FBI Report Reveals Persistent Anti-LGBTQ+ Violence Amid Overall Decline in Hate Crimes

A new report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) highlights a disturbing trend: while the total number of hate crimes in the United States slightly decreased in 2024, violent acts targeting LGBTQ+ communities persist at alarmingly high levels. According to the FBI, law enforcement agencies reported a total of 11,679 criminal hate crime cases last year, marking the second-highest annual total since records began, despite a 1.5% decline from the previous year’s record high.

The FBI’s data reveals that crimes motivated by bias related to sexual orientation and gender identity made up approximately 24% of all hate crimes reported in 2023, the most recent year with detailed breakdowns. Among these, anti-gay male bias accounted for 41% of incidents, while anti-transgender bias comprised 14%—a category that has seen a 130% increase over the past five years as reporting has improved. Anti-LGBTQ+ biases collectively represented nearly all (99%) of the incidents motivated by sexual orientation and gender identity.

These numbers underscore a sharp rise in anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes: such incidents have increased by 145% since 2014, according to FBI data. The persistence and growth of these attacks, even as other categories of hate crimes fluctuate, is a source of deep concern for both advocacy organizations and law enforcement.

For LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender individuals and those belonging to multiple marginalized groups, these statistics translate into a daily reality of heightened vulnerability. “Hate crimes are not only an attack on the victim—they are meant to threaten and intimidate an entire community,” the FBI emphasized in its public outreach materials. Community leaders warn that the psychological toll of these crimes extends far beyond the immediate victims, instilling fear and anxiety throughout the LGBTQ+ population.

Advocates also point to the underreporting of hate crimes as a significant issue. While the FBI’s latest statistics represent data from more than 16,000 law enforcement agencies—covering over 95% of the U.S. population—experts note that many victims do not report incidents due to fear of retaliation, mistrust of law enforcement, or lack of awareness about reporting mechanisms. The true scale of anti-LGBTQ+ violence may therefore be even greater than official figures suggest.

IThe report also highlights the intersectional nature of hate crimes in the United States. Black Americans, Jewish Americans, and gay men were among the most targeted groups in 2024, reflecting overlapping systems of bias and oppression. For transgender people, especially those who are also people of color, the risk of being targeted is often compounded.

National LGBTQ+ organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD, have called for stronger protections and improved data collection to address the ongoing crisis. They argue that comprehensive federal legislation, enhanced support for victims, and continued education are essential to reversing the upward trend in anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes. Many also stress the importance of reporting, encouraging anyone who experiences or witnesses a hate crime to contact the FBI or local law enforcement.

The FBI’s findings come as legislative debates around LGBTQ+ rights remain highly charged in many states and at the federal level. Recent years have seen both advances and setbacks: while some jurisdictions have enacted measures to combat anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination and violence, others have introduced or passed bills that advocates say threaten the rights and safety of transgender and queer individuals.

Experts say that robust and transparent data are critical for effective policy responses. The FBI continues to refine its hate crime reporting infrastructure, encouraging broader participation from law enforcement agencies nationwide. In the meantime, LGBTQ+ advocates emphasize solidarity, community support, and vigilance as vital tools for resilience in the face of persistent violence.

The FBI urges anyone who believes they are a victim or witness of a hate crime to report the incident by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or submitting a tip at tips.fbi.gov. Reporting helps ensure that data accurately reflect the scope of the problem and enables authorities to respond appropriately.

As communities and policymakers reckon with the ongoing threat of anti-LGBTQ+ violence, the voices of survivors and advocates remain central to the fight for equality and safety for all.