A troubling wave of violence against the LGBTQ+ community is sweeping across the United States, shattering the illusion of progress and acceptance. According to GLAAD’s newly unveiled Anti-LGBTQ Extremism Reporting Tracker (ALERT), documented attacks on LGBTQ+ individuals have soared by an alarming 112%. This surge encompasses a harrowing array of incidents—from physical assaults and vandalism to bomb threats and fatal shootings—underscoring a crisis that demands immediate attention and action.
A Disturbing Escalation of Violence
Since June 1, 2022, the ALERT Desk has meticulously tracked over 1,850 anti-LGBTQ+ incidents across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The breadth of these attacks is staggering:
- 450+ Protests targeting LGBTQ+ events, particularly drag shows.
- 330+ Propaganda Drops spreading hateful misinformation.
- 320+ Acts of Vandalism defacing LGBTQ+ symbols like Pride flags.
- 200+ Bomb and Mass Shooting Threats aimed at LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations.
- 130+ Physical Assaults against members of the community.
- 45+ Cases of Arson destroying safe spaces and resources.
These incidents have resulted in at least 161 injuries and 21 fatalities, painting a somber picture of the growing hostility LGBTQ+ Americans are experiencing.
Behind each statistic lies a personal tragedy. Ed Sanders, a survivor of the horrific Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs, recounted the night that forever altered his life:
“Bartenders Daniel and Derrick, who were both murdered in cold blood right before my eyes that night, took care of all of us family at Club Q… While I’m sure the shooter thinks he took our spirit that night, he didn’t. We are healing. We are stronger than ever. You cannot destroy our community by killing individuals. You can’t kill our love and our spirit because love wins.”
In Somerville, Massachusetts, a bomb threat against a Drag Queen Story Hour forced the evacuation of a public library. Jeremy Simon from GLAAD emphasized that such incidents are part of a broader, more systemic attack:
“Our data shows how that incident is connected to the bigger picture—a broad-based, systemic attack against LGBTQ people, our visibility, our equality, and our allies. It’s one of 365 attacks nationwide against drag artisan events. It’s one of 63 anti-LGBTQ attacks in Massachusetts alone, one of 15 attacks specifically against drag in Massachusetts.”
The surge in violence and hate speech has profound implications for the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly youth. Dr. Jack Turban, pediatric psychiatrist and director of the gender psychiatry program at the University of California, San Francisco, highlighted the psychological toll:
“Kids are hearing things like being trans is a mental illness or being trans is bad. My patients know that none of those things are true, but if you’re hearing it every single day, all over social media and the news, it’s impossible not to be impacted by that.”
Even in states where gender-affirming care is protected, the pervasive anti-trans rhetoric is causing significant distress among young people who fear for their safety and future.
Online Hate Translating to Real-World Violence
The internet has become a breeding ground for anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, which often spills over into real-world aggression. Salina EsTitties, a celebrated drag artist and competitor from Season 15 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, shared her harrowing experiences with online and in-person hate:
“There’s comments every single day of people saying, ‘This is not what God created. Just shoot it between the eyes and get rid of it.’ The online hate is insane, and people are so willing to just let it all out. It’s a clear representation of how people actually feel in America.”
Salina’s experiences are not isolated. Many LGBTQ+ individuals face daily threats and harassment, both online and offline, simply for living authentically.
Violent extremist and anti-LGBTQ+ advocacy groups like the Proud Boys, Patriot Front, and Blood Tribe have been actively promoting hate through disruptive and violent actions at LGBTQ+ events and spaces. Their involvement intensifies the danger, leading to organized attacks that are more coordinated and potentially more lethal.
These groups have been identified as orchestrating protests at drag shows, distributing hateful propaganda, and even planning violent assaults. Their actions not only endanger LGBTQ+ individuals but also create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation that affects entire communities.
A Paradox of Progress and Persecution
This surge in violence comes at a time when LGBTQ+ visibility is higher than ever. LGBTQ+ individuals make up 7.6% of U.S. adults and an astonishing 22.3% of Gen Z. Our stories are increasingly represented in media, with 27.3% of films by major distributors featuring LGBTQ+ characters. The passage of the Respect for Marriage Act in late 2022 codified the right to love freely.
Yet, this progress is met with fierce backlash:
- Over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in state legislatures, targeting everything from drag events to transgender medical care.
- Thousands of attempted book bans in school districts, aiming to erase LGBTQ+ stories.
- At least 25 transgender and gender non-conforming individuals killed in 2024, 72% of whom were people of color.
The juxtaposition of increased visibility and escalating violence highlights a dire need for action.
GLAAD’s ALERT Tracker: A Beacon in Dark Times
In response to this crisis, GLAAD has launched the ALERT Tracker, serving as a central hub for resources and original reporting on anti-LGBTQ+ incidents. Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD, stressed the importance of this initiative:
“Too many anti-LGBTQ incidents go unreported and uninvestigated. Survivors navigate fears of retaliation and forced outing, fraught relationships with law enforcement, and media coverage that fails to recognize the importance of accurately reporting on LGBTQ identities. The ALERT Desk seeks to challenge these narratives by providing a dedicated space for these stories.”
