Hate Crime Victimization Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults

TLDR

Violence based on sexual orientation is a serious problem in the U.S., yet data on its prevalence and consequences are limited. The study discusses methodological and substantive issues in empirical research on hate crimes against lesbians and gay men. The authors collected questionnaire data on victimization from 147 lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals in Sacramento, CA, and conducted follow‑up interviews with 45 participants. Forty‑one percent of respondents reported bias‑related criminal victimization since age 16, 9.5% reported an attempted bias crime, and survivors exhibited higher depression, anxiety, anger, and PTSD symptoms, with victimization patterns similar to other U.S.

Abstract

Although violence based on sexual orientation is now widely recognized as a serious problem in the United States, social science data concerning the prevalence and consequences of such crimes are limited. In the present study, questionnaire data about victimization experiences were collected from 147 lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals (74 females, 73 males) in the Sacramento, CA area. In addition, 45 of the respondents participated in a follow-up interview. Forty-one percent reported experiencing a bias-related criminal victimization since age 16, with another 9.5% reporting an attempted bias crime against them. The distribution of bias-related victimization and harassment experiences in the sample resembled patterns reported in other U.S. surveys with similar samples. Compared to other respondents, bias-crime survivors manifested higher levels of depression, anxiety, anger, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress. Methodological and substantive issues in empirical research on hate crimes against lesbians and gay men are discussed.