Report

Incarceration Trends Jail Populations Racial Disparities June 24, 2022

Overrepresentation of People Who Identify As LGBTQ+ In The Criminal Legal System

Jane Hereth, Assistant Professor of Social Work, Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or who hold other marginalized sexual orientation and/or gender identities (LGBTQ+) are overrepresented within the criminal legal system. LGBTQ+ people of color and LGBTQ+ people with disabilities experience even higher rates of criminal legal system involvement than their White LGBTQ+ peers. This report will review factors contributing to these disparities. Additionally, the report will highlight the work of organizations addressing the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals involved in the criminal legal system and outline recommendations to address overrepresentation.