Magazine News & Features PRESS RELEASE: 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ people sexually assaulted in LGBTQ+ venues: It’s time for change FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ people sexually assaulted in LGBTQ+ venues: It’s time for change LGBT HERO calls on LGBTQ+ venues and the community to lead the way in creating safer spaces “I was assaulted in a queer club, and when I told a staff member, they rolled their eyes and told me I was overreacting.” A new survey by LGBT HERO reveals a serious issue: more than 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ people have been sexually assaulted in a club, bar, or LGBTQ+ venue. Consent violations are widespread, with 61% experiencing unwanted sexual contact in social settings. LGBT HERO is launching a new Sexual Assault and Consent campaign and support hub at www.lgbthero.org.uk/sexualassault. The campaign includes awareness posters in LGBTQ+ venues, shareable videos on social media, and a three-part podcast series discussing key issues. “LGBTQ+ spaces should be places of safety, but sexual assault and harassment are happening where we should feel protected,” says Ian Howley, CEO of LGBT HERO. “We have an opportunity to change this together.” Survey findings from over 600 LGBTQ+ people show: 61% have been touched sexually or intimately without consent in a social setting 21% have been sexually assaulted in an LGBTQ+ venue 74% told someone about their assault—but only 19% reported it to the police 44% were assaulted by a stranger, but 31% said their perpetrator was a friend LGBT HERO is calling on LGBTQ+ venues to take action: Implement zero-tolerance policies on sexual harassment and assault Ensure mandatory consent training for all venue staff Create visible reporting systems to support survivors Encourage community accountability to challenge harmful behaviour “We all have a responsibility to create an environment where consent is respected and survivors feel supported,” Howley adds. “Change isn’t just about awareness, it’s about action. That’s why we’re ready to work with LGBTQ+ venues, organisations, and community groups to create safer, more welcoming spaces for everyone. Our experience running the Lambeth Allies Programme in partnership with Lambeth Council has shown us that real change is possible when we come together to educate, train, and empower people to challenge unacceptable behaviour.” The full report, Sexual Assault and Consent in the LGBTQ+ Community can be read on the LGBT HERO’s website at www.lgbthero.org.uk/sac-survey-results can also visit LGBT HERO’s Sexual Assault and Consent hub for help, advice and support. You can listen to us discuss these issues on the new LGBT HERO podcast series on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Survivors speak out: “Nobody stepped In. Nobody cared.” Real-life testimonies highlight the urgent need for change: “I was at a Pride after party when someone I barely knew kept touching my waist and pulling me closer, even after I told them to stop. I eventually had to leave because they wouldn’t take no for an answer. My friends told me to ‘lighten up’ and that it was ‘just flirting.’ But it wasn’t. It was harassment.” “I was groped in a bar, went to security, and they shrugged me off. I had to leave to feel safe. That person still goes there every weekend.” “I was in a sex-positive venue where the rules were supposed to be clear: ask before touching. But someone grabbed me without permission, and when I told them to stop, they laughed in my face. The staff did nothing, and I felt completely powerless.” “I was assaulted in a queer club, and when I told a staff member, they rolled their eyes and told me I was overreacting.” ENDS Notes to editors: The survey was conducted through social media advertising and hosted on the LGBT HERO website for the month of January 2025 Contact: Ian is available for comments or press requests at: Email: [email protected] Phone: 07767058999 / 020 7738 6872 Twitter: @IanHowley About LGBT HERO LGBT HERO is the national health and wellbeing charity supporting over 100,000 people a month with trusted information, advice and various types of support including peer-support, group and one-to-one support on topics including, mental health, sexual health, suicide prevention, living with HIV, coming out, sexuality and gender identity, sex and relationships, LGBTQ+ rights and much more. LGBT HERO was formally know as ‘Gay Men Fighting AIDS (GMFA)’. Website: www.lgbthero.org.uk Twitter / Facebook: @lgbthero Insta: @lgbthero.org.uk Manage Cookie Preferences