LGBTQphobia Report #8

Principle Data for 2020 01.01.2020 - 31.12.2020

Every 3 Hours

27%

16%

25%

A 27% increase of reported incidents 2,696 reported incidents compared to 2125 reported incidents in 2019

A 16% increase in cases where young LGBTQs had to leave their home/ forced out of their home.

An LGBTQphobic incident is reported Every 3 hours Whereas in 2019 it was reported every 4 hours.

25% of LGBTQphobia is experienced around one’s home environment Whereas in 2019 it was only 8% of all cases

272 in 2019 versus 315 in 2020.

Ever since The Aguda Report Center, named after Nir Katz (RIP) was established a decade ago, there has been a constant increase of reported incidents. The LGBTQphobic reports are being documented and handled by the Report Center, which acts on the plaintiffs’ behalf by approaching the abusive bodies demanding they make policy or procedure changes. In some instances The Report center asks for themanagement of those reported bodies immediate involvement in resolving a specific case; more so, as part of their duty, we demand they educate the relevant staff (or team) about important matters concerning the LGBTQ community in hope of preventing recurring events. Additionally, every complaint is handled in the most sensitive and personal way. We lend our ears to each person who turns to us for help and assist them in understanding the reasons the complaint was brought about. Once we understand the situation, we connect them with relevant representatives from either inner community circles or exterior bodies accordingly, and act on their behalf if we believe it’s required. We believe reporting is a very important action: it strengthens the individual's feeling of being able to take part in the struggle against the abuse/violence directed at them and it also contributes to the documentation of LGBTQphobic behavior. An accurate mirroring of LGBTQphobic acts of violence in Israel, is actually the basis for the entire activity and agenda the LGBTQ Association promotes since it allows for a better understanding of what it is we struggle against. The Coronavirus has affected every person around the world; its mark being felt by everyone. Much the same, the LGBTQ community all over Israel has been hit by the ramifications of the Covid virus at all ages, genders, sexual orientations and in all areas of life. The pandemic edged the LGTBTQphobia into people’s private spaces, much more than in the previous year. Thus, compared to previous years, 2020 was a turbulent year for all of us. For example, more reports of teen LGBTQs have been made about home abuse, or about being thrown out of their homes due to their sexual or gender orientation. We, as LGBTQ people, are everywhere and we demand our right and ability to live in a safe environment and space like any other citizen. This year, we saw an increase of reports coming in from the north part of the country and the Sharon region, for the first time. Most of the reports in previous years have come from the Gush Dan area (central Israel region).These figures, which demonstrate the geographical spread of the reports, also support our desire for a safe environment despite some factions who are trying to dismiss it/ blur it. It’s important to highlight that in 2020 we have witnessed a developing attitude change as well as a significant discourse in the Arab sector with regards to the LGBTQ community: There has been more acceptance and taking on the unique challenges of the Israeli Arabs, who identify as LGBTQ. Another positive change can be witnessed in the religious LGBTQ community, who on the one hand experience significant violent incitement such as blaming their sexual orientation for the pandemic; and on the other hand are taking some significant steps to establish itself as a legitimate and inseparable part of the religious and secular society.

LGBTQphobia Report