Hate crimes against LGBT people in Britain by 78 per cent since 2013, new research has shown.
The research, conducted by Stonewall, found that one in five LGBT people have experienced a hate crime and incident because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity in the last 12 months.
The survey, which polled over 5,000 LGBT people, also revealed that 41 per cent of trans people have experienced a hate crime or incident because of their gender identity in the last year.
One woman surveyed said, “I had one incident where girls did not want to enter the bathroom stall I had used despite a large queue, like I was infected.”
“Straight people don’t know how privileged they are not to have their love questioned, or to have romantic days out and not think about who is around you or how safe you are.”
Speaking about the research, Ruth Hunt, Chief Executive, Stonewall, said, “While we have come a long way in the past 25 years, it is clear there is still a huge amount of work we need to do before all LGBT people can feel safe, included and free to be themselves in Britain today.”
“This report warns against complacency, and stands as a call to action for everyone who supports equality.”
“We now need to work together, to bring forward the day when no individual faces hatred or discrimination simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
“At Stonewall, we want everyone across Britain who feels impacted by reading this report to join our campaign and pledge to come out for LGBT people everywhere, as visible allies.”
“Together we can create a world where LGBT people are accepted without exception.”
The report coincides with a new national awareness campaign from the lesbian, gay, bi and trans quality charity, to encourage all people in Britain to ‘Come Out for LGBT’ and support equality for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people everywhere.
