A recent survey by sociologist Stefan Vogler from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign sheds light on the persistent and complex relationship between the LGBTQ community and law enforcement. The study was conducted with Professor Valerie Jenness of the University of California and included a nationally representative sample of 1,598 people and in-depth interviews with 59 LGBTQ participants. It found that LGBTQ individuals are more likely to be stopped, searched, arrested, and held in custody than non-LGBTQ people. Notably, 21% of LGBTQ respondents reported such encounters in the past year, compared to just under 15% of non-LGBTQ respondents. The figures were even higher for transgender individuals, with 33% reporting police-initiated contact. The study also highlights the continued use of insulting language and abuse by police officers, especially toward bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, and queer individuals. Approximately 45% of transgender respondents and 33% of nonbinary respondents reported experiencing derogatory language during police interactions. Black transgender people were particularly vulnerable, with 53% reporting physical violence from police, compared to 25% of white transgender respondents. Trust in the police remains low among LGBTQ people, with only 71% stating they would call the police for help if victimized, compared to 87% of non-LGBTQ people. Over the past 30 years, the LGBTQ community has achieved significant legal victories, yet official violence and oppression persist. Negative experiences and discrimination against the community are forcing LGBTQ individuals to view law enforcement with distrust. #Queer Up Social Justice