Record-high Anti-LGBTQ+ Hate Crimes Reported in Gay-Friendly City Last Year

Despite being recognized as a welcoming city for LGBTQ+ individuals, Los Angeles experienced an alarming rise in hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity in 2024. The latest report on hate crimes recorded 1,355 incidents across the city, marking an all-time high.

The report highlighted that multiple communities faced increased attacks, including African Americans, Jewish people, Latino/as, LGBTQ+ individuals, Middle Easterners, Muslims, Scientologists, and women. "Each case reflects a person whose dignity has been harmed and a community that feels the impact," said LACCHR Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. "This report shows that hate is not slowing down it is evolving and infiltrating daily life for far too many Angelenos. Our county will not accept this as normal."

Particularly concerning were the figures for transgender individuals, with 102 anti-trans hate crimes reported, 95% of which were violent. This is the highest number recorded since the LA County Commission on Human Relations began tracking hate crimes in 1980. Crimes against nonbinary people, tracked only since 2023, rose sharply from 4 to 15 incidents, a 275% increase.

The trend reflects a broader national pattern of rising violence against transgender people. According to a November report from the Williams Institute, nearly 6 in 10 trans adults in California have experienced harassment or violence recently, and roughly 7% reported one or more physical attacks in the past year.

"We are working closely with schools, community groups, and survivors to address hate proactively, compassionately, and effectively," Horvath added. "Everyone in Los Angeles County deserves safety and support, regardless of who they are or how they express themselves. We will continue striving to make that a reality for all."

Author: Lucas Grant