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Recognizing LGBTQ+ survivors of sexual violence
Learn how you can show your support for LGBTQ+ survivors this Pride Month and beyond.
Understanding the scope of a conversation may begin with knowing the concepts that fuel it.
Many people center conversations in June on the topic of pride. The month is National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month. According to the United States Library of Congress, the “purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history. …”
Below, we outline LGBTQ+ survivors’ presence in the country’s history of sexual violence. The coverage includes their unique experience with the crime. We also share their needs for and role in overcoming sexual violence nationwide throughout the month and beyond.
Recent statistics on sexual violence in LGBTQ+ communities
Rates of sexual violence often reach LGBTQ+ survivors disproportionately.
The 2022 report of the U.S. Department of Justice covers the National Crime Victimization Survey results from 2017 to 2020. They show that those who identified as lesbian or gay reported experiencing rape or sexual assault at twice the rate of straight individuals during the period. These individuals surveyed also reported more than twice the rate of domestic violence. For those who identified as bisexual, the rate of reported rape or sexual assault over the period reached 18 times that of straight people. Bisexual people also reported experiencing about eight times as high domestic violence rates. The cases include intimate partner violence.
How do rates of sexual violence among transgender people compare? In a 2019 report, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center explains that nearly half of all transgender people surveyed reported experiencing sexual assault at some point in their lives. The center adds that trans people of color reported more lifetime sexual victimization. These people of color include 65% of Indian American trans respondents, 58% of Middle Eastern trans respondents and 53% of Black trans respondents.
The effects of the crime among LGBTQ+ survivors
Some effects of sexual violence reach all survivors. These apply regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Such reactions that the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network names include wanting to be believed, feeling at fault or alone and experiencing difficulty with self-identifying as a survivor. Yet some of the responses the network highlights as unique to LGBTQ+ individuals include:
- Having a harder time telling someone about the experience if not yet coming out about one’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Facing disbelief that sexual violence affects LGBTQ+ people.
- Finding a lack of support in some faith communities.
Having unique concerns related to sexual violence leads LGBTQ+ survivors to have unique recovery needs. Yet their communities also have distinctive knowledge of how to address these needs.
Finding support among fellow LGBTQ+ individuals
Many support resources available to LGBTQ+ individuals involve building ties within their communities. These resources include the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs of the Anti-Violence Project. The AVP defines the NCAVP as “a coalition of local member programs, affiliate organizations, and individual affiliates who create systemic and social change for LGBTQ people nationally.”
RAINN highlights several additional resources, including the LGBT National Help Center. The center draws from over 15 thousand support resources to connect community members. Options include weekly chatrooms for LGBTQ+ youth or pen pals. RAINN also shares LGBTQ survivor stories. The stories cover diverse experiences with sexual violence among fellow LGBTQ+ community members. In addition, they share diverse paths to recovery from the trauma.
Some survivors may seek mental health support. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers tools that can help. The administration outlines related programs and initiatives nationwide, among behavioral health resources.
Advocacy efforts all communities can embrace
All in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals — whether family, friends or other loved ones — can help support their wellbeing. RAINN shares many supportive phrases for use in the process. These can apply to all stages of LGBTQ+ survivors’ recovery after sexual trauma. Example phrases include:
- “I believe you.”
- “You didn’t do anything to deserve this.”
- “I’m sorry this happened.”
- “I care about you and am here to listen or help in any way I can,” among others.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers ways to advocate for protecting LGBTQ youth. The organization covers the specific roles of parents, researchers, and health and educational professionals. Together, each can help LGBTQ+ students combat their high risk of exposure to sexual violence and other health disparities. SAMHSA also offers LGBTQ+ support resources. These cover care tips for every age group and community relationship. Combining these resources creates a clear opportunity for all to take actions worthy of pride.