Hate crimes against queer people: A call for solidarity and action!

Hate crimes against queer people: A call for solidarity and action!

In recent weeks there have been alarming reports of hate crimes against queer people, demonstrating a worrying increase in violence and discrimination. These incidents, which came to light in March of this year, are part of a global wave of violence that has been increasing for years, particularly affecting trans people. Those affected are often slandered as “pedophiles,” which is a dangerous justification for the violent acts. Radical groups feel emboldened by such agitation, while many queer people are afraid to show themselves openly, as OE1 reports.

A powerful call comes from a pastor who questions whether churches are doing enough for the LGBTIQ+ community to welcome these people into their institutions. He calls for greater awareness of queer issues and suggests that church institutions should clearly position themselves 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 a total of 309 cases of anti-LGBTIQ attacks and discrimination were recorded there in 2024. This equates to almost six hate crimes per week, an increase compared to 305 reports last year. This worrying development since 2020 has led to a fivefold increase in reports, which highlights the need for concrete measures to prevent queer violence, as Pink Cross reports.

Alessandra Widmer from LOS and Frédéric Mader from TGNS express concern about the recurring attacks that are particularly directed against trans people. There is a clear call for politicians to take effective measures: from raising police awareness to prevention in schools and legal protection measures for trans people. Access to advice and support services for the LGBTIQ community must also be more strongly promoted.

The consequences of hate crime

Hate crime has serious health consequences for those affected. It is reported that the unreported number of anti-LGBTIQ* crimes could be 80 to 90 percent, as many incidents go unreported. The police only began systematically recording such acts of violence in 2001. These statistics show an increase in anti-LSBTIQ* crimes in Germany, where there were 1,785 recorded crimes in 2023 alone, as LSVD reports.

But it remains to be hoped that educational work and social awareness, combined with political measures, can bring about a turnaround in this worrying development. Let us be guided by the voices of those affected and work together to ensure that everyone – without exception – can live in safety. The upcoming initiatives such as the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel symbolize a step towards more visibility and acceptance.