TL;DR
- LGBTQ candidates face increasing political violence.
- Harassment and threats are reshaping campaigns.
- Mental health impacts are significant for candidates.
- Most candidates fear for their safety.
- Support for candidate security is crucial.
In a world where running for office should be about ideas, not intimidation, LGBTQ candidates are finding themselves in the crosshairs of escalating political violence. The LGBTQ+ Victory Institute has raised the alarm, revealing that threats, harassment, and outright violence are becoming the new normal for those brave enough to step into the political arena. This isn’t just a campaign issue; it’s a matter of survival.
As anti-LGBTQ rhetoric continues to rise, the consequences are painfully clear. A chilling report titled “Threats on the Trail: Experiences With Political Violence Among LGBTQ+ Candidates in the USA” surveyed 215 candidates who ran for office between 2023 and 2025 across 42 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. The findings are alarming: nearly nine in ten candidates expressed concerns that running openly as LGBTQ+ individuals would increase their risk of harassment or attack. And their fears are not unfounded; two-thirds reported experiencing in-person harassment during their campaigns, while a staggering 80% faced online abuse.
One candidate recounted a harrowing experience where a neighbor fired shots at their home simply for advocating for transgender rights. Others have been physically assaulted while canvassing or have had their families stalked online. It’s a reality that many LGBTQ+ candidates now face: their campaigns are less about policies and more about managing threats to their safety.
“If members of our community don’t feel safe, how do we participate in American democracy?” asked Evan Low, president and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute. His words resonate deeply in a time when political violence is not just a personal threat but a structural barrier to representation. Candidates are altering their schedules, avoiding public events, and limiting their social media presence—all in a bid to protect themselves from potential attacks.
For transgender candidates, the risks are even more pronounced, especially in conservative areas. One respondent reported receiving threats warning them not to approach schools because they were trans. The constant stress and fear have led many candidates to experience psychological tolls, including PTSD and chronic anxiety. “It is hard to be the best candidate you can be when you are dealing with threats and bullying,” one candidate lamented.
Despite the dangers, LGBTQ candidates are not backing down. The report found that nearly all respondents believed their identities ultimately strengthened their candidacies, fostering empathy and resilience. With over 1,300 out LGBTQ+ elected officials currently serving in the U.S., it’s clear that the community is not just surviving but thriving, even in the face of adversity.
However, the financial burden of ensuring safety during campaigns is a significant concern. Fewer than one in ten candidates could afford private security, and many resorted to installing home surveillance systems instead. Low emphasized that donors must recognize the importance of candidate safety as a legitimate campaign expense. “Yes, yes, absolutely,” he affirmed, advocating for funding security measures for LGBTQ+ candidates.
As we witness this alarming trend, it’s crucial to support LGBTQ candidates not just in their campaigns but in ensuring their safety and well-being. The fight for representation is not just about winning elections; it’s about creating a space where every voice can be heard without fear. The future of democracy depends on it.