New Survey Shows LGBTQ+ People Have High Rates Of Harassment, Abuse & Distrust By Police

The LGBTQ community's relationship with police has been historically strained, marked by incidents such as raids on gay bars throughout the 20th century, where patrons were often arrested, leading to severe social and economic consequences. Despite efforts by police departments to improve relations through initiatives like sensitivity training and the appointment of LGBTQ liaison officers, issues persist. In January 2024, unannounced police visits to four gay bars in Seattle, where officers allegedly photographed patrons and cited a bartender for a minor violation, highlighted ongoing tensions.

A recent national survey conducted by sociologists, including Valerie Jenness from the University of California, Irvine, and supported by the ACLU, revealed that LGBTQ individuals experience more police mistreatment than non-LGBTQ individuals and have less trust in law enforcement. According to the survey, 21% of LGBTQ respondents had police-initiated contact in the past year, compared to 15% of non-LGBTQ individuals. The interactions were often more negative, especially for bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, and queer individuals. 

For instance, 45% of transgender respondents and 33% of nonbinary respondents reported experiencing insulting language during police interactions. A transgender woman recounted officers using derogatory slurs, while Black transgender individuals reported the highest rates of police violence, with 53% experiencing physical assault by officers.

The study also found that LGBTQ individuals rated their interactions with police 12% lower in fairness compared to non-LGBTQ people, with significant racial disparities. Trust in the police was generally lower among LGBTQ individuals, particularly among Black and Hispanic respondents. Moreover, LGBTQ people were less likely to report crimes to the police, with only 71% saying they would do so, compared to 87% of non-LGBTQ individuals. The study concludes that while some LGBTQ members, particularly white gay men, and lesbians, have experienced similar to non-LGBTQ individuals, marginalized groups within the community continue to face significant challenges, reinforcing the idea that gender and sexuality are crucial factors in discussions about policing.

Link: The Conversation