Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta released the "State of Pride Report" today, highlighting the California Department of Justice's (DOJ) actions to support and defend LGBTQ+ communities in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. The report outlines ongoing efforts amidst increasing threats to justice and equality for these communities.

“I stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community this Pride Month and every month. Regardless of how you identify or who you love, everyone deserves to be safe, healthy, prosperous, and celebrated for who they are,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today’s report shows the California Department of Justice’s continued commitment to defending, expanding, and advancing LGBTQ+ rights. It also highlights the work that remains to be done to ensure equality and promote the rights and well-being of LGTBQ+ individuals and their communities. As the People’s Attorney, I’m proud to celebrate the beautiful diversity of our LGBTQ+ communities and recommit to fighting alongside them.”

The report includes key data points on hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals:

- In 2023, 2.8 million people in California identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender — 9.5% of the state's population.

- Data reported in 2023 shows a rise in hate crime events motivated by sexual orientation bias (4.1%), anti-transgender or anti-gender-nonconforming bias (7.04%), and anti-LGBTQ+ bias (86.4%) compared to 2022.

- Over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in U.S. state legislatures in 2023.

- The FBI's latest annual crime report indicated a nearly 14% increase in national reports of hate crimes based on sexual orientation and a nearly 33% increase based on gender identity.

- In 2023 alone, 21 bills requiring forced outing by teachers were introduced across U.S., with an additional 59 such bills introduced so far in 2024.

The State of Pride Report details DOJ's initiatives addressing hate crimes and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals through measures like the Hate Crime Rapid Response Protocol which supports local law enforcement with resources needed for handling significant hate crimes.

Furthermore, DOJ focuses on combating discrimination across various sectors including education, sports, healthcare, and public spaces by fostering environments free from bullying for LGBTQ+ students; enabling transgender athletes' participation aligned with their gender identity; ensuring access to gender-affirming healthcare; and advocating for inclusive business accommodations.

Despite progress made over time, many LGBTQ+ individuals continue facing discrimination daily. Transgender individuals particularly face high rates of poverty, unemployment, and homelessness.

Attorney General Bonta has taken several steps defending LGBTQ+ rights including halting Chino Valley Unified School District Board's mandatory gender identity disclosure policy through legal action announced on August 28th last year followed by securing preliminary injunctions against it later on October19th along filing motion final judgment prevent re-enactment implementation same policy Earlier year issued two legal alerts addressed all California county school district charter boards superintendents warning them against forced gender identity disclosure policies emphasizing obligation provide inclusive curricula instructional materials books reflecting roles contributions diverse population He commended district court decision upholding state law providing protections families seeking gender affirming care doctors staff offering such services within state

The full State Of Pride Report can be accessed [here]. For more information regarding hate crimes visit [here].