India Jordan – Communities and Networks Coordinator 

It Stops Here Fortnight runs from the 29th January to the 9th February. This bridges with LGBT+ History Month which takes place over February. In this light, it is important to discuss how sexual violence, harassment and bullying affects the LGBT+ Community.

The #metoo movement has been at the forefront of discussion around sexual assault and violence. The Me Too phrase first used by Senior Director at Girls for Gender Equality, Tarana Burke in
2006, to raise awareness of the of the pervasiveness of sexual abuse and assault in society. Despite the #metoo movement and focus on sexual harassment dominating the headlines in recent
months, there has been a lack of representation and discussion of this within the LGBT+ community, particularly in the media. The fact there hasn’t been a focus on this is surprising, considering the assault rate for LGBT folk is comparable, or in some cases even higher than the sexual assault rate for heterosexual individuals. As with most hate-based violence, a shocking 64% of trans folk have experienced sexual assault in their lifetime.

Stonewall recently published a report which showed that one in five LGBT+ people have experienced a hate crime or incident because their sexual orientation and/or gender identity in the last 12 months. Again, trans folk experience far more hate-crime than their cis counterparts, with two in five trans people experiencing hate crime because of their gender identity in the last 12 months. The report concluded that hate crime against LGBT people in Britain has increased by 78% since 2013.

These figures can seem overwhelming, and show that despite changes in legislation and slow movements towards a society where LGBT+ people are more visible and accepted, homophobia,
transphobia and biphobia is still rife. A part of how we can combat this is through knowing channels of support, understanding how you can intervene and be an active bystander. Do not underestimate the power of an ally, and remember that if you’re wearing a rainbow lanyard around Kings, you are visibly and openly stating your role as an ally.

If you are an LGBT+ person and have experienced sexual assault, bullying or harassment here are some of the ways you can get support:

It Stops Here – Disclosures, support and information
Get involved in Kings’ LGBT+ Staff Network
GALOP – London’s anti-LGBT+ hate-crime and domestic violence charity.
London Friend – LGBT+ Health and Wellbeing Charity
ELOP – North East London LGBT+ Community center and counselling

If you are an LGBT+ Ally, here is how you can help:

Active Bystander Training
Read up on what it means to be an Ally
Sign up to Diversity Matters training