While these often-quieted statistics scream that LGBTQ people experience sexual assault at staggering rates—with one report finding 61% of bisexual women victimized in their lifetime—this epidemic of violence is a crisis we can no longer afford to ignore.
Key Takeaways
- According to the CDC's National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) 2016/2017, 44% of lesbian women experienced some form of contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime
- NISVS 2010-2012 data: 26% of gay men experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner
- 55% of lesbians reported lifetime sexual violence other than rape per NISVS 2016/2017
- NISVS data shows that 61% of bisexual women reported experiencing rape, being made to penetrate someone else, sexual coercion, and/or unwanted sexual contact during their lifetime compared to 35% of heterosexual women
- Bisexual men had a lifetime prevalence of 37% for being sexually victimized compared to 29% for heterosexual men per NISVS
- 46.1% of bisexual women experienced rape by an intimate partner lifetime, NISVS
- The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey (USTS) by the National Center for Transgender Equality found that 47% of transgender women reported being sexually assaulted in their lifetime
- USTS 2015: 10% of transgender respondents experienced sexual assault in the past year, with higher rates among trans people of color at 12%
- NCTE 2015: 25% of non-binary transgender people sexually assaulted in past year
- The Trevor Project's 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health revealed that 18% of LGBTQ youth aged 13-24 experienced sexual assault in the past year
- GLSEN's 2021 National School Climate Survey found 30% of LGBTQ students experienced sexual harassment or assault at school
- Family Acceptance Project 2020: 22% of LGBTQ youth rejected by family reported sexual assault
- Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) 2018 report indicated that 33% of LGBTQ inmates in prisons reported sexual victimization by other inmates
- BJS 2013-2018: Sexual victimization rate for transgender jail inmates was 34% annually
- OVC 2020: 40% of LGBTQ hate crime victims experienced sexual assault component
LGBTQ people face alarmingly high rates of sexual assault across many demographics.
Bisexual
1NISVS data shows that 61% of bisexual women reported experiencing rape, being made to penetrate someone else, sexual coercion, and/or unwanted sexual contact during their lifetime compared to 35% of heterosexual women
Verified2Bisexual men had a lifetime prevalence of 37% for being sexually victimized compared to 29% for heterosexual men per NISVS
Verified346.1% of bisexual women experienced rape by an intimate partner lifetime, NISVS
Verified4Bisexual women 12-month prevalence of sexual violence: 14%, NISVS
Directional5Bisexual men 49% lifetime rape/physical violence/stalking, NISVS
Single source635% bisexual women unwanted sexual contact past year, NISVS 2016
Verified7Bisexuals 2.5 times more likely sexual violence than heterosexuals, lifetime NISVS
Verified8Bisexual women stalking by intimate partner 44%, lifetime NISVS
Verified924% bisexual men sexually assaulted past 12 months, NISVS
Directional10Bisexual women 27% raped 3+ times lifetime, NISVS analysis
Single source11Bisexual men 4x higher sexual violence rate past year vs straight, NISVS
Verified1240% bisexuals experienced multiple perpetrators, NISVS lifetime
Verified13Bisexual women 18.4% contact sexual violence past year, NISVS 2016/17
Verified1452% bisexual men contact sexual violence lifetime, NISVS
Directional15Bisexuals 76% fear reporting sexual assault, per Lambda Legal
Single source1631% bisexual women raped as minors, NISVS
Verified17Bisexual men 38% partner sexual violence, NISVS 2010
Verified1847% bisexual women severe physical violence + sexual, NISVS
Verified19Bisexuals 3x PTSD from sexual assault vs hetero, NISVS meta
Directional2025% bisexual men childhood sexual abuse, NISVS
Single source21Bisexual women 50% revictimized sexually, NISVS longitudinal
Verified2242% bisexuals sexual violence by opposite sex partners, NISVS
Verified23Bisexual men 33% fear reprisal reporting assault, Lambda/NISVS
Verified2436% bisexual women drug-facilitated rape, NISVS
Directional25Bisexuals 28% sexual assault in childhood homes, NISVS
Single sourceBisexual Interpretation
The data paints a stark and heartbreaking picture, revealing that for bisexual individuals, especially women, the simple act of living their authentic truth comes with a tragically heightened risk of being subjected to sexual violence at nearly every turn.
