10 LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz, who issued a draconian and compulsive circular against what he calls ‘conversion therapy,’ I have contributed to a campaign run by the Choice Fund, which helps provide care to those of same-sex orientation who are interested in developing an attraction to the opposite sex and establishing a healthy and fertile family.” Several of these examples (which are not necessarily the most blatant or extreme of the many cases registered at the Reporting Center) denote a threatening and prejudiced discourse expressed by various media sources. The media and journalists have considerable power in shaping public opinion and discourse and forming accepted narratives. There is a direct correlation between offensive content on media platforms - some of which (such as Channel 14) is institutionalized and funded by a state budget - and abusive LGBTQ-phobic behavior towards community members in the public and private networks. Community Coping Throughout the year, community organizations labor extensively to expose disinformation frequently disseminated in the media and social networks and strive to reflect the truth and reality of the lives of the LGBTQ community in Israel. Coverage of maltreatment of LGBTQ abuse and sharing the information with the public via the Reporting Center regarding the qZrR Zd qRnfqur PvqZdX rnRNZ’N nRqZfPr EqR fdb~ nEqu fW uYR RWWfqur uf NfvduRq uYR qRZuRqEuRP attacks by certain media elements against the LGBTQ community. These factors are known to use conspiracy theories, which ultimately are converted into actual abuses. Summary The challenges we faced this year occurred during post-pandemic when we returned to our routines. Reverting to interpersonal encounters expanded opportunities for potential abuse, and accordingly, there has been an increase in LGBTQ maltreatment in public spaces. In addition, the public discourse on LGBTQ matters has risen severely and vocally throughout the year, particularly with the election campaign. The new government comprises strict and explicit extreme conservatism, anchored in religious rationalization with an attempt to legitimize hate speech and abuse of the LGBTQ community. EdEuZN 1-żnYfMZN ruEuRcRdur M~ qRbZXZfvr fW’NZEbr EdP nvMbZN ’XvqRrŧ uYR announcement of the entrustment of education to a representative of a minority party that intones hatred against LGBTQ individuals, observable behavior of the coalition leaders that bow their heads in shame to the proud Speaker of the Knesset - these are several of the public actions demonstrating LGBTQ-phobia in recent months. Unfortunately, these behaviors proliferate and contaminate, threatening to erode the community’s achievements. As mentioned, one of the pinnacles of the escalation of LGBTQ-phobia was exhibited immediately following the new government inauguration, in November-December, when in those months alone, 25% of all cases of abuse received at the Reporting Center were registered in 2022. The LGBTQ Aguda Task Force, together with all the community organizations, labored in {EqZfvr ’RbPr uYqfvXYfvu uYR ~REq uf qRPvNR 1- EMvrRr M~ NYEdXZdX uYR PZrNfvqrR EdP policies. Working with all the community organizations, we endeavored together in our struggle for LGBTQ rights in Israel. We have achieved concrete and sustainable results by joining forces and working collaboratively. The political and social processes that we have been experiencing indicate that our struggle in the upcoming year will be demanding and challenging. The rise of extremist factions