This article explores the recent surge in LGBTQ+ hate crimes and the importance of allyship in combating this growing threat. It highlights the bravery of those who stand up against prejudice and examines the qualities that define a true ally, based on insights from social scientists and real-life examples.
Social logins don't work in some apps. Please use a standard web browser (like Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge) to log in with Google or Facebook. Your account isn't active yet. We've emailed you an activation link. Please check your inbox and click the link to activate your account. LGBTQ+ hate crimes in the U.S. are motivated by anti- LGBTQ+ bias. Interestingly, in some rare cases, the perpetrators may only think they’re assaulting an LGBTQ+ person.
A recent incident highlighted this issue, where a group of friends pretended to be gay after hearing some guys throwing around homophobic slurs. The situation quickly escalated, with the men starting to fight, even involving the bartender. The group of friends demonstrated the true spirit of allyship, as one commenter praised: “This is the kind of action that suited them at the moment. And while it was dangerous, their act was pretty heroic.” However, there are other ways to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community without risking your health and well-being.In 2023, social scientists aimed to understand the qualities of a true ally from the perspective of the LGBTQ+ community. They found that the highest-rated individuals were not only silent allies but took action and backed up their words with deeds. Conversely, those who took action while still harboring bias against LGBTQ+ individuals were rated lower. The last component of allyship identified was humility. LGBTQ+ participants believed that those who listen more than they speak in discussions about LGBTQ+ issues were better allies. While important, humility was mentioned less frequently than the other two components.Just as society was starting to make progress in securing equal rights for LGBTQ+ people, it seems we've been moving backward in the 2020s. In the U.S. alone, crimes based on gender have risen 32.9% in 2022, a five-year high. Hate crimes based on sexual orientation increased 13.8%. Additionally, there's been a significant backlash against transgender individuals, with 23 states passing 75 bills in 2023 that included restrictions on gender-affirming care, school sports, school instructions, and drag. The situation in the UK isn't much better, with hate crimes on the basis of sexual orientation increasing by 112% in the last five years. These types of hate crimes, coupled with those based on transgender identity, often involve violence or threats of violence.Adding to this grim reality, Stonewall, Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ charity, reports that a staggering 67 countries still have national laws where same-sex relationships are considered a crime. Stonewall strongly urges the government to implement a clear plan to tackle hate crimes, advocating for proper training and resources for the police and courts. They emphasize the need for these institutions to collaborate closely with communities in providing support for victims.
LGBTQ+ Human Rights LGBTQ+ Hate Crimes Allyship Discrimination Transgender Rights Social Justice
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