This blog originally appeared at Trans Legislation Tracker.

In 2023, anti-trans bills continue to be introduced across the country. We track legislation that seeks to block trans people from receiving basic healthcare, education, legal recognition, and the right to publicly exist.

What bills are you tracking?

We strive to present the most comprehensive and up-to-date data record of anti-trans legislation in the United States. Trans Legislation Tracker also maintains an expanding archive of historical data regarding U.S. anti-trans bills.

What is happening with anti-trans legislation in 2023?

2023 marks the fourth consecutive record-breaking year for anti-trans legislation in the U.S. In just one month, the U.S. doubled the number of anti-trans bills being considered across the country from the previous year. We’ve seen familiar themes: attacks on gender-affirming care, education, athletics, birth certificates, religious discrimination, and other categories documented in our 2022 anti-trans legislation overview.

However, in 2023 we’ve seen an escalation on healthcare, as states like Kansas, Oklahoma, and South Carolina introduce bans on gender-affirming care that extend into adulthood—up to 26 years old.

In educational settings, bills like AZ HB1700 encourage parents to report and ban books which “promote gender fluidity or gender pronouns.” Others like AZ SB1001 require that both a guardian and teacher approve of a student’s pronouns.

We’ve also seen the rise of “drag bans” targeting gender non-conforming performance. Bills like AZ SB1026 use broad definitions like dressing “in clothing and makeup opposite of the performer’s […] gender at birth” and using language like “drag show targeting minors” to insinuate harmful intent. And the definitions are often broad enough to include libraries hosting story hours, musicals, or even an acting troupe performing Shakespeare.

National anti-trans legislation also surfaced in 2023. The “Women’s Bill of Rights” would erase trans recognition by the federal government, defining sex assigned at birth as an “immutable” definition of man or woman, boy or girl. The “My Child, My Choice Act” would impose educational restrictions nationally that are similar to those we’re tracking in states across the country.

Learn about anti-trans legislation

Do you want to learn about the recent history of anti-trans legislation in the United States? We maintain an overview of anti-trans data that documents the steep rise in U.S. bills targeting trans kids and adults. You can also explore our complete record of 2022 anti-trans legislation.

Our further reading recommendations curate articles exploring the language and arguments employed in these transphobic bills, as well as the organizations promoting anti-trans legislation.

We produce our own features including “What about Texas?”, which describes state-level efforts that go beyond the footprint of legislation, like Texas Governor Gregg Abbott’s recent attack on widely accepted gender-affirming care.

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This blog originally appeared at NBC News.

A group of men made anti-gay comments directed at a 44-year-old man before one of them stabbed him in the leg, police say.

A disturbing incident occurred in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood on Wednesday night, which is known as one of the city’s vibrant gay neighborhoods. A 44-year-old man was walking along a street adorned with rainbow flags when he was subjected to an anti-gay remark by a group of men. When the victim confronted the men, he was punched in the face by two of them, and another individual stabbed him in the leg. The New York City Police Department is investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.

The victim was promptly taken to a hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. Meanwhile, the suspects involved in the attack are still at large, and efforts are underway to apprehend them.

Erik Bottcher, a New York City Council Member who represents Hell’s Kitchen and identifies as gay, expressed his outrage over the incident. Such acts of violence targeting individuals based on their sexual orientation are deeply concerning and emphasize the ongoing need for increased efforts to combat hate crimes and promote inclusivity and acceptance.

Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen is known as one of New York City’s most vibrant “gayborhoods.”Google Maps

“New York City is a symbol of diversity and freedom throughout the world, and Hell’s Kitchen is a haven for the LGBTQ+ community, and we will always stand up against hate of all kinds,” Bottcher said in a statement. “We will not be intimidated.”

The recent stabbing incident in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood is part of a troubling pattern of violence targeting LGBTQ individuals, establishments, and symbols in the city. These incidents have occurred in a city that is often regarded as the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement.

In February, a woman set fire to a rainbow pride flag outside a Manhattan restaurant, which is also being investigated as a potential anti-LGBTQ hate crime. Last month, right-wing protesters gathered at a Drag Story Hour event held at an LGBTQ community center in Manhattan, creating a tense atmosphere.

More recently, several suspects were arraigned in connection with a series of drug-facilitated robberies that resulted in the deaths of two gay men. Many of the victims, including the deceased, were targeted near or outside gay bars in Hell’s Kitchen. While authorities suspect that the primary motive was financial gain, the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is involved in the investigation.

These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges and threats faced by the LGBTQ community, even in a city known for its history of LGBTQ activism and acceptance. Efforts to address hate crimes, promote inclusivity, and ensure the safety of LGBTQ individuals and spaces remain crucial in combating such violence and discrimination.

