LGBT-phobic complaints nearly double in first quarter of 2023

Complaints to authorities over LGTB-phobic incidents have almost doubled in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period of the previous year.

Sources from the Catalan Mossos d'Esquadra police force highlighted the rise in these crimes coinciding with the commemoration of International Pride Day.

In the first three months of the year, 70 cases have been reported, 33 more than from January to March 2022. These reports made affected a total of 133 victims of LGBT-phobic attacks, up from 54 compared to the same period last year. A total of 390 people were victims of such attacks in all of 2022.

The police added that the crimes most commonly reported are assaults, threats and coercion, and 96 people have been arrested or investigated for these types of incidents during this period: 30 women and 66 men.

During all of last year, 317 people were arrested or investigated, of which 70 were women and 247 were men.

Talks against discrimination

The Catalan police gave 141 talks with a total of 3,462 attendees during the first three months of the year with the aim of spreading awareness to fight against discrimination and protect freedoms and public safety.

These talks are usually done in conjunction with organizations, public authorities, associations, NGOs and other entities to exchange information and understand their demands and concerns.

Training sessions are also given to officers focused on investigations, protection, and giving attention to victims of these hate crimes.

Mossos also wanted to highlight the importance of reporting any criminal act to fight against the hidden figure of such attacks that go unreported and end the impunity with which aggressors act, especially in this type of crime.

New LGBT memorial

Coinciding with International Pride Day, the Catalan government announced a new LGBT memorial as part of the executive's historical memory. 

"New generations have plenty of opportunities to express their identity and sexual orientation," Catalan president Pere Aragonès said on Wednesday.

"Because we want no steps backward, we want all advances, and we want them for everyone, as it's important as well to honor the memory, and for that reason, we are launching the LGBT memorial," he added.

'Cannot relax'

One of the most well-known locations for the LGBT community is Sitges, the seaside town south of Barcelona. However, in recent months, the town has registered some LGBT-phobic attacks, the worst one seen so far during New Year's Eve, when two couples were assaulted.

While that attack was investigated, the Colors Sitges Link association considers there are five more victims from other such attacks in recent weeks. 

"Sitges is the paradise of freedom," Prado Garcia, from the organization, said to the Catalan News Agency.

But, she warns, that "homophobic attacks even happen in Sitges when we relax, and we think we've conquered all our rights. Well, no, there are still a lot of people who don't agree with our public presence."