Pride Means Everyone Deserves Safety

Pride Month is a celebration of authenticity, belonging, and the freedom to live as yourself. It is also a reminder that everyone deserves to feel safe in their communities, in their homes, and in their relationships.

Research shows that LGBTQ+ individuals experience intimate partner violence at disproportionately high rates. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2010 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), LGB women are significantly more likely than straight women to have ever experienced Intimate Partner Violence in their lifetime, reported by 61% of bisexual women, and 44% of lesbian women, compared with 35% of straight women. These statistics remind us that domestic violence affects every community and that survivors' experiences are not always reflected in common assumptions about abuse.

Unfortunately, misconceptions about domestic violence in LGBTQ+ relationships persist. Many people still assume abuse only occurs in heterosexual relationships or that it looks the same in every relationship. In reality, domestic violence can take many forms, including emotional abuse, coercive control, financial abuse, digital abuse, sexual violence, and physical violence.

LGBTQ+ survivors may also face unique barriers when seeking support. An abusive partner may threaten to "out" them to family members, employers, faith communities, or others. Some survivors worry they won't be believed or fear discrimination when reaching out for help. Others struggle to find services that fully understand and affirm their experiences. These barriers can make it more difficult to access safety and support.

This is why education matters.

When we understand that domestic violence affects people of all identities and backgrounds, we become better equipped to recognize warning signs, support survivors, and challenge harmful myths. Education helps create communities where survivors feel seen and believed.

Pride Month offers an opportunity to reflect on how we can build those communities together. At Sojourner, we are committed to supporting survivors on their journey from fear to hope and working alongside our community to prevent violence before it starts. As we celebrate Pride this month, we also celebrate the resilience of LGBTQ+ survivors and recommit ourselves to building a future where every person can live safely and free from abuse.

Learn More

• Understanding Intimate Partner Violence in the LGBTQ+ Community (Human Rights Campaign)

• OUTFRONT Minnesota Anti-Violence Program