A recent report reveals a troubling reality for the LGBTQ+ community in the UK: more than half of queer couples avoid holding hands in public, fearful of the prejudice and potential violence they might encounter. Research conducted for Stonewall highlights that 56% of same-sex couples feel unsafe expressing affection in public, signaling a broader issue of hostility that is affecting everyday freedoms for LGBTQ+ individuals. The study coincides with the rise in hate crimes, particularly those targeted at the LGBTQ+ community.
The growing trend of hate-based violence is no small matter. Over the past five years, the number of hate crimes based on sexual orientation has surged by 112%, while crimes against transgender individuals have risen by an alarming 186%. These statistics paint a stark picture of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people in what should be ordinary public interactions, such as holding hands. The fact that public order offences and violent crimes account for most of these incidents further underscores the pressing need for policy reform.
In response, Stonewall’s Hold My Hand campaign is calling on the UK government to take concrete steps. They demand that anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes be treated as aggravated offences, similar to those based on race or religion. This would not only offer stronger legal protections but also send a clear message that hate has no place in society. The rise in violence cannot be ignored, and the campaign urges LGBTQ+ individuals to advocate for change by reaching out to their MPs, sharing personal stories of fear and discrimination to encourage legislative action.
For the LGBTQ+ community, these issues are not just political—they are personal. A society where love and identity must be hidden is a society that denies fundamental rights. The current political climate, marked by increasing violence, has a chilling effect on queer people, fostering an environment of fear. The government’s responsibility, as emphasized by Stonewall, is to ensure that every individual can live openly and without fear.
