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A new report from GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) has revealed alarming statistics about the rise in anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes across the United States in 2024.

According to data gathered by the organisation’s ALERT Desk, there were at least 918 anti-LGBTQ+ incidents recorded over the year — an average of two and a half hate crimes per day.

The report detailed the nature of these incidents, which included over 260 protests, 140 bomb threats, 140 acts of vandalism, and 85 assaults. At least 90 injuries and seven fatalities were linked to acts of violence motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ hate. Disturbingly, nearly half of the incidents (447) targeted the trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming community specifically.

GLAAD also reported a concerning rise in education-related incidents, with 216 recorded cases of violence or harassment aimed at educators and school staff who voiced support for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The ALERT Desk’s findings are part of a larger trend of increasing anti-LGBTQ+ hate. GLAAD previously reported that between June 2022 and June 2024, such incidents surged by 112%, with the organisation tracking over 1,850 anti-LGBTQ+ incidents during that period.

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“Ultimately Unsurprising” – GLAAD President

Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD’s president and CEO, described the findings as both “shocking” and “ultimately unsurprising,” pointing to the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies being pushed by elected officials and amplified on social media platforms.

“Words, proposals, and actions have consequences in the real world on real human beings, even as support for LGBTQ+ people and youth remains at supermajority levels,” Ellis said. She emphasised the need to create a society that not only protects LGBTQ+ people but also uplifts their voices and fosters inclusion.

In September 2024, FBI data revealed a continued rise in hate crimes targeting LGBTQ+ people. The FBI’s Crime Data Explorer reported that hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity increased by nearly 25% compared to the previous year.

GLAAD’s report highlights the devastating real-world effects of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, with Ellis calling for a collective push towards a more inclusive and safe society.

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