LGBTQ-PHOBIA STATUS REPORT IN ISRAEL - 2023

2022 LGBTQ-PHOBIA STATUS REPORT IN ISRAEL

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Introduction

The Nir Katz Reporting Center releases the LGBTQ-phobia status report in Israel annually. The center's mission is to monitor, document, and address incidents of homophobia that harm members of the LGBTQ+ community. The past year has MRRd nEquZNvbEqb~ NYEbbRdXZdX EdP rZXdZ’NEdu Wfq uYR 1-ƞ NfccvdZu~ Zd rqERbŧ marked by determined struggles for the future of Israeli society. Community members' representation has become the most diverse forefront in public spaces. The year began with widespread protests against judicial reform, which saw participation from many within the LGBTQ+ population. Jewish and Arab citizens, secular and religious, men and women, together with members of the LGBTQ+ community, united to defend the values of democracy and equality in Israel. Our community led the struggle at the forefront, standing on the front lines. But that’s not all; following the tragic events of "Black Saturday" on October 7, 1-ƞ NfccvdZu~ cRcMRqr fdNR EXEZd qfrR uf NfduqZMvuR rZXdZ’NEdub~Ŭ 1YZr active involvement starkly contrasts with the institutionalized discrimination, violence, and incitement that the community continues to face. In 2024, LGBTQ+ ZdPZ{ZPvEbr ruZbb ’dP uYRcrRb{Rr ’XYuZdX Zd Nfvquŧ NYEbbRdXZdX uYRZq f|d Nfvduq~ for fundamental rights. This annual report provides a comprehensive overview of LGBTQ-phobia, discrimination, and exclusion faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Israel throughout 2023. The data clearly illustrates how the state of Israeli society directly impacts the condition of the LGBTQ+ community. Repeatedly, the LGBTQ+ community serves as a barometer for the level of liberalism in society, cEaZdX uYRc WqRpvRdu uEqXRur fW NfdrRq{EuZ{R EdP EduZż 1-ƞ nvMbZN fW’NZEbr who aim to undermine the democratic character of the state. 1YZr ~REqŰr 1-żnYfMZE ruEuvr qRnfqu Zr PZ{ZPRP Zduf u|f nEqurŬ 1YR ’qru part highlights a 28% increase in overall LGBTQ phobia (January to October) EdP E rZXdZ’NEdu qZrR Zd NErRr fW {ZfbRdNRŧ ZdNbvPZdX nY~rZNEb EuuENar EXEZdru community members. The second part features research from the Israeli Institute for Gender and LGBTQ Studies of The Aguda, which shows that during the Israel-Hamas war, 20% of community members reported experiencing increased LGBTQ phobia compared to the period before the conflict. Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope—a sense of unity that emerged during the war and the community's contributions to both civil and military efforts. We wish for more peaceful days for all of Israeli society and hope to see this crisis as an opportunity for growth and change. As integral members of the Israeli mosaic, we will continue to be at the forefront of the struggle for the character of the State of Israel. We are here to stay, and together, we must work towards promoting a just, inclusive, and diverse society for everyone.

Hila Peer Chairperson, The Aguda

Yael Sinai Biblash CEO, The Aguda