What States Have the Most Anti-LGBTQ+ Hate Crimes?

A new study published by the Anti-Defamation League and GLAAD has ranked the worst states in the U.S. when it comes to anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes. Tallying a total of 356 incidents from June 2022 to April 2023, the report found 305 incidents of harassment, 40 of vandalism and 11 of assault across 46 states and Washington, D.C, nearly half of which were perpetrated at least in part by individuals with ties to extremist groups.

The study also charted trends in types of targets, with 138 of the incidents involving drag performers or events, 33 involving schools and educators, 23 involving healthcare providers and facilities, and 22 related to government officials and buildings.

Unsurprisingly, some states tracked more anti-LGBTQ+ crimes than others, with population density playing a key role in the final rankings. States with higher populations, like California and Texas, came near the top of the list, while low population states like North and South Dakota reported zero incidents in the study's timeframe.

You can see the full chart of incidents using the ADL's interactive Heat Map. Below, we've pulled from the data and ranked the worst U.S. states for anti-LGBTQ+ harassment, vandalism, and violence.

California

California, by the far the most populous state in the nation, had the most anti-LGBTQ+ incidents with 43, many of which occurred in and around San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento.

New York

Despite being the fourth most populous state, New York ranked second with 35 reported incidents, 25 of which took place in New York City.

Texas

Texas, a hotbed of anti-trans legislation in the U.S., had 30 reported incidents from June 2022 to April 2023, with the Houston and Dallas areas tracking highest.

Florida

Led by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida has been at the forefront of the recent legislative assault on LGBTQ+ rights. There were 28 reported incidents in the state, a majority of which occurred in and around Orlando.

Tennessee

Although Tennessee is only the 15th most populous state in the country, it had the 5th highest number of anti-LGBTQ+ incidents with 15.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts tied with Tennessee for the 5th most anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes at 15, the bulk of which took place in Greater Boston.

Georgia

With 13 recorded incidents, Georgia ranked as the 7th worst state in terms of anti-LGBTQ+ harassment and violence.

Washington

Only the second West Coast state to make the list after California, Washington was the site of 11 incidents during the study's timeframe.

North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Illinois, and Ohio

North Carolina (pictured), South Carolina, Virginia, Illinois, and Ohio each tracked 10 incidents from June 2022 to April 2023 making 9th place a five-way tie.