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A recent study led by University College Dublin (UCD) has raised concerns over a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ violence and rhetoric across Ireland.

The research highlights a marked rise in both physical and digital attacks, with LGBTQ+ individuals being targeted in person, facing threats of harm as they commute or leave events, and encountering a disturbing prevalence of online harassment.

Social media platforms were identified as a major source of hostility, with attacks characterised as widespread, frequent, and ongoing, contributing to what researchers termed a “negative everyday experience” for LGBTQ+ users.

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The study draws on the experiences of 40 individuals, documenting how they navigate and resist various forms of identity-based aggression. The impact of these attacks was shown to extend beyond physical and mental harm. Participants reported reducing their professional and activist engagement and limiting their social media use to safeguard their well-being.

Professor Kath Browne, the project’s coordinator from UCD’s School of Geography, highlighted the critical findings: “The overriding result from our research is the notable increase in attacks occurring both on and offline, with online hostility often preceding offline aggression.”

She further noted that the study points to coordinated anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ efforts targeting individuals and groups nationwide. “This may be surprising to some, given the progress symbolised by the 2015 same-sex marriage referendum, but our participants describe a growing confidence among anti-LGBT groups. Online targeting has translated into real-world protests outside libraries and threats directed at LGBTQ+ organisations.”

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