Gacy Series Highlights Systemic Biases When Reporting Abuse

"True crime enthusiasts have been captivated this past month by Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, a documentary series that revisits the late serial killer 's notorious crimes during the 1970s. The series reveals how societal prejudice and police bias against the LGBTQ community contributed to the dismissal of many of Gacy's victims, many of whom were young gay men who were written off as "runaways" or "troubled youth.""

"Gacy's story is an example of how prejudice and systemic neglect can allow violence to continue unnoticed. It highlights how bias actively enabled Gacy's crimes by affording him a degree of impunity. Because his victims came from marginalized groups that authorities were less inclined to protect, their disappearances were often dismissed or overlooked, allowing his violence to continue unchecked. While the series isn't explicitly about homophobia, it illustrates how societal stigma and indifference can contribute to harm for marginalized groups."

John Wayne Gacy's crimes demonstrate how homophobia and institutional prejudice led authorities to dismiss disappearances and assaults of young gay men as 'runaways' or 'troubled youth.' Bias and systemic neglect granted perpetrators impunity and allowed violence to continue unchecked. Law enforcement downplayed assaults and ignored reports from LGBTQ individuals, reflecting enduring patterns that undermine reporting and investigation. Contemporary LGBTQ victims continue to face distrust and under-investigation, fostering fear of institutions meant to protect them. Addressing these harms requires confronting societal stigma, reforming police practices, and rebuilding trust through equitable investigation, protection, and accountability for marginalized victims.

Read at Psychology Today