Hass crimes against Queere: A call to solidarity and action!

Hass crimes against Queere: A call to solidarity and action!

Wien, Österreich - In the past few weeks there have been alarming reports on "Hate Crimes" against queer people who show a worrying increase in violence and discrimination. These incidents known in March of this year are part of a global wave of violence, which has been increasing for years, which affects trans people in particular. Affected people are often slandered as "pedophile", which is a dangerous justification for the acts of violence. Radical groups feel encouraged by such agitation, while many queer people are afraid of showing themselves openly, as [oe1 reports] (https://oe1.orf.at/programm/20250614/800186/maennlich-weiL-und-alles-da between).

An urgent call comes from a pastor who asks whether churches do enough for the LGBTIQ+community to welcome these people in their institutions. He demands more awareness of queer topics and suggests that church institutions should clearly position itself as diversity -friendly. Pope Francis has already emphasized that all people, including queer people, should have a place in the church and that an inclusive attitude is necessary.

global and regional developments

Violence and discrimination against LGBTIQ people are not limited to Austria. A look at Switzerland shows that in 2024 a total of 309 cases of LGBTIQ hostile attacks and discrimination were recorded. This corresponds to almost six hate crimes per week and is therefore an increase compared to 305 reports in the previous year. This worrying development since 2020 has led to a quotation of the reports, which illustrates the need for concrete measures to prevent queer violence, as Pink Cross reports.

Alessandra Widmer von Los and Frédéric Mader from TGNS are concerned about the recurring attacks that are particularly directed against trans people. There is a clear call to politics to take effective measures: from raising awareness of the police to prevention in schools to legal protective measures for trans people. Access to advisory and support offers from the LGBTIQ community must also be promoted more.

The consequences of hate crime

hate crime has serious health consequences for those affected. It is reported that the number of unreported cases from LSBTIQ*hostile crimes could be 80 to 90 percent, since many incidents are not reported. The police have only started to systematically record such violent acts since 2001. These statistics show an increase in LSBTIQ*hostile crimes in Germany, where there were crimes recorded in 2023, as LSVD reported.

But it remains to be hoped that educational work and social awareness in the combination with political measures can make a turnaround in this worrying development. Let us be guided by the voices of those affected and we are committed to ensuring that all people - without exception - can live in safety. The upcoming initiatives such as the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, symbolize a step towards more visibility Undacceptance.