One’s innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither. This is how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. One’s gender identity can be the same or different from their sex assigned at birth.

The sex, male, female or intersex, that a doctor or midwife uses to describe a child at birth based on their external anatomy.

An acronym for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex and asexual” with a “+” sign to recognize limitless sexual orientations and gender identities used.

Often overlooked, the LGBTQIA+ community frequently experiences higher incidences of domestic and sexual violence. Recent studies reveal that lesbian and gay individuals report a higher prevalence of abuse, including rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner compared to heterosexuals. People who are transgender experience disproportionate rates of violence and homicide, particularly transgender people of color.

Harambe’s team understands the dynamics and the cycle of abuse experienced by the LGBTQIA+ community. We recognize the unique barriers to accessing service, insufficient laws to protect marginalized groups, and the need for confidentiality. Therefore, we offer individual and group support with access to safe and healing spaces for all victims of domestic and sexual violence.

While the dynamics of intimate partner violence in LGBTQ relationships are the same as those in heterosexual relationships, homophobia, heterosexism and transphobia offer unique tactics abusers can use and create extra barriers for victims/survivors.

Transgender women are three times more likely to be stalked, experience financial abuse, and/or endure sexual harassment than individuals who do not identify as transgender.

43.8% of lesbian women and 61.1% of bisexual women have experienced rape, physical abuse, and/or stalking by an intimate partner, compared to 35% of heterosexual women.

Men are not immune to abusive relationships – 26% of gay men and more than 37% of bisexual men have experienced rape, physical abuse, and/or stalking by an intimate partner, compared to 29% of heterosexual men.

• Deny the situation based on the false notion that abuse only happens between a man and a woman.
• Threaten to “out” their partner if they have not publicly revealed their sexual orientation or gender identity, which could mean losing friends, not being accepted in their faith communities, and experiencing discrimination at work.
• Tell partner they will be in trouble because they look more “masculine”; or because they do not fit into society’s traditional gender roles.

• Try to hide the abuse to prevent tarnishing the image of the LGBTQ community.
• Be reluctant to seek help from law enforcement and other systems because of the fear of being discriminated against or mistreated just because of who they are.
• Be unaware that domestic violence organizations offer services for women and men regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Credit

The City of Philadelphia’s Office on LGBT Affairs
https://www.phila.gov/posts/office-of-lgbt-affairs

For LGBTQIA+ Youth 

The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. They  provide information & support to LGBTQ+ 
young people 24/7, all year round.

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Call 866-488-7386 or Text START to 678-678