Addressing Harassment Against LGBTQ+ Individuals in the NYC Subway System
This article draws from a report published in Uncloseted Media, focusing on the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community regarding harassment in public spaces, particularly in New York City’s subway system.
Rising Incidents of Harassment
Reports highlight an alarming trend of increased harassment and violence directed at LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly within the New York City subway system. While the New York City Police Department (NYPD) states that overall crime in transit has decreased by 36.4% compared to last year, attacks, including assaults and harassment, have notably risen since 2021.
A recent FBI report indicates a significant spike in hate crimes targeting the LGBTQ+ community, with anti-LGBTQ+ bias motivating over twenty percent of these offenses—an increase of 53% from the previous year. The subway environment has proven particularly dangerous, as trans individuals have reportedly experienced extreme forms of violence, including harassment, physical assaults, and derogatory slurs.
The Role of Bystanders: Intervention Guidelines
When witnessing harassment, bystanders often grapple with whether to intervene. The MTA has provided guidelines suggesting that individuals should report incidents but only intervene if it is safe to do so. Given the confined spaces of subway cars, delays in emergency assistance can transform initial encounters into grave situations.
Research underscores the potential effectiveness of bystander intervention. A study detailed that when bystanders took action during instances of sexual harassment, 79% of victims reported an improvement in their circumstances. Notably, despite the potential for positive outcomes, bystander intervention occurs in the U.S. only about 15% of the time, primarily due to the bystander effect—a psychological phenomenon where individuals in a group feel less compelled to take responsibility.
Understanding the Bystander Effect
Experts like Annelise Mennicke, associate director of research at the University of North Carolina