Using data gathered from a YouGov survey of over 5,000 LGBT people in Britain.
During the previous year, twenty percent of LGBT people experienced hate crimes or incidents because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
During this time period, two-fifths of trans people faced hate incidents because of their gender identity.
Reports show that 80% of anti-LGBT hate crimes remain unreported, while younger LGBT members demonstrate particular reluctance to notify authorities.
Stonewall's new research report titled LGBT in Britain - Hate Crime and Discrimination reveals that LGBT individuals in the UK face ongoing hate crimes and discrimination at alarming rates.
A YouGov survey of more than 5,000 LGBT individuals reveals that discrimination and abuse against this community occur in many forms beyond physical violence on public roads. LGBT individuals face unjust treatment across multiple public settings like local shops and gyms, as well as schools and religious institutions.
Key findings
Hate crime
During the last year, 21% of LGBT individuals experienced hate crimes or incidents related to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
During this period, 41% of trans people faced a hate crime or incident because of their gender identity.
Sixteen percent of LGB individuals who are not transsexual have been victims of hate crimes or incidents based on their sexual orientation.
The number of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people who experienced hate crimes or incidents because of their sexual orientation grew by 78%, moving from 9% in 2013 to 16% in 2017.
Among LGBT individuals who experienced a hate crime or incident, 81% chose not to report the event to law enforcement.
Almost three out of ten LGBT people (29%) choose to bypass certain streets because they experience safety concerns as an LGBT individuals.
A survey reveals that 36% of participants experience discomfort when holding their partner's hand in public spaces. Gay men demonstrate this effect strongly since 58% of them avoid showing public displays of affection.
The last month witnessed 10% of LGBT individuals facing personal homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic abuse. During this time frame, one in four trans people (26%) reported experiencing online transphobic abuse.
Discrimination in daily life
10 percent of LGBT people searching for rental or purchase properties within the last year experienced discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
During the last year, 17% of LGBT individuals who visited a café, restaurant, bar, or nightclub experienced discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
A quarter of Black, Asian, and minority ethnic LGBT individuals who used social services in the past year encountered discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
In the past year, 28% of LGBT attendees at faith services reported discrimination.
According to recent statistics, 10% of LGBT attendees at live sports events faced discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity over the last year.
What respondents said
Rachel, 22 (London)
“I had one incident where girls did not want to enter the bathroom stall I had used despite a large queue, like as if I was infected. Straight people don't know how privileged they are to not have their love questioned, or to have romantic days out and not think about who is around you or how safe you are.”
Freya, 21 (Wales)
“I was assaulted by a man whilst I was holding hands with my lesbian partner. He grabbed me from behind and thrust himself into me, then verbally attacked me.”
Leo, 53 (North East)
“I had occasion to report that I had been harassed and suffered an injury. I talked, they listened, but it was their attitude and I got the impression that it was not being taken seriously.”
What you can do
Stonewall suggests specific measures to address anti-LGBT hate crime and discrimination.
Join Stonewall’s ‘Come Out for LGBT’ campaign to visibly oppose LGBT hate crimes. Demonstrate your support for LGBT equality in every aspect and inspire others to join you, including your friends and family members.
Whenever it is secure to do so, take a stand against online anti-LGBT abuse by speaking out. Assure people who face targeting that you support them as an ally.
Local business owners need to know about anti-LGBT incidents their employees or customers experience. They need to understand that not addressing these incidents will risk losing their business along with that of other customers.
Notify appropriate authorities about homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic discrimination you experience while accessing public services such as housing or social services. The service provider or local council needs notification to address the situation properly.
Reach out to Stonewall’s Information Service at 08000 50 20 20 for advice and support.
Mary Watson
