HAWC is continuously working to create a culture of inclusivity and support for all survivors of domestic violence and for all marginalized communities, including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer and/or Transgender (LGBQ and/or T) survivors.
June is Pride Month, which was born in response to the historic 1969 Stonewall revolution protesting police violence against members of the LGBQ and/or T community. Largely led by trans women of color, the uprising sparked a national conversation about violence and hate against LGBQ and/or T people. While the movement to end domestic violence has historically focused on heterosexual relationships and violence against women specifically, we unfortunately know that LGBQ and/or T folks are at an increased risk of violence.
In fact:
• 43.8% of lesbian women and 61.1% of bisexual women have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime.**
• This is also true for 26% of gay men and 37.3% of bisexual men.**
• More than half (54%) of transgender people have experienced some form of intimate partner violence.***
• LGBQ and/or T Black/African American survivors are also more likely to experience physical intimate partner violence compared to non-Black/African American people.**
Additionally, the violence protested at the Stonewall movement continues today, with transgender people of color experiencing police brutality at six times the rate of white cisgender* survivors.*** For many survivors, risk of increased violence from police intervention limits meaningful access to resources.
We know that the impact of longstanding stigma and systemic oppression has meant that many individuals in the LGBQ and/or T community have not been able to access appropriate medical, mental health and social service support that is affirming to their identity. LGBQ and/or T people also face more risk of harm if “outed” by abusive partners. Given this, individuals in the LGBQ and/or T community are more likely to suffer domestic violence in fear and silence.
HAWC strives to be a resource for all survivors. If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence, please call our 24-Hour Hotline at 1-800-547-1649.
*Cisgender means that your gender aligns with the sex assigned at birth.
**National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
***National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
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