Anti-LGBT abuse extends beyond acts of hate and violence on the streets, with many LGBT people enduring poor treatment while using public services and going about their lives, whether in their local shop, gym, school or place of worship.
This is according to a new research from UK-based Stonewall – LGBT in Britain – Hate Crime and Discrimination – which highlighted “the shocking levels of hate crime and discrimination that LGBT people still face” today, at least particularly in Britain, where the study was conducted.
Based on YouGov polling of over 5000 LGBT people, the research revealed that:
- One in five LGBT people (21%) experienced a hate crime or incident due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity in the last 12 months
- Two in five trans people (41%) experienced a hate crime or incident because of their gender identity in the last 12 months, and one in six LGB people who aren’t trans (16%) experienced a hate crime or incident due to their sexual orientation in the same period
- The number of lesbian, gay and bisexual people who experienced a hate crime or incident in the last year because of their sexual orientation has risen by 78% from 9% in 2013 to 16% in 2017
- Four in five LGBT people (81%) who experienced a hate crime or incident didn’t report it to the police
- Three in 10 LGBT people (29%) avoid certain streets because they do not feel safe there as an LGBT person
- More than a third of LGBT people (36%) said they don’t feel comfortable walking down the street while holding their partner’s hand, with the number increasing to three in five gay men (58%)
- One in 10 LGBT people (10%) have experienced homophobic, biphobic or transphobic abuse online directed towards them personally in the last month, with the number increasing to one in four for trans people (26%) directly experiencing transphobic abuse online in the last month
The discrimination also happens in day-to-day life. For instance:
- One in 10 LGBT people (10%) who were looking for a house or flat to rent or buy in the last year were discriminated against because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity
- Almost three in 10 LGBT people (28%) who visited a faith service or place of worship in the past 12 months experienced discrimination
- One in six LGBT people (17%) who visited a café, restaurant, bar or nightclub in the last 12 months have been discriminated against based on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity
- One in 10 LGBT people (10%) who attended a live sporting event in the last year experienced discrimination because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity
Anti-LGBT abuse extends beyond acts of hate and violence on the streets, with many LGBT people enduring poor treatment while using public services and going about their lives.
PHOTO BY CUNCON FROM PIXABAY.COM
Minority sectors in the already minority LGBT community are also worse off. One in four black, Asian and minority ethnic LGBT people (24%) accessing social services in the last year have been discriminated against because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
“While we have come so far… it is clear that much must still be done before all LGBT people can feel safe, included and free to be themselves… These findings warn against complacency, and stand as a call to action. Building on the achievements of the past and working together as we look ahead, we can all play a role in bringing forward the day when every LGBT person, everywhere, is accepted without exception,” Ruth Hunt, chief executive of Stonewall, stated in the foreword of the study.
