(PS6-39) Prevalence and Frequency of Hate Violence Against Transgender and Non-Binary Adults in the United States

Abstract Text: Hate violence against transgender and non-binary (TNB) adults is a critical public health concern in the United States, with incidents surging by 284.4% between 2017 and 2022 (U.S. Department of Justice, 2022). These experiences are linked to increased risks of suicidality, psychological distress, substance use, injury, and death (Brightman et al., 2024; Pellicane & Ciesla, 2022; Timmins et al., 2017). However, prevalence estimates vary widely due to reliance on incomplete or biased data sources, such as voluntary reporting to government agencies or inconsistent self-reported data. Many studies also narrowly define hate violence, failing to capture its numerous forms, frequency, and cumulative impact on TNB individuals. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the prevalence and frequency of anti-TNB hate violence in a diverse sample while examining differences across gender identities.

The sample of 1,075 TNB adults was comprised of 62.8% identifying as nonbinary, 29.6% as a masculine gender identity (MGI; e.g., man, transmasculine), 18.7% as a feminine gender identity (FGI; e.g., woman, transfeminine), and 14.6% as agender. Participants completed an online survey assessing lifetime experiences of 15 types of hate violence victimization. Overall, 94.9% of respondents reported at least one instance of hate violence, with an average of nearly 46 incidents per person over their lifetime. While all groups experienced high rates of victimization, some differences emerged in the types of violence reported. MGI individuals most frequently experienced anti-TNB insults or slurs, FGI individuals experienced the highest rates of physical assault or threats, agender individuals reported the most verbal sexual harassment, and nonbinary individuals had the highest rates of sexual assault.

Despite some variability in victimization patterns, findings suggest that hate violence is a near-universal experience for TNB individuals, reflecting deeply entrenched social and structural stigma. Legal protections exist against gender identity-based hate crimes, yet enforcement remains inconsistent. While federal protections exist, many states continue to roll back legal safeguards. Rising rates of violence, alongside an increasingly hostile climate for TNB individuals, highlight the urgent need for stronger preventative action. Additionally, many TNB individuals report mistrust of law enforcement due to prior negative experiences. Addressing hate violence requires systemic and social change that extends beyond legal penalties to confront its root causes. In the meantime, immediate harm reduction efforts, such as improving access to gender-affirming care and mental health resources, are crucial. Future research should adopt intersectional approaches to explore how multiple marginalized identities shape vulnerability to hate violence. Longitudinal studies are also needed to provide more precise estimates of the frequency and long-term impact of these experiences. By highlighting the pervasive nature of anti-TNB violence, this study underscores the urgent need for systemic interventions to improve safety and well-being for TNB individuals.