As Federal Government and Many States Continue Legislative and Administrative Onslaught Against LGBTQ+ People, Violent Crimes Against Members of Community Remain Elevated

WASHINGTON — The latest annual crime report from the FBI highlights once again that while overall violent crime in the U.S. continues to decline, hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community remain alarmingly high.

In 2024, according to FBI data submitted by local jurisdictions, attacks based on a victim’s sexual orientation made up 17.2% of all hate crimes, and 4 percent were based on gender identity.

“The FBI’s 2024 hate crime data has revealed a national emergency hiding in plain sight. Everyone deserves to be safe in this country and have the chance to thrive. But anti-equality politicians continue to spread lies about LGBTQ+ people, trying to push us out of more and more corners of society,” said Kelley Robinson, Human Rights Campaign President. “Those smears come with a cost. The FBI has exposed a chilling reality: our community remains a target of violence — and that is unacceptable. LGBTQ+ people, just like everyone else, should be free to live our lives, pursue our careers and education, build our homes and pursue our American Dreams, without the threat of violence hanging over our heads. This FBI data is clear: we need more support from our political leaders, not animosity and attacks that seek to demonize us.”

The FBI’s report noted that there were 1,950 recorded incidents relating to an alleged victim’s sexual orientation in 2024 and 463 relating to an alleged victim’s gender identity. Race/ethnicity motivated hate crimes remained the largest category, making up 51.8% of all hate crimes. Hate crimes based on religion were second, just ahead of sexual orientation.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ+ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

The Annual Hero Awards celebrates businesses and business owners who exemplify outstanding dedication, leadership, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community in Greater Phoenix. This prestigious event recognizes individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to foster inclusivity, champion equality, and create meaningful change. Honorees are leaders who inspire progress, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ rights, representation, and well-being. Their efforts strengthen our community, making Greater Phoenix a more equitable and welcoming place for all. The Hero Awards is an evening of celebration, featuring inspiring stories, impactful connections, and recognition of the exceptional contributions that drive our shared vision of equality.

https://www.equalitychamber.org/

The Phoenix Film Festival returns March 27 – April 6 to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Over the past two decades, the Phoenix Film Festival has been a stage for thousands of aspiring filmmakers, debuting over 150 films annually. This year, the festival is continuing to spotlight diverse stories and storytellers including a fantastic lineup of LGBTQ+ films!

Here are some of the highlights. You can learn more about these films HERE and review the entire festival schedule HERE.

Jess Plus None

A reluctant maid-of-honor attends her best friend’s off-the-grid wedding in the woods, where she’s forced to confront her perfect ex-girlfriend, her more successful college friends, and every bad choice she’s made in her life so far.

Screening Time(s):
Friday, March 28 at 9:20am
Saturday, March 29 at 6:05pm
Sunday, March 30 at 1:40pm

This is Me

This is Me explores the challenges (from both within and society) that face the LGBTQ+ community. Transgender men and women must cope with being disowned by family and friends, hated by strangers, survive their internal struggles, to find the love and happiness that the rest of the world takes for granted.

Screening Time(s):
Saturday, March 29 at 1:25pm

Heightened Scrutiny

Heightened Scrutiny follows Chase Strangio, ACLU attorney and the first out trans person to argue before the Supreme Court, as he fights a high-stakes legal battle to overturn Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth (United States v. Skrmetti). The film exposes the dangerous role of mainstream media in fueling anti-trans legislation, uncovering how biased coverage drives hate, endangers lives, and threatens democracy itself. With insights from journalists like Jelani Cobb, Lydia Polgreen, and Gina Chua, and activists like Laverne Cox, the story dismantles anti-trans disinformation and highlights its devastating real-world impact. As SCOTUS prepares to rule on the case, Heightened Scrutiny reveals the fight for bodily autonomy as a fight for the soul of democracy, offering a powerful call to action against bigotry and injustice.

Screening Time(s):
Monday, Mar 31 at 2:25pm
Wednesday, April 2 at 9:15pm

Join the Club

After losing his lover to AIDS, rebel activist Dennis Peron launches the first public cannabis dispensary in the nation, skirting the law in pursuit of true justice–the legalization of medical marijuana.

Screening Time(s):
Friday, Apr 4 at 01:20pm
Saturday, Apr 5 at 08:05pm

Tickets are now on sale and you can get yours HERE! You won’t want to miss out on seeing these incredible films!

For more information, call 480-513-3195 or go to www.phoenixfilmfestival.com.