Three quarters of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in Brighton and Hove have been verbally or physically assaulted in the past five years.

The majority of those attacked said sexuality was a factor and many said they remained concerned about reporting incidents to police.

While most people spoken to had positive feelings about living in Brighton and Hove, research also found areas of need, discrimination and gaps in services.
The survey also revealed 16 per cent of gay men in the city have HIV and 21 per cent have been homeless - of which 18 per cent of respondents have used sex to gain somewhere to stay and 23 per cent of the sample had serious thoughts of suicide in the past five years.

The Count Me In Too report, by the University of Brighton and Spectrum LGBT forum, interviewed almost 900 men and women providing a unique snapshot of the lives of the 35,000-strong LGBT community in the city.

The two-year project received support from LGBT people and staff from public services such as the council, police and health authority.

The report builds on the Count Me In survey carried out in 2000, giving an up-to-date insight into the lives of LGBT people who live, work and socialise in the city.

Arthur Law, co-ordinator for Spectrum, said: "This is really a starting point but there are some quite worrying findings. The city has long been a home to and refuge for LGBT people. Only together, as individuals, groups, services and planners, can we ensure we build on these foundations to lead the way in tackling inequality and discrimination and championing a model of LGBT inclusion the city can be proud of."

On hate crimes, Mr Law added: "There has been a general increase in confidence with the police but that is not necessarily carrying through to people reporting things."

One interviewee, Andy, said: "There's a lot more talking than there used to be and a lot more listening but I still hear about things going on. There are still people getting beaten up.

"You still hear stories of being verbally abused in the streets and it's those kind of things that stopped a mate of mine ever coming into town."

Chief Superintendent Paul Pearce, of Brighton and Hove police, said he was pleased the majority of people felt the service had improved during the past five years, adding that a significant proportion of those interviewed still felt there was room for improvement.

He said: "We will continue to strive to provide a professional service that makes LGBT people safer - and feel safer."

Dr Kath Browne, from the University of Brighton, said: "Through listening to people's stories in discussion groups the study has reached people who have never had their views heard before.

"The Count Me In Too initial findings reports are just the beginning. There are many areas to explore in more depth and over the next few months we'll be analysing the information in partnership with stakeholders and putting it to practical use."


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Courtesy of the The Argus