing hundreds of same-sex couples, challenging stereotypes and taking conventional portraiture to a new level. Throughout its history, portraiture has been used to memorialize lineage and honor patriarchs and matriarchs. However, these depictions have focused almost exclusively on the heterosexual family unit. Photographer Alix Smith seeks to expand public perception by framing LGBT families into conventional portraits.