Frequency, Nature, and Correlates of Hate Crime Victimization Experiences in an Urban Sample of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Community Members

Abstract

The present study examines two central research questions. First, we sought to add to current knowledge on the frequency and types of hate crime experiences in an urban sample. Also, drawing on existing frameworks for sexual minority specific (SMS) stress, we examined internalized SMS stress (defined by internalized homophobia and acceptance concerns regarding one's minority status) as a mediator of the association between hate crime victimization (i.e., objective or social SMS stress) and mental health symptoms (i.e., symptoms of depression, anxiety, and general stress). Participants were 336 self-identified lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) community members who elected to participate in research at a community health agency in an urban southwestern United States jurisdiction. Results suggested (a) approximately one third of the sample reported lifetime hate crime victimization, with the most common types characterized by interpersonal, as opposed to property, crimes; (b) approximately half of participants reported their most recent victimization to law enforcement; and (c) internalized SMS stress mediated the relation between hate crime victimization and overall mental health symptoms. Findings are discussed with respect to implications of the unique nature of hate crimes in an urban setting, as well as theoretical and practical implications of SMS stress findings.

Who has the worst attitudes toward sexual minorities? Comparison of transphobia and homophobia levels in gender dysphoric individuals, the general population and health care providers

“…Several studies have examined the degree of homophobia in heterosexual individuals [14,[23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] and the degree of internalized sexual stigma in homosexual individuals [33,34]. In particular, high rates of perceived and experienced stigma have been reported by lesbian women and gay men [27][28][29][30][31].…”

“…In particular, high rates of perceived and experienced stigma have been reported by lesbian women and gay men [27][28][29][30][31]. Perceived stigma seems to be associated with negative consequences with respect to physical and mental health in sexual minorities [31,35], as well as with low self-esteem [36].…”

Crime in Greater Los Angeles: Experiences and Perceptions of Local Urban Residents

“…The types of crimes that were highlighted in their responses are also in line with what other studies have found, such as with violent crimes and property crimes (Browning et al, 2017;Chang, 2017;Easter, 2017). None of the respondents mentioned anything about any type of hate crime committed against them, so this was not in line with what was discussed earlier in the articles about the prevalence of hate crimes across Los Angeles Burks et al, 2018;Stotzer, 2008;Stotzer, 2010). An additional study specifically looking at crimes committed against LGBT residents could help to better highlight this particular problem.…”

“…Women living in urban areas generally have higher rates of fear of being victimized than men generally do (Riger & Gordon, 1983). There are various reasons for this, but much of it has to do with inequitable power in society, financial dependence, lack of social control, and living with the perceived (or actual) threat of male violence (Burks et al, 2018;Chang & Lau, 2016;Riger & Gordon, 1983). Some individuals are at increased risk of being victimized due to their positions in the social structure, their lifestyles, their social status, their living situations, etc.…”

“…Burks et al (2018) found that many gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals have higher than average level of stress and anxiety due to their awareness of the potential for being the target of a hate crime. From their sample of 336 urban LGB participants they found that 1 out of 3 have been the victims of a hate crime, typically of an interpersonal and violent nature.…”