Preliminary data from the state Division of Criminal Justice Services says LGBTQ hate crime numbers are rising across New York state.

What You Need To Know

  • LGBTQ hate crime numbers are rising in New York

  • The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services preliminary data shows LGBTQ hate crimes jumped from 89 in 2019 to 149 in 2022 in New York

  • Police say a man in Rochester is charged with a hate crime after allegedly using homophobic words during an assault

June is Pride Month, a time to look back on the progress that has been made for the LGBTQ community, but an alleged hate crime this week has LGBTQ organizations calling for vigilance when it comes to safety.

Rochester police say a man was walking along Monroe Avenue in Rochester on Tuesday when he saw a car he thought was following him speed up and drive toward him. He jumped out of the way and ran into a building, but police say the man got out of his car and followed him inside. That’s where police say the suspect proceeded to strike him multiple times, while allegedly yelling homophobic slurs.

The victim was treated at the hospital and a 29-year-old suspect, Alexander Ortiz, is now charged with reckless endangerment and assault in the third degree, designated as a hate crime level offense.

“The person charged with a hate crime had used homophobic words,” New York Assembly Member Harry Bronson said of the incident. “We’re in the midst of a movement where if you’re different, then you’re an other, and if you’re an other, you’re a threat and you have to be taken care of.”

The state Division of Criminal Justice Services says LGBTQ hate crimes jumped from 89 in 2019 to 149 in 2022 in the state.

“I firmly believe it’s because there’s a message out there, whether it’s racism, xenophobia, homophobia [or] transphobia – there’s a message out there that it’s OK to hate, and you’re not a bad person if you hate because these people are different and they’re a threat,” said Bronson. “I really believe that exists and it exists here in New York.” 

Following the incident, the organization Rochester LGBTQ+ Together released a statement addressing safety, saying:

"Rochester LGBTQ+ Together wants to acknowledge the anti-LGBTQ hate crime that occurred on Monroe Avenue earlier this week. We're grateful that the victim will heal from their physical wounds, but know that the emotional scars of this type of attack can last a lifetime. We're relieved to hear that the alleged perpetrator has been apprehended too. We also want to take this opportunity to make a larger statement about LGBTQ+ community safety. Of course, safety is a primary concern during Pride Season, but it's a year-round issue too. All programs and events should have safety plans, and we encourage our community to remain vigilant and practice "if you see something, say something." Safety, however, also means creating welcoming and affirming spaces, and policies to swiftly and fully address issues as they arise. We also must acknowledge many realities of the current state of affairs in our country and with the existing political climate. Trans folx, particularly trans women of color, continue to be harassed, attacked and murder. This is an epidemic that we, as a society, must stop. Additionally, LGBTQ+ youth face bullying, both in school and at home. Suicide rates among these youth are devastating. Drag performers and LGBTQ+ elected officials are being doxxed and targeted too, along with their families. Lastly, as is the case with this most recent homophobic attack in Rochester, many non-LGBTQ individuals are also targeted, simply for their perceived gender identity/expression and/or sexual orientation. Lastly, we need to recognize that these attacks, bigotry and hate are not just coming from outside our LGBTQ+ community. We must stand firmly against bullying, racism, transphobia and all other hate and discrimination within our community too. Rochester LGBTQ+ Together believes that we must uplift and support each other. We are always stronger together."

Bronson says Pride Month is a time to march forward with the effort to celebrate the LGBTQ movement proudly and loudly.

“Stay strong, be proud of who you are, especially during Pride,” said Bronson. “Celebrate who you are and know that we are a community. We’re in this together and we will protect each other. We’ll keep each other safe and we will love each other. So all of that far outweighs any hate speech or hate actions that may come as a result.”