Survey Data Fills Research Gap, Transgender People and Communities of Color Face Higher Rates of Discrimination, Harassment, and Exclusion
New study found rates of employment, income, and healthcare similar to the Southern US population, with the exception of transgender people and communities of color who reported lower rates
In the past 12 months, transgender people in the American South reported nearly twice as much discrimination than lesbian, gay, or bisexual respondents
The most common forms of discrimination for LGBTQ people in the South were being subject to slurs and jokes; rejection by friends, family; places of worship; and receiving poor service at places of business
Communities of Color more likely to be abused by police than non-hispanic whites in the South; Black people more likely to be threatened or physically attacked in their lifetimes than other racial groups in the Southern US
Passing equal employment laws was seen as the most important policy issue for LGBTQ Southerners
Survey data can serve as a tool for lawmakers in deciding policy and for advocates in developing organizing and education strategies
ATLANTA — November 13, 2018 — The LGBTQ Institute at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights released findings from its landmark study detailing the life experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Southerners. The survey is one of the largest conducted, with more than 6,500 people taking part, aimed at filling the information gap when it comes to LGBTQ experiences in the American South.
The LGBTQ Institute, with its research partner Georgia State University, worked with more 146 nonprofit organizations across 14 Southern states including: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
The Survey Fills a Critical Gap, Provides a Snapshot of Conditions and Life Experiences
"This research provides critical, potentially actionable, information to agencies and state and local governments interested in responding to the needs of LGBTQ people," remarked Ryan Roemerman, LGBTQ Institute Executive Director and study co-director.
The survey touches on a broad range of topics, including education and employment, health and wellness, criminal justice and safety, sexual and gender identity, and discrimination.
“Planning for this survey began in 2015, but the need for this survey became even more urgent as LGBTQ people continue to be erased from federal policy and research,” remarked Dr. Eric R. Wright, Georgia State Sociology Professor and Survey Director.
Transgender People and Communities of Color Face Higher Rates of Discrimination
The survey shows that transgender people and communities of color face high rates of discrimination and harassment. In the past 12 months, transgender people in the American South reported nearly twice as much discrimination than lesbian, gay, or bisexual respondents.
The most common forms of discrimination for LGBTQ people in the South were being subject to slurs and jokes; rejection by friends and family; places of worship; and receiving poor service at places of business.
Communities of color are more likely to be abused by police than non-Hispanic whites in the South; Black people are much more likely to be threatened or physically attacked in their lifetimes than other racial groups in the South.
Amplifying Southern LGBTQ Voices
“This is a study of, by, and for Southern LGBTQ people, with the support of many community and grassroots organizations and individuals,” said Tracee McDaniel, a Advisory Board member for the LGBTQ Institute. “The goal of this research is to amplify the voices of LGBTQ Southerners and highlight the issues affecting our lives, in order to create a more safe and welcoming South.”
More Research is Needed
More analysis is forthcoming and will focus on communities of color, transgender people, and individual reports for each of the 14 states who participated in the study.
“Our hope is that this research can serve as an important resource that can help LGBTQ people tell their stories, reframe narratives, and dismantle discriminatory systems. We also hope this data helps our partners on the ground as they develop their policy initiatives, fundraising campaigns, and grassroots strategies,” said Roemerman.
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The LGBTQ Institute at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects academics and advocates to advance LGBTQ equity through research and education focused on the American South.
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Downtown Atlanta is an engaging cultural attraction that connects the American Civil Rights Movement to today’s Global Human Rights Struggle. The Center features a continuously rotating exhibit from The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection, which includes many of Dr. King’s documents and personal items. Visitors will be immersed in experiential exhibits through powerful and authentic stories, historic documents, compelling artifacts, and interactive activities. The Center is a source for ongoing dialogue — hosting educational forums and attracting world-renowned speakers and artists who work on a variety of human rights topics.
Georgia State University is an enterprising urban public research institution in Atlanta. A national leader in graduating students from diverse backgrounds, Georgia State provides a rich experience with award-winning housing, hundreds of student clubs and organizations, and one of the most diverse student bodies in the country.