Political violence a major hurdle for LGBTQ+ candidates, report finds

A new report is raising concerns about the growing level of political violence and intimidation faced by LGBTQ+ candidates seeking public office across the United States. 

The LGBTQ+ Victory Institute released the report this month, basing it on a survey of 215 LGBTQ+ candidates from 42 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., which found that harassment, threats and safety concerns have become a common part of the campaign experience for many of the queer community. 

Researchers said the trend is influencing how campaigns are run and, in some cases, discouraging people from seeking office altogether. 

By the numbers:

According to the report, nearly nine out of 10 respondents said they worried that running as an openly LGBTQ+ candidate would increase their risk of harassment or attack, with four in five fearing physical violence. The survey also found that nearly two-thirds experienced in-person harassment during their campaigns, while 80 percent of the respondents reported online abuse. 

The report says, with more than half of those citing safety concerns to cause them to change how or where they campaigned, less than 10 percent could afford private security.

What they're saying:

"This report makes clear that political violence is not just increasing — it is reshaping who feels able to run for office in the first place," said Evan Low, President & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. "No one should have to choose between serving their community and protecting their own safety. When LGBTQ+ candidates are driven out by threats and intimidation, our democracy loses the representation it depends on." 

 

PoliticsLGBTQ