In a significant move to address the escalating issue of anti-LGBTQ+ violence and discriminatory laws, the White House has begun implementing a strategy first announced in June. Admiral Rachel Levine, the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, emphasized that “hate — whether fueled by homophobia, transphobia, or racism — is a public health threat.” This declaration comes as part of the Biden administration’s plan to establish a new Community Safety Partnership aimed at providing resources to local LGBTQ+ community organizations to prevent and respond to threats.
The Biden administration regards these threats as violations of fundamental American values and freedoms. Various government departments, including Health and Human Services, Education, Justice, and Homeland Security, are set to play roles in this initiative. In recent months, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported a marked increase in threats against the LGBTQ+ community, while the FBI documented a significant rise in anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes in the past year, coinciding with the passage of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in several states.
Admiral Levine expressed hope for a future where hate-fueled violence becomes a distant memory, no longer inciting fear among LGBTQI+ people. She stated, “We all deserve to live in communities safe from violence,” echoing the sentiments of many LGBTQ+ individuals across the country.
Levine’s comments came after a meeting with Beverly Tillery, the Executive Director of the New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP). The Community Safety Partnership initiative includes regular threat assessments for community organizations like AVP, along with efforts to improve relations with law enforcement agencies in acknowledgment of historical mistreatment of LGBTQI+ communities.
Tillery emphasized the urgency of preparations for the upcoming year, focusing on safety measures for the next Pride season and elections. She stressed the importance of gathering information and resources to ensure safety in various ways. AVP, a vital network of organizations for LGBTQ+ physical and mental health, has been prioritized by Levine, who has personally visited LGBTQ+ spaces to understand their needs.
In July, AVP released a comprehensive survey and report titled “Under Attack: 2022 LGBTQ+ Safe Spaces National Needs Assessment,” which gathered feedback from LGBTQ+ community groups across all 50 states regarding hate incidents and their future safety needs. Recently, the FBI reported a concerning increase in reported crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity, underscoring the pressing need for collective efforts to combat anti-LGBTQ+ violence and discrimination in the United States.