Report: Violence Against LGBT Increases

According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Projects, violent crimes committed against people due to their perceived or actual sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV-positive status have increased by 13 percent over the 2009 reporting period.

Last year's homicide count reached 27 -- up from 22 in 2009 and the second-highest number since the coalition began tracking such crimes in 1996. Of those killed, the data show, 70% were minorities and 44% were transgender women. The attacks also show a higher level of brutality, the report concludes.

The trends, said Jake Finney, project manager with the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, one of 43 groups that participate in the coalition, “will not change without raising awareness of this brutality and taking affirmative steps to address transphobia.”