Fact Check: "LGBTQ+ individuals face higher rates of violence and discrimination."
What We Know
Recent studies indicate that LGBTQ+ individuals experience significantly higher rates of violence and discrimination compared to their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. According to the Williams Institute, data from the 2022 and 2023 National Crime Victimization Survey reveals that LGBTQ+ individuals faced 106.4 violent victimizations per 1,000 persons, while non-LGBTQ+ individuals experienced only 21.1 per 1,000. This disparity is even more pronounced among transgender individuals, who faced victimization at a rate of 93.7 per 1,000.
The report also highlights that LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience serious violence, including rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, with rates of serious violence being 53.7 per 1,000 for LGBTQ+ individuals compared to just 8.5 per 1,000 for non-LGBTQ+ individuals. Furthermore, LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to suffer injuries from violent attacks and are disproportionately affected by hate crimes, with rates of violent hate crimes at 6.4 per 1,000 for LGBTQ+ individuals versus 0.7 per 1,000 for non-LGBTQ+ individuals.
Analysis
The evidence presented by the Williams Institute is robust, drawing from a large and representative sample of the U.S. population. The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) is a well-established method for collecting data on crime victimization, making the findings credible. The study's methodology, which includes stratified sampling and continuous data collection, enhances its reliability (Williams Institute, 2025).
Moreover, the report correlates the rise in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rhetoric with increased violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. For instance, the ACLU documented a significant increase in anti-LGBTQ+ bills, with 510 bills tracked in 2023 and 533 in 2024, suggesting a growing legislative trend that may contribute to societal attitudes and behaviors towards LGBTQ+ individuals (ACLU, 2025). The connection between political rhetoric and hate crimes is further supported by research indicating that hate-motivated incidents increased following events characterized by anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments (Williams Institute, 2025).
While the Williams Institute is a credible source, it is essential to consider potential biases. As an organization focused on LGBTQ+ rights, its findings may emphasize the negative impacts of discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. However, the data from the NCVS is collected independently, which helps mitigate concerns about bias in the results.
Conclusion
The claim that LGBTQ+ individuals face higher rates of violence and discrimination is True. The evidence from the National Crime Victimization Survey clearly demonstrates that LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender individuals, experience significantly higher rates of violent victimization compared to non-LGBTQ+ individuals. The correlation between increased anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and violence further supports the assertion that systemic discrimination contributes to these heightened risks.
Sources
- Anti-LGBT Victimization in the United States - Williams Institute. Link
- Anti-LGBT Victimization in the United States - Williams Institute. Link
- Human Rights Violations Against LGBTQ+ Communities in the United States - Human Rights Watch. Link
- Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures - ACLU. Link
