What’s more, these hate crimes are under-reported, which means people don’t get the protection they urgently need. When attackers go unpunished it spreads distrust towards the police and the courts. The fear of being targeted pushes people to hide their identity. Homophobic and transphobic hate crimes have a devastating impact on LGBTI communities. In many countries, including in Ukraine, crimes perpetrated because of someone’s real or perceived or sexual orientation or gender identity are not prosecuted as hate crimes, and sometimes they’re not investigated at all. This year, while 250 people were peacefully demonstrating during Pride in Kyiv, Ukraine, counter-demonstrators violently attacked the parade and left 10 people injured. In a number of countries, events cannot go ahead without a heavy police presence. Threats, violence and harassment against LGBTI people happen every day, including during Prides.
People are still attacked because of their real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity Activists at Pride in Kyev, Ukraine, June 2015. As the 2015 Pride season ends, we look at why Pride events are still so important for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people and activists across the world.
