LGBTQIA+ Safety Awareness
LGBTQIA+ people are nearly four times more likely to experience violent forms of victimization including rape, sexual assault, and aggravated assault compared to non-LGBTQ individuals. It is critical to know how to best protect yourself, your students, and the community; and to know where to report victimization.
Did You Know?
In 2019, the number of anti-trans violence grew by 18% from 2018 to 2019 (FBI 2019 Hate Crime Stats Report). According to the FBI, a hate crime is defined as: “a criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offender’s bias against, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity”. Though Federal laws do not ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, all but 5 states (Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina, and Wyoming) have laws addressing hate crimes. In Texas, hate crimes are addressed based on sexual orientation but not gender identity. In 20 States and D.C., hate crimes are addressed based on sexual orientation AND gender identity.
Where to Report
If you or someone you know is victimized, please report! Crime Stoppers of Michigan’s Tip Line is a truly anonymous reporting system that allows community members to report without any fear of retaliation. We cannot legally ask any identifying information or track your call in any way.
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If you are in immediate danger, please call 911!
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Report Anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAKUP