Anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes remain high

Despite the decline in overall violent crime in the United States, anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes remain high. Latest Reports From the Federal Bureau of Investigation, released Tuesday.

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In 2024, law enforcement reported 2,278 single Bias hate crimes based on sexual orientation, with 527 people reporting that they were sharing data with the FBI. Sexually oriented crimes have fallen by 5% from the 2,402 tally in 2023. For crimes based on gender identity, it is down 3% from the total of 547 in 2023. Crime in both categories increased from 2022 to 2023.

But the numbers are still unacceptably high, activists say, and anti-LGBTQ+ political rhetoric is often blamed.

There are estimated 1,221,345 violent crimes nationwide, down 4.5% from the 2023 estimate, the FBI report said.

There were 16,419 agencies participating in the FBI’s hate crime statistics data collection program in 2024, of which 3,127 (19%) reported 11,679 cases. The remaining 81% of agents reported no hate crimes occurring in their jurisdiction.

Of the 11,323 single Bias cases reported, 17.2% were motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation. It is the third largest category, with crimes based on race, ethnicity, or ancestry being the first, and religiously motivated crime being the second. There was 4.1% based on the fourth largest category, gender identity bias.

Crimes based on sexual orientation included 51.8% classified as anti-gay male bias. 37.1% were encouraged by anti-sbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (mixed group) bias. 8.1% is classified as anti-lusbian bias. 2% are classified as anti-bisexual bias. and 1% motivated by anti-heterosexual bias.

Of the single-bias crimes based on gender identity, 72.5% were anti-transgender and 27.5% were anti-genderless.

The majority of all hate crimes were on people, not their property. Crimes against people include blackmail, simple assault, aggravated assault, rape and murder. There have been 21 rapes and seven murders reported.

“The FBI’s 2024 hate crime data reveals a clear hidden national emergency. Everyone deserves a chance to have a safe and prosperous opportunity in this country. LGBTQ+ People, we are increasingly trying to push us out of the margins of society.” statement Human Rights Campaign President Kelly Robinson has been released. “These smears come with costs. The FBI exposes a horrifying reality. Our community is a target of violence, and it is unacceptable. It is unacceptable. LGBTQ+ people, like everyone else, need attractive support, pursuing our lives and education, building our homes, pursuing American dreams, seeking our heads, without seeking the threat of violence. We.”