The tracker not only compiles data but also shares personal testimonials, putting faces and voices to the statistics. By doing so, it aims to foster understanding, encourage reporting, and ultimately drive change.
Community Leaders Speak Out
Bamby Salcedo, President and CEO of The TransLatin@ Coalition, has witnessed firsthand the dangers faced by transgender individuals:
“Trans, gender nonconforming, and intersex people continue to be under attack. Our organization has received bomb threats and hate mail simply because of who we are and how we support our community. We will continue to organize and strategize for us to have a better quality of life.”
Dr. Izzy Lowell, founder of QueerMed, remains resolute despite her office being burned down by arsonists:
“We at QueerMed will never stop providing affirming medical care for transgender and nonbinary people, despite physical attacks and unfounded government threats.”
Their unwavering commitment in the face of violence serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.
Building Solidarity and Resilience
Amid the surge of violence, there is a growing call for unity and collective action. Marie Cottrell, executive director of Out Montclair, emphasizes the importance of community solidarity:
“Find folks in your community who will stand with you in the face of intolerance. Build a community of support—forge relationships with local law enforcement, the township, the mayor, and the town council. Having open conversations that address really hard questions starts the process of understanding and healing in your community.”
By fostering connections and standing together, communities can become fortified against hate and provide a safer environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.
A Call to Action for Allies
The escalating violence is not just an LGBTQ+ issue; it’s a societal crisis that requires widespread attention and action. Allies play a crucial role in combating hate. Marti Gould Cummings, a nationally recognized drag artist and former candidate for NYC City Council, urges allies to step up:
“I’m committed to supporting this project as part of the collective effort to work diligently to protect queer people, especially our transgender community members, who are the targets of hate. It’s easy to ignore online harassment until it’s too late when it translates into real-world massacres like at Pulse nightclub and Club Q.”
Allies can support by:
- Speaking out against anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.
- Supporting LGBTQ+ organizations and businesses.
- Educating themselves and others about the issues faced by the community.
- Advocating for policies that protect LGBTQ+ rights and safety.
The media plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception. GLAAD pointed out that media coverage often frames medical care for transgender people as a “debate,” despite every major medical association supporting the care. This false framing can fuel misinformation and hatred.
Accurate, empathetic reporting is essential to counteract the spread of harmful narratives. Journalists and media outlets are encouraged to use resources like the ALERT Tracker to inform their coverage and highlight the human impact of anti-LGBTQ+ violence.
Despite the daunting challenges, the LGBTQ+ community continues to demonstrate incredible resilience and courage. As Ed Sanders poignantly stated, love and spirit cannot be extinguished by violence.
The launch of GLAAD’s ALERT Tracker is a significant step toward addressing and combating the surge of anti-LGBTQ+ violence. By bringing these incidents to light and providing resources for action, it empowers individuals and communities to stand against hate.
As hate crimes historically increase during presidential election years, the urgency to address this crisis intensifies. Building intersectional coalitions with other marginalized groups targeted by hate can strengthen the collective response.
“I think that it’s really important that you be the person that the community needs,” said Marie Cottrell. “It’s a small step, but it’s a step forward in helping others understand the community.”
By uniting across communities, advocating for justice, and promoting understanding, we can work toward a future where LGBTQ+ individuals are safe, valued, and free to live authentically.
In Solidarity and Vigilance
The alarming rise in anti-LGBTQ+ violence is a call to action for all who believe in equality and human rights. It underscores the necessity of vigilance, solidarity, and proactive efforts to combat hate.
As Dr. Jack Turban emphasized, “All youth and all families deserve access to healthcare without feeling unsafe or intimidated. The threats are awful, but they won’t work. As physicians, we are always going to continue to support the families who need us.”
In these challenging times, standing together is more critical than ever. By supporting initiatives like GLAAD’s ALERT Tracker, advocating for policy changes, and fostering inclusive communities, we can confront this crisis head-on.
Take Action
- Report Incidents: If you witness or experience anti-LGBTQ+ violence or harassment, report it to local authorities and organizations like GLAAD’s ALERT Tracker.
- Support Affected Individuals: Offer support to those who have been targeted by violence, whether through listening, providing resources, or connecting them with support networks.
- Advocate for Change: Contact your local representatives to express support for policies that protect LGBTQ+ individuals and condemn hate-based legislation.
- Educate Others: Share information about the rise in anti-LGBTQ+ violence to raise awareness and encourage others to take action.
The LGBTQ+ community, their families, and allies are not alone in this fight. By coming together, sharing stories, and taking collective action, we can challenge the forces of hate and work toward a society where everyone is free to be themselves without fear.
