Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders

New England's leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on
sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression.

Rights & Resources Hate Crimes & Violence

Hate Crimes & Violence

Violence comes in many forms: threats, intimidating harassment, assault, bias-motivated crimes, domestic violence. In whatever shape it rears its head, GLAD advocates to expand existing protections to make sure LGBT people are fully protected by the law.

At a Glance

No one should face violence because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Yet LGBT people are disproportionately the victims of bias-motivated harassment and assault, even murders. Violence against individuals because of real or perceived sexual orientation is one of the most prevalent forms of hate-motivated violence in the U.S., and, though underreported, violence against transgendered individuals may in fact be the most prevalent of all anti-LGBT violence. In addition to hate-motivated violence, same-sex domestic violence deserves real, responsive attention.

Legal organizations have a dual responsibility to LGBT survivors of violence: to provide them with resources and support, and to make sure the law is responsive to their needs. GLAD helps people understand their rights, find out how the law protects them, and connect to competent, sensitive legal and support resources.

Hate Crimes & Violence: Information for Your State

Specific laws can vary
greatly from state to state

For more information, please visit a state page:

GLAD's Work On Hate Crimes & Violence

From the Docket

Ayer v. Sommi & Keller

Victory • 2001

GLAD was instrumental in obtaining a favorable ruling from the Massachusetts Appeals… Read More

See GLAD's Full Case Docket »

Legislation

Working for Trans Protection Legislation in MA

March 19, 2008

Legislation to protect citizens from discrimination based on gender identity or expression… Read More

See All Legislative News »

News

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Publications

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Stories Matter

The more people know their LGBT and HIV+ family, friends, and neighbors, the more likely they are to support our rights and help us work toward full equality.Read More