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While overall hate crimes in California decreased slightly in 2023, crimes targeting LGBTQ+ individuals saw a disturbing rise. This troubling trend has left many LGBTQ+ Californians feeling unsafe and unsupported in their communities, particularly Black transgender women.

In a media briefing on July 18, hosted by Ethnic Media Services, a panel of experts discussed the rise in anti-LGBTQ+ hate, the CA vs Hate initiative, and on-the-ground stories of LGBTQ+ people’s experiences and efforts to combat hate.

Speakers

  • Becky Monroe, Deputy Director of Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs, The Civil Rights Department
  • Toni Newman, Black Leadership Council, Director of The Coalition for Justice and Equality Across Movements, Director of The Center to End the Epidemic
  • Andy Ruiz, Legal Support Staff and Grant Administrator, St. Johns Community Health Legal Services Department
  • Aries Yumul, Coordinator LGBTQ+ District Resource and Support, Santa Clara County Office of Education

Facing the Numbers

LGBTQ+ hate crimes accounted for a staggering 24.2% of all hate crimes reported to the California Attorney General’s office between 2022 and 2023. While overall hate crimes fell by 8.9%, crimes motivated by sexual orientation bias rose by 4.1% and those motivated by anti-transgender or anti-gender-nonconforming bias saw a 7.04% increase. Most concerning, there was a massive 86.4% increase in anti-LGBTQ+ bias events overall.

Underreporting: A Hidden Crisis

Becky Monroe, acknowledge that these numbers likely underestimate the true scope of the problem. “We hear directly from these communities that many don’t feel safe to report or that it’s not being shared accurately,” Monroe explained.

CA vs Hate: A Beacon of Support

To address this critical need, California launched the CA vs Hate hotline in March 2023. This multilingual initiative aims to empower Californians to report hate crimes and access vital resources. The hotline connects individuals with state agencies and a network of over 200 community-based organizations offering legal aid, counseling, mental health services,social services, and advocacy. Notably, the hotline provides services in over 200 languages with online downloadable resources available in 24 languages.

Addressing All Forms of Hate

“CA vs Hate goes beyond just reported crimes,” says Monroe. The hotline responds to all forms of hate, including incidents that may not meet the legal definition of a hate crime. Monroe cites the example of a young African American woman in San Francisco who felt unsafe due to persistent in-store following. Though it may not have been a crime, it caused her distress. Thanks to CA vs Hate, she was connected with organizations who understood her experience.

Transgender Women of Color: A Disproportionate Target

The briefing also highlighted the disproportionate impact of hate crimes on transgender women of color. Toni Newman pointed out that “over 40%, on average per year, are trans women of color,” among LGBTQ+ deaths annually. In 2023 alone, 84% of documented transgender homicides involved victims of color, with Black transgender women making up half of those fatalities.

Newman, a transgender woman of color herself, spoke powerfully about the challenges faced by this community. “I have 30 years of lived experience as a trans woman of color,” she shared. “I had graduated from Wake Forest and found myself homeless, without family and friends. I have lived through what it is to have no home, and what hate looks like, up close and personal.” Poverty, job insecurity, and a lack of access to healthcare all contribute to a heightened risk of violence. Newman emphasized, “We are Americans. We are not asking for special treatment, just fair treatment.”

Battling Hate on the Ground

The briefing also featured voices from individuals working directly with LGBTQ+ communities. Andy Ruiz shared their experience representing victims of hate crimes. They highlighted the reluctance of many victims to report due to past negative experiences with law enforcement. “I’ve found it very helpful paralleling this work with my immigration work when it comes to victims’ reluctance to report hate crimes to law enforcement,” Ruiz explained. They emphasized the importance of building trust and ensuring victims have access to the support they need.

Another speaker, Aries Rivers Yumul addressed the issue of LGBTQ+ safety in schools. Having lost several students to suicide, Yumul underlined the need for schools to be safe spaces. “I was a high school teacher for many years, and I wanted to make my classroom a safe space. However, that wasn’t enough. During those years I lost five students to suicide, and these will stay with me for the rest of my life,” he said. Yumul highlighted his involvement in advocating for legislation like SB 760, AB 5, and AB 1078, which aim to create safer and more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ students in California.

A Call to Action

The rise in anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes in California paints a disturbing picture. However, the launch of CA vs Hate and the dedication of community organizations offer a glimmer of hope. By working together and providing vital resources,California can create a safer and more inclusive future for all LGBTQ+ residents.