Jun 12
Surge in Anti-LGBTQ+ Violence and Hate Crimes Reported Across the United States, With Transgender People Most Targeted
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
A Year Marked by Escalating Attacks
A comprehensive report released by GLAAD in early June 2025 has documented an alarming rise in anti-LGBTQ+ violence and hate crimes across the United States. Covering the period from May 1, 2024 to May 1, 2025, the GLAAD ALERT Desk tracked 932 anti-LGBTQ+ incidents in 49 states and the District of Columbia, representing an average of 2.5 incidents each day during the reporting period.
According to the report, 52% of these incidents specifically targeted transgender and gender non-conforming people, making this group disproportionately affected by the ongoing surge in violence and harassment. Violent attacks resulted in at least 84 injuries and 10 deaths, eight of which involved fatal violence against people of color. These figures represent a 14% increase from the previous year, signaling a worsening environment for LGBTQ+ people nationwide.
Political and Social Context
The rise in hate crimes and violence has occurred alongside significant political developments. The report notes that the escalation coincided with at least four executive orders from the Trump administration that specifically targeted and demeaned transgender Americans, as well as $215 million spent on political advertisements during the 2024 campaign that focused on trans people. In addition, 575 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in state legislatures during the 2025 session, although 92% of these proposals were ultimately defeated.
Educational environments were also affected: 270 incidents were documented at schools, colleges, and libraries, particularly during contentious school board meetings. The GLAAD report links this trend to more than 10,000 book bans in public schools during the 2023-24 academic year, with many banned titles featuring LGBTQ+ themes.
Impact on Transgender Communities
Transgender and gender non-conforming people have borne the brunt of the recent uptick in violence. Over the past year, more than half of all reported anti-LGBTQ+ incidents targeted individuals within these communities, often resulting in physical harm and, in some cases, death. The report highlights the intersectionality of these attacks: most fatal incidents involved people of color, underscoring the compounded risks faced by those at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities.
GLAAD’s findings echo longstanding research showing that LGBTQ+ people, and especially transgender people, are at significantly greater risk for violent victimization than the general population. A February 2025 study from the Williams Institute at UCLA found that LGBTQ+ people are nine times more likely to experience violent hate crimes than non-LGBTQ+ individuals.
Challenges in Reporting and Recognition
The GLAAD report emphasizes that the true scale of anti-LGBTQ+ violence is likely underrepresented. Many victims are hesitant to report crimes due to fear of forced outing, lack of trust in law enforcement, and inconsistencies in hate crime statutes and reporting standards across jurisdictions. Furthermore, federal agencies have been criticized for removing gender identity from survey instruments, further obscuring the extent of violence against transgender people.
By maintaining a dedicated reporting platform and tracker, GLAAD aims to ensure that incidents affecting LGBTQ+ individuals—particularly those who may not feel safe coming forward to authorities—are documented and recognized.
Global Perspective and Legislative Developments
While the GLAAD report focuses on the U.S., recent international updates indicate a mixed picture for LGBTQ+ rights and safety globally. ILGA World’s Pride Month 2025 data release highlights continuing legal and social challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities in many countries. International legal developments continue to shape the lived experience of LGBTQ+ people, with legislative victories and setbacks occurring alongside grassroots efforts to combat hate and promote inclusion.
LGBTQ+ Community Response
LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations have called for urgent action in response to the recent surge in violence. GLAAD and others are urging lawmakers, law enforcement, and the broader public to recognize the gravity of the situation and to commit to concrete steps that ensure the safety and dignity of all LGBTQ+ people. This includes supporting hate crime legislation that explicitly protects gender identity and sexual orientation, improving reporting mechanisms, and fostering a culture of respect and inclusion at every level of society.
As Pride Month 2025 unfolds, the findings of the GLAAD ALERT Desk serve as a sobering reminder of the ongoing risks faced by LGBTQ+ people in the United States and the critical need for sustained advocacy and solidarity.
