California Attorney General Rob Bonta released the "State of Pride Report" today in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. The report outlines the California Department of Justice's (DOJ) efforts to support and defend LGBTQ+ rights amidst ongoing threats to justice and equality.
"Pride Month is a time to celebrate the beautiful strength and diversity of LGBTQ+ communities, as well as to reflect on the struggles, sacrifices, and historic accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement," stated Bonta. He emphasized that despite significant progress, much work remains due to increasing attacks on LGBTQ+ communities.
Key data points from the report include:
- In 2023, 2.8 million people in California identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.
- Between 2022 and 2023, there were 405 reported hate crime events motivated by sexual orientation bias (an increase of 4.1%), 76 events motivated by anti-transgender or anti-gender-nonconforming bias (an increase of 7.04%), and 151 events motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias (an increase of 86.4%).
- Over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in U.S. state legislatures in 2023.
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most recent annual crime report showed a nearly 14% increase in reports of hate crimes based on sexual orientation and a nearly 33% increase based on gender identity.
- In 2023, a total of 21 bills requiring forced outing in schools were introduced; in early 2024, this number rose to 59.
The report details DOJ’s initiatives against hate crimes and discrimination targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. It highlights the Hate Crime Rapid Response Protocol which provides local law enforcement with resources to handle significant hate crimes efficiently. Additionally, DOJ is focused on eliminating discrimination in various sectors including education, sports, healthcare, and public spaces.
Attorney General Bonta reaffirmed his commitment to defending LGBTQ+ rights: "I stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community this Pride Month and every month." He added that everyone deserves safety and celebration regardless of their identity or whom they love.
The State of Pride Report also addresses ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals such as discrimination, harassment, violence, poverty, unemployment, and homelessness—particularly among transgender individuals.
In related actions during August and October of last year, Bonta took legal steps against Chino Valley Unified School District Board's mandatory gender identity disclosure policy. He issued legal alerts warning against such policies and emphasized inclusive curricula requirements for educational institutions across California.
The full State of Pride Report can be accessed online for further details.