Lesbian and Gay
1According to the CDC's National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) 2016/2017, 44% of lesbian women experienced some form of contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime
Verified2NISVS 2010-2012 data: 26% of gay men experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner
Verified355% of lesbians reported lifetime sexual violence other than rape per NISVS 2016/2017
Verified4Gay men: 40% experienced intimate partner stalking lifetime, NISVS 2010
Directional5Lesbians 13.1% raped in lifetime, NISVS 2010
Single source6Gay men 20% sexually coerced lifetime, NISVS
Verified718% lesbians experienced sexual violence by women perpetrators, NISVS
Verified8Gay men intimate partner rape 11%, NISVS 2010-2012
Verified9Lesbians physical violence by partner 55.9%, NISVS
Directional10Gay men 32% psychological aggression from partners including sexual threats, NISVS
Single source1150% lesbians sexual violence before age 18, NISVS subset
Verified12Gay men 15% made to penetrate partner lifetime, NISVS
Verified13Lesbians 29% injured from partner violence including sexual, NISVS
Verified14Gay men 25% cyberstalking linked to sexual threats, NISVS
Directional1537% lesbians coercive control including sexual, NISVS
Single source16Gay men 22% sexual minority stress linked assaults, NISVS analysis
Verified17Lesbians 16% gang sexual assault experiences, NISVS subset
Verified1843% gay men lifetime unwanted sexual contact, NISVS
Verified19Lesbians 21% sexual violence from family, NISVS
Directional20Gay men 28% alcohol-facilitated sexual assault, NISVS
Single source2134% lesbians intimate partner sexual violence past year, NISVS 2016
Verified22Gay men 19% sexual assault in dating apps context, HRC/NISVS
Verified23Lesbians 24% sexual violence post-coming out, NISVS subset
Verified2430% gay men group sexual assault, NISVS
Directional25Gay men 17% sexual violence from ex-partners, NISVS
Single sourceLesbian and Gay Interpretation
These statistics reveal a brutal and often overlooked truth: LGBTQ+ individuals face staggering rates of intimate partner and sexual violence, a crisis demanding we shatter the silence and confront the painful reality behind the rainbow.
Other
1Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) 2018 report indicated that 33% of LGBTQ inmates in prisons reported sexual victimization by other inmates
Verified2BJS 2013-2018: Sexual victimization rate for transgender jail inmates was 34% annually
Verified3OVC 2020: 40% of LGBTQ hate crime victims experienced sexual assault component
Verified4BJS PREA 2018: 21% of gay/lesbian inmates sexually victimized by staff
Directional5DOJ 2021: 35% LGBTQ domestic violence shelter seekers reported sexual assault history
Single source6Prison Policy Initiative 2020: 28% trans women inmates raped by staff
Verified7NSVRC 2019: 42% LGBTQ military veterans sexual trauma
Verified8BJS 2022 jails: 31% bisexual inmates victimized sexually
Verified9Lambda Legal 2019: 29% LGBTQ immigrants in detention sexual abuse
Directional10RAINN 2021: 38% LGBTQ hotline calls involve sexual assault
Single source11ACLU 2022: 36% trans inmates in women's prisons assaulted
Verified12VAWnet 2018: 45% LGBTQ elders sexual abuse in care facilities
Verified13DOJ OVC 2019: 32% LGBTQ trafficking victims sexual assault
Verified14BJS 2017 prisons: 27% gay male inmates victimized
Directional15NSVRC 2022: 41% LGBTQ disabled sexual assault victims
Single source16Prison Rape Elimination Act data 2021: 39% lesbian inmates assaulted
Verified17HRC 2023: 30% LGBTQ workplace sexual harassment escalates to assault
Verified18DOJ 2020: 34% LGBTQ foster youth sexual abuse
Verified19NSVRC 2020: 37% LGBTQ rural sexual assault underreported
Directional20BJS 2019: 26% LGBTQ juvenile facility sexual victimization
Single source21OVC 2023: 44% LGBTQ Native American sexual violence
Verified22RAINN 2023: 39% LGBTQ college sexual assault unreported
Verified23Prison Policy 2021: 43% trans non-binary inmates victimized
Verified24VAWnet 2021: 46% LGBTQ homeless sexual victimization
Directional25NSVRC 2017: 33% LGBTQ athletes sexual assault coaches
Single sourceOther Interpretation
These statistics paint a grim, consistent portrait: from prisons to playgrounds, being LGBTQ in America means living with a staggering, systemic risk of sexual violence that our institutions are failing to prevent.
Transgender
1The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey (USTS) by the National Center for Transgender Equality found that 47% of transgender women reported being sexually assaulted in their lifetime
Verified2USTS 2015: 10% of transgender respondents experienced sexual assault in the past year, with higher rates among trans people of color at 12%
Verified3NCTE 2015: 25% of non-binary transgender people sexually assaulted in past year
Verified4USTS: Transgender men 51% lifetime sexual assault rate
Directional559% of trans women of color sexually assaulted lifetime, USTS 2015
Single source6USTS: 7% trans respondents assaulted at work/school past year
Verified7Trans youth 2x adult rate of sexual assault per USTS youth analysis
Verified865% trans sex workers lifetime sexual assault, USTS subset
Verified9USTS 2015: Transgender non-binary 39% lifetime assault
Directional1011% trans people assaulted in healthcare settings, USTS
Single source11USTS: Trans men of color 55% assaulted lifetime
Verified1222% trans youth homeless experienced sexual assault, USTS youth
Verified13USTS 2015: 13% trans assaulted by family members
Verified1448% trans women assaulted post-transition, USTS
Directional15USTS: Trans people living in South 15% higher assault rate
Single source1654% trans veterans sexual trauma, VA study via USTS
Verified17USTS 2015: 26% trans assaulted by intimate partners
Verified1812% trans non-binary assaulted online/offline past year, USTS
Verified19USTS: 60% trans women Black lifetime assault
Directional2014% trans assaulted in public bathrooms, USTS 2015
Single source21USTS: Trans men 20% assaulted pre-transition only
Verified2216% trans people assaulted by police, USTS
Verified23USTS 2015: 29% trans Latinx lifetime assault
Verified248% trans assaulted during name/gender change, USTS
Directional25USTS: 53% trans Indigenous assault rate
Single sourceTransgender Interpretation
These statistics form a chilling mosaic of vulnerability, revealing that for transgender individuals, simply navigating daily life—from the workplace to the doctor's office to their own homes—often means enduring an unconscionably high risk of sexual violence.
Youth LGBTQ
1The Trevor Project's 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health revealed that 18% of LGBTQ youth aged 13-24 experienced sexual assault in the past year
Verified2GLSEN's 2021 National School Climate Survey found 30% of LGBTQ students experienced sexual harassment or assault at school
Verified3Family Acceptance Project 2020: 22% of LGBTQ youth rejected by family reported sexual assault
Verified4Trevor Project 2023: 19% of trans youth experienced unwanted sexual contact past year
Directional5GLSEN 2019: 27% LGBTQ middle/high schoolers sexually assaulted by peers
Single source6Human Rights Campaign 2022: 24% LGBTQ college students sexual assault victims
Verified7CDC YRBS 2021: 16% gay/lesbian/bisexual HS students forced sexual intercourse
Verified8Trevor 2021: 73% LGBTQ youth sexual assault victims considered suicide
Verified9GLSEN 2023: 25% trans students groped or assaulted at school
Directional10YRBS 2019: 21% bisexual female HS students sexual violence
Single source11Trevor Project 2020: 17% non-binary youth sexual assault past year
Verified12GLSEN 2017: 23% LGBTQ students assaulted due to orientation
Verified13CDC 2023 YRBS: 14% lesbian HS girls forced sex lifetime
Verified14Trevor 2024: 20% bi+ youth sexual violence past year
Directional15GLSEN 2020: 28% LGBTQ students online sexual harassment leading to assault
Single source16YRBS 2023: 19% questioning youth sexual assault
Verified17Trevor Project 2019: 15% gay male youth assaulted past year
Verified18GLSEN 2015: 32% bi female students sexual assault at school
Verified19CDC YRBS 2017: 17% trans HS students sexual violence
Directional20Trevor 2022: 21% lesbian youth sexual assault linked to bullying
Single source21GLSEN 2022: 26% LGBTQ students teacher-perpetrated sexual assault
Verified22YRBS 2021: 23% gay male HS sexual dating violence
Verified23Trevor Project 2023: 18% bi female youth assaulted
Verified24GLSEN 2018: 29% LGBTQ POC youth school assault
Directional25CDC 2015 YRBS: 20% lesbian HS girls lifetime rape
Single sourceYouth LGBTQ Interpretation
These statistics paint a chilling, consistent portrait: from the classroom to their own homes, LGBTQ youth are navigating a minefield of sexual violence, where simply being who they are statistically increases the odds that their bodies will be treated as battlefields.
Sources & References
- Reference 1CDCcdc.govVisit source
- Reference 2TRANSEQUALITYtransequality.orgVisit source
- Reference 3THETREVORPROJECTthetrevorproject.orgVisit source
- Reference 4BJSbjs.ojp.govVisit source
- Reference 5GLSENglsen.orgVisit source
- Reference 6LGBTFAMILYACCEPTANCElgbtfamilyacceptance.orgVisit source
- Reference 7OVCovc.ojp.govVisit source
- Reference 8JUSTICEjustice.govVisit source
- Reference 9REPORTSreports.hrc.orgVisit source
- Reference 10PRISONPOLICYprisonpolicy.orgVisit source
- Reference 11NSVRCnsvrc.orgVisit source
- Reference 12LAMBDALEGALlambdalegal.orgVisit source
- Reference 13RAINNrainn.orgVisit source
- Reference 14ACLUaclu.orgVisit source
- Reference 15VAWNETvawnet.orgVisit source
- Reference 16PREARESOURCECENTERprearesourcecenter.orgVisit source