GLAAD has released a new report sounding the alarm on the growing threats faced by queer people in the United States. According to the data from GLAAD’s ALERT desk, there were 932 anti-LGBTQ incidents reported in the past year—that’s an average of nearly two and a half incidents every single day.
This is a record in modern American history. Even more disturbing, those incidents led to 84 injuries and 10 deaths. Trans and gender non-conforming people bore the brunt of the violence, making up 52 percent of all reported incidents—485 out of 932. That marks a 14 percent increase compared to the previous year.
These numbers are stark because surveys show that trans and non binary make up 1 in every 50 LGBTQ community members but are more than half of all reported incidents. Attacks on educators and public servants are also on the rise. GLAAD tracked 181 incidents involving elected officials and local government members, which shows a 57 percent jump. And educators, librarians, and school staff were targeted 270 times, which is up by 10 percent from last year. However, there is a glimmer of hope. Attacks on drag performers and venues have dropped by 55 percent. Incidents targeting Pride flags and symbols are also down by 25 percent.
GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis didn’t mince words, writing,
“This year, rollbacks in LGBTQ visibility and challenges to our rights are coupled with a sharp rise in anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and disinformation across social media and political campaigns. The result is a divisive cultural climate that comes at a cost.”
She also mentioned that the data from GLAAD’s ALERT Desk shows 90% of non-LGBTQ Americans believe that the LGBTQ community deserves to live free from violence and discrimination.
For LGBTQ viewers, this report is a powerful reminder: we must stay informed, support one another, and continue demanding accountability—because our safety and our lives are on the line.
