Gay bashing can have a devastating effect on the victims and the wider LGBTQIA community, making them feel fearful, unwanted, and disrespected. However, gay bashing can also expose homophobia and encourage politicians and community leaders to take greater steps to protect LGBTQIA people.
The victims of gay bashing, in its strictest sense, are homosexual men or women, or people perceived to be gay. However, the term may also be applied to attacks on any members of the LGBTQIA community, including bisexual and transgender individuals or groups.
Not every act of violence committed towards homosexual people or groups is gay bashing. The violence must be driven because the aggressor is uncomfortable or intolerant of the victim or victim’s sexuality or perceived sexuality.