ABSTRACT
The LGBTQA+ population faces victimization because of hate and bigotry. This often manifests in crimes perpetrated on the sole basis of hate or crime crimes. Hate crimes can be incredibly violent as well as traumatizing for the victims. Individuals within LGBTQA+ communities often face challenging relationships with law enforcement, which makes reporting and working with authorities difficult. This results in an unclear picture of the extent and nature of hate crimes for this population. This chapter will explore the prevalence of anti-LGBTQA+ hate crimes, as well as consequences victims suffer and fears of underreporting. Explanations of anti-LGBTQA+ hate crimes will be provided as well as policies that could improve responses to and reduce harm to victims.
