California vs Hate Launches Pride Tour to Promote Reporting and Support Against Hate Crimes
June 13, 2024
Staff writer
In an effort to ensure that all Californians are aware of the resources available to combat hate, California vs Hate has announced an LGBTQ+ Pride Month tour as part of their ongoing statewide outreach campaign. This initiative aims to reach diverse communities across nearly half a dozen cities during Pride Month, offering support and resources in the fight against hate.
“California celebrates diversity and inclusivity,” said Kevin Kish, Director of the California Civil Rights Department. “Pride Month is a time to march with and support communities throughout our state. We want everyone to know that through CA vs Hate, there are resources available to combat hate and discrimination.”
Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang emphasized the importance of awareness and reporting. “The LGBTQ+ community continues to experience rising hate incidents. With Governor Newsom’s support, CA vs Hate provides a vital platform for reporting these acts. We are proud to work alongside CA vs Hate and the Civil Rights Department to ensure the necessary support for the LGBTQ+ community.”
Launched by Governor Newsom in May 2023, CA vs Hate is the state’s first multilingual hotline and online portal designed for victims and witnesses of hate acts to report incidents safely and anonymously. The hotline, managed by the California Civil Rights Department, addresses the rising hate crimes which have reached their highest levels since 9/11. According to the California Department of Justice, hate crimes based on sexual orientation increased by 29% from 2021 to 2022, with anti-transgender hate crimes rising significantly.
CA vs Hate aims to overcome barriers that have historically prevented hate crimes from being reported. These barriers include fear of retaliation, lack of culturally competent resources, concerns about immigration consequences, and distrust of law enforcement. By offering a community-centered approach, CA vs Hate provides resources without requiring engagement with the criminal legal system. Reports can be made online or by phone, and individuals can receive ongoing care coordination, including legal, financial, mental health, and mediation services. In its first year, the hotline received approximately 1,020 reports of hate acts, many targeting gender identity and sexual orientation.
During the Pride tour, CA vs Hate will offer resources in five cities and unveil a float featuring artwork celebrating equality, unity, and allyship. The tour schedule includes:
– June 1: Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade
– June 1 & 2: West Hollywood Pride Festival
– June 8 & 9: Sacramento Pride March and Festival
– June 22: Chico Pride Festival
– June 27, 29, & 30: San Francisco Pride Parade and Festival
CA vs Hate is a non-emergency, multilingual hate crime reporting hotline and portal. Reports can be made anonymously by calling 833-8-NO-HATE or visiting CAvsHate.org. For more information and to access the digital Pride Collection, visit the CA vs Hate website.
This Pride tour not only amplifies ongoing outreach efforts but also highlights the importance of support and resources for the LGBTQ+ community in the face of rising hate incidents.
This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.