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This blog originally appeared at Williams Institute.

A recent study conducted by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law has revealed alarming statistics regarding hate crimes against LGBT individuals. The study found that approximately one out of 10 violent victimizations against LGBT people are hate crimes. Furthermore, LGBT individuals are nine times more likely to be victims of violent hate crimes compared to non-LGBT individuals.

The research, which analyzed hate crime data from the 2017-2019 National Crime Victimization Survey, highlighted several key findings. LGBT victims of violent hate crimes were more likely to be younger and have a relationship with their assailant. Additionally, the study indicated that assailants in LGBT hate crimes were more likely to be white.

During the period of 2017 to 2019, the study reported that LGBT individuals experienced 6.6 violent hate crime victimizations per 1,000 people, while non-LGBT individuals experienced 0.8 victimizations per 1,000 people. The consequences of these hate crimes extended beyond the immediate incident, as LGBT victims of violent hate crimes were more likely to report difficulties in their social lives, negative emotional responses, and physical symptoms of distress.

These findings highlight the urgent need for greater awareness, prevention, and support systems to address the persistent issue of hate crimes targeting the LGBT community. It is imperative to advocate for inclusive policies, promote tolerance and acceptance, and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. The study underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to combat discrimination, promote equality, and create a safer society for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“Hate crimes have adverse physical and psychological effects on LGBT victims that are greater than the effect of similar crimes not motivated by hate,” said study author Ilan H. Meyer, Distinguished Senior Scholar of Public Policy at the Williams Institute. “These findings highlight the importance of developing and strengthening federal, state, and local interventions to protect LGBT people from victimization and providing support and services to mitigate the ill effects of hate crime victimization.”

Read the report

About the Study

The report, “Hate crimes against LGBT people: National Crime Victimization Survey, 2017-2019” appears in PLOS ONE and is co-authored by Andrew R. Flores, Ph.D., Rebecca L. Stotzer, Ph.D., Ilan Meyer, Ph.D., and Lynn L. Langton, Ph.D.

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This blog originally appeared at BBC News.

Recent reports highlight a significant increase in LGBT hate crimes in the West, with figures from three police forces revealing a rise of over 50% in just two years. In 2019, a total of 712 incidents were reported, while in 2021, that number surged to 1,109.

One possible explanation for this increase is the improved “trust and confidence” individuals have in reporting such incidents to the police. This suggests that more victims are willing to come forward and report these crimes, leading to a more accurate representation of the problem.

Andy Shilton said people “feel it is easier to shout abuse” since the pandemic

Steffi Barnett, a presenter of an LGBT radio show in Bristol, has expressed concern over the current attitudes toward transgender individuals, describing them as “vociferous” and “horrible.” These sentiments reflect the challenges faced by transgender people who often experience heightened discrimination and prejudice.

The rise in reported LGBT hate crimes underscores the ongoing need for awareness, education, and action to combat discrimination and create a safer and more inclusive society. It is crucial to promote understanding, tolerance, and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Efforts should be focused on fostering empathy, addressing systemic issues, and providing support for those affected by hate crimes.

Tim Birkbeck said the LGBT community tend to encourage each other to report hate crimes

Recently released figures obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request have shed light on the alarming increase in reports of LGBT hate crimes in Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire police forces. The data reveals a concerning trend, with incidents rising by 38% in Avon and Somerset, 72% in Gloucestershire, and a staggering 149% in Wiltshire over a two-year period.

LGBT hate crimes specifically target individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, encompassing those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or non-binary. These crimes not only undermine the safety and well-being of the victims but also pose a threat to the overall inclusivity and diversity of society.

The substantial increases in reported incidents highlight the urgent need for awareness, education, and effective measures to combat hate crimes targeting the LGBT community. Law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and policymakers must work together to ensure the protection and support of those affected by these crimes.

Ms Barnett believes right-wing politics have led to worsening attitudes towards transgender people

It is crucial to promote a culture of acceptance, respect, and equality, fostering an environment where individuals can express their sexual orientation or gender identity without fear of discrimination or violence. Furthermore, addressing the root causes of prejudice and fostering understanding can help prevent such crimes from occurring in the first place.

The rise in reported incidents is a sobering reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in creating a society that embraces diversity and rejects hate. It is imperative for communities, advocates, and authorities to unite in their efforts to combat LGBT hate crimes, provide support to victims, and send a clear message that discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity will not be tolerated.

Andy and Steffi present a radio show called Shout Out, which covers LGBT issues

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