In a recent Ethnic Media Services (EMS) briefing, officials and experts addressed a concerning rise in hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals, despite an overall decline in reported hate crimes for 2023. Attorney General Rob Bonta revealed troubling statistics: hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation bias increased by 3.6%, while those driven by anti-transgender or anti-gender-nonconforming bias saw a more significant rise of 7.04%.
Becky Monroe, Deputy Director of Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs at the California Civil Rights Department, provided a detailed analysis of the situation. Monroe emphasized that although the total number of hate crimes had decreased, incidents targeting LGBTQ+ communities have continued to escalate. This discrepancy highlights the challenges of underreporting, which can obscure the full scope of these crimes. Monroe introduced the California vs Hate hotline, a key resource aimed at supporting victims and enhancing data collection on hate crimes. The hotline offers essential assistance, including connecting victims with support services and ensuring accurate data capture to better understand and address the prevalence of hate incidents.
Monroe noted that underreporting is a significant issue, as many victims may feel unsafe or reluctant to come forward. This reluctance can hinder efforts to address and prevent hate crimes effectively. The hotline, she explained, plays a crucial role in bridging this gap by providing a confidential and accessible way for individuals to report incidents and receive support.
The briefing also featured additional insights from several experts:
Tony Newman, Director of The Coalition for Justice and Equality Across Movements and Chair of the Board for TransCanWork, delivered a powerful presentation on the violence faced by Black transgender women. Newman began by presenting stark statistics: as of 2024, 68% of transgender individuals whose lives were lost to violence were people of color, with 32% being Black transgender women. This alarming trend underscores the disproportionate violence directed at Black transgender women compared to other groups within the LGBTQ+ community. Since 2013, over 85% of transgender and gender nonconforming individuals killed were people of color, with Black women accounting for two-thirds of these victims.
Newman attributed this violence to a combination of systemic issues, including job discrimination and poverty, which exacerbate the vulnerability of Black transgender women. Drawing from personal experience, Newman shared their struggles with homelessness and violence, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change to address the intersection of transphobia and systemic violence.
In response to these challenges, Newman outlined three main recommendations to improve conditions for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals:
Nondiscrimination Policies: Organizations should adopt and enforce policies prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and expression.
Inclusive Workplace Culture: Companies should foster inclusive environments through education and training for employees and supervisors on interacting with transgender individuals.
Fair Compensation and Benefits: Ensuring competitive pay and benefits to alleviate financial insecurity and enhance overall well-being for transgender employees.
Newman also highlighted a significant achievement: the California Department of Public Health has launched the Intersex, Wellness, and Health Equity TGI unit, the first of its kind, with $10.3 million in funding. This initiative, supported by Governor Newsom and the State Legislature, aims to support transgender and nonconforming individuals. TransCanWork has received $400,000 from this fund, thanks to the efforts of Bambi, CEO and President of the Translatino Coalition. Newman’s impactful work and advocacy were further recognized with the prestigious Human Rights Advocacy Award presented by the National Coalition for Justice and Equality, honoring their significant contributions to advancing the rights and well-being of marginalized communities.
Andy Ruiz, Coordinator of the Transgender Health Clinic at St. John’s Community Health in LA, spoke about the specific challenges faced by transgender individuals. Ruiz highlighted the significant impact of the rise in hate crimes on the health and well-being of transgender people, underscoring the need for targeted support. He emphasized his role in “Stop the Hate California,” an initiative focused on educating the public and empowering them to speak out against hate incidents, hate speech, and hate crimes.
Ruiz shared his experiences working with undocumented transgender individuals of color, who are often disproportionately targeted. He discussed efforts to address cultural factors that hinder reporting of hate crimes, such as machismo in Latino communities, and the reluctance to involve law enforcement. Ruiz provided a poignant example of an individual who was a victim of a hate crime but initially received insufficient support from law enforcement. His team at St. John’s worked diligently to support this individual, ultimately helping them obtain a U visa application for immigration relief. This case highlighted the need for zealous advocacy and the importance of holding institutions accountable.
Ruiz also emphasized the need for better engagement with government institutions, focusing on accountability and providing support through media and public advocacy. He acknowledged the emotional toll of his work and expressed gratitude for his strong team at St. John’s and the support from ethnic media.
Aries Rivers Yumul, Coordinator for LGBTQ+ District Resource and Support at the Santa Clara County Office of Education shared their experiences and insights during the panel. Aries expressed deep respect for their fellow panelists, particularly Tony Newman, whom they admire greatly. Aries highlighted the importance of community support and safety for LGBTQ+ students, reflecting on their journey in education.
Aries’s inspiration to become an educator came from a supportive high school teacher who provided a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students. Despite their efforts, Aries faced the heartbreaking loss of five students to suicide during their teaching career—a poignant reminder of the critical need for safe and supportive environments. Aries now works to support schools across the state, addressing the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ students who are often overrepresented in absenteeism and underachievement due to safety concerns. This work is supported by research from the CDC and other sources that highlight the disparities faced by LGBTQ+ youth.
In their current role, Aries is involved in statewide initiatives and collaborative efforts to improve the educational experience for LGBTQ+ students. This includes advocating for policies such as California’s SB 1960, which guarantees access to all-gender restrooms for K-12 students, and AB 85, which mandates LGBTQ+ cultural competency training for teachers. Aries and their colleagues strive to create a more inclusive and supportive educational system for all students in California.
The briefing concluded with a discussion on strategies to address the rise in hate crimes and ways the community can contribute to these efforts. The session underscored the urgent need for continued vigilance and action to support LGBTQ+ individuals and combat hate crimes effectively. The collective insights and recommendations from the panelists highlighted the multi-faceted approach required to address these issues and foster a safer, more inclusive society for everyone.
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