Dramatic Surge in Anti-LGBTQ+ Violence and Hate Crimes Reported Across the United States

Sharp Increase in Anti-LGBTQ+ Incidents: New Findings

A comprehensive new report from GLAAD’s ALERT Desk, tracking data from May 1, 2024, to May 1, 2025, has documented a startling 932 anti-LGBTQ+ incidents across 49 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. This equates to an average of 2.5 attacks or incidents every day, marking a 14% increase compared to the previous year. Notably, 52% of these incidents specifically targeted transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, underscoring the heightened risks faced by some of the most vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community [GLAAD, https://glaad.org/2025-alert-desk/, 2025-06-02][GLAAD, https://glaad.org/glaad-alert-desk-data-shows-dramatic-rise-in-anti-trans-hate-incidents/, 2025-06-02].

Violence and Fatalities Disproportionately Affecting Marginalized Groups

Among the incidents reported, at least 84 resulted in injuries and 10 involved fatalities. Disturbingly, eight of these fatal attacks were perpetrated against LGBTQ+ people of color, highlighting the intersectional challenges faced by individuals who experience both racism and anti-LGBTQ+ hostility [GLAAD, https://glaad.org/glaad-alert-desk-data-shows-dramatic-rise-in-anti-trans-hate-incidents/, 2025-06-02]. The GLAAD report notes that violent hate crimes disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ people, a finding echoed by the Williams Institute at UCLA, which has found that LGBTQ+ individuals are nine times more likely to experience violent hate crimes than non-LGBTQ+ individuals [Williams Institute, https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/anti-lgbt-victimization-us/, 2025-02-10].

Political and Legislative Context

The surge in anti-LGBTQ+ incidents coincides with an unprecedented wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislative activity and rhetoric in the United States. Over the past year, 575 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in state legislatures, with 92% ultimately being defeated. This legislative climate, combined with at least four executive orders from the Trump administration that targeted transgender Americans, has created an environment in which anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment is emboldened [GLAAD, https://glaad.org/2025-alert-desk/, 2025-06-02]. Additionally, more than $215 million was spent on political advertising during the 2024 campaign season specifically attacking transgender people [GLAAD, https://glaad.org/2025-alert-desk/, 2025-06-02].

Impact on Schools, Public Spaces, and Everyday Life

The report also highlights a significant rise in anti-LGBTQ+ incidents in educational settings, with 270 incidents targeting students, teachers, professors, and librarians over the past year. This increase (up 10% from the previous year) coincides with over 10,000 book bans in public schools during the 2023–24 academic year, many involving LGBTQ+-themed works such as “All Boys Aren’t Blue” and “Flamer” [GLAAD, https://glaad.org/2025-alert-desk/, 2025-06-02]. The normalization of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric at school board meetings and in public spaces has contributed to a broader culture of intolerance.

Underreporting and Data Challenges

Despite the alarming figures, advocates warn that these numbers may underestimate the true scale of anti-LGBTQ+ violence. GLAAD’s ALERT Desk notes that hate crime statutes and reporting are inconsistent and often ignored. Federal agencies such as the Bureau of Justice Statistics have also begun removing references to gender identity from their data collection, making it harder to track trends over time. Many victims are reluctant to report incidents due to fears of forced outing or mistrust of law enforcement, further obscuring the scope of the problem [GLAAD, https://glaad.org/glaad-alert-desk-data-shows-dramatic-rise-in-anti-trans-hate-incidents/, 2025-06-02].

Broader National Trends and LGBTQ+ Advocacy Response

The surge in violence and hate crimes comes amid a broader national increase in hate crimes, even as overall violent crime has declined. FBI data show that hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation and gender identity bias rose nearly 9% from 2022 to 2023, with 2,936 incidents reported—making these the third and fourth most prevalent motivations behind race/ethnicity and religion [ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/US/hate-crimes-lgbtq-community-rise-fbi-data/story?id=113962673, 2024-09-24]. LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations have called for greater legislative action, improved data collection, and stronger protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Brian K. Bond, CEO of PFLAG National, stated, “Our LGBTQ+ loved ones need both our compassion and our action to make our communities safe and our laws inclusive, so every LGBTQ+ person can be safe, celebrated, affirmed and loved everywhere in the U.S.” [ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/US/hate-crimes-lgbtq-community-rise-fbi-data/story?id=113962673, 2024-09-24].

Moving Forward: Community and Policy Solutions

LGBTQ+ advocates emphasize the urgent need for systemic change to address both the immediate violence and its broader causes. They are calling for:

- Consistent hate crime reporting and data collection that includes gender identity and sexual orientation.
- The repeal of discriminatory laws and executive orders.
- Increased funding and support for LGBTQ+ community organizations and victim services.
- Educational initiatives to foster greater acceptance and understanding in schools and communities.

GLAAD’s ALERT Desk continues to provide a dedicated platform for reporting and documenting anti-LGBTQ+ incidents, seeking to ensure that the experiences of LGBTQ+ people are visible and addressed at all levels of society [GLAAD, https://glaad.org/glaad-alert-desk-data-shows-dramatic-rise-in-anti-trans-hate-incidents/, 2025-06-02].