Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to the release of the 2023 Hate Crime in California report by the Office of California Attorney General Rob Bonta:

“The report released today by the Attorney General reveals that, although overall hate incidents have decreased across our state, those targeting the LGBTQ+ community saw a sharp increase.

Among the disturbing findings in the report are:

• A 4.1% increase in hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation bias
• A 10.2% increase in hate crimes motivated by anti-transgender bias
• An 86.4% increase in hate crimes targeting the broader LGBTQ+ community

These statistics aren’t a surprise. Hate does not happen in a vacuum. Over the past several years, we have seen a sharp increase in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric being expressed by far-right extremists and hate groups. This year alone, more than 600 pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation were introduced across the country, including right here in California. The data in this report makes it clear: anti-LGBTQ+ laws and policies directly result in physical intimidation, harassment, and acts of violence. No person should have to live with fear of being themselves, and we must be very clear that hate has no place in California.

Ensuring that LGBTQ+ Californians know their rights and have the proper resources to report a hate incident is one of our top priorities. Through our Stop the Hate program, in collaboration with the California Department of Social Services, Equality California has developed and provided comprehensive, affirming resources and support for survivors of hate crimes. Equality California will continue to work with our legislative allies in Sacramento to support initiatives and legislation that aim to increase the safety of LGBTQ+ people and the diverse communities in which we belong.

We are grateful to Attorney General Rob Bonta for his steadfast support for all LGBTQ+ Californians, especially LGBTQ+ youth who continue to face unprecedented attacks simply for being who they are.”

If you or someone you know has experienced a hate incident, please visit eqca.org/stopthehate.

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Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org