New research reveals fears of rise in anti-LGBTQ+ violence in Ireland

Eva Osborne

New research has highlighted fears of a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ violence and rhetoric in Ireland.

The UCD-led study has shown there is a significant increase in attacks both on and offline, with LGBTQ+ people being physically attacked and receiving threats of physical harm, including as they left events or were on their way to work.

Social media attacks were found to be experienced as prolific, regular, and consistent, creating a "negative everyday experience for those who use social media".

The case study reports the lived experiences of 40 people and how they negotiate and resist attacks related to their identities.

Participants outlined the effects of attacks, both online and offline, to be fear, damaged mental and physical health, scaled back work, employment and activist work, and moderated or limited time on social media.

Project coordinator, Professor Kath Browne from the UCD School of Geography, said: "The overriding finding from our research is the significant increases in attacks which are happening both on and offline, with online activity generally a precursor to offline aggression.

"Our research indicates organised anti-trans and anti-LGBT attacks on groups and people across Ireland. This might be a surprise for some who believed that the 2015 same-sex referendum meant that Ireland has changed.

"Research participants interviewed as part of this report have indicated an emboldening of anti-LGBT groups. Participants described being targeted on social media and this was then seen in protests outside libraries and the targeting of LGBT organisations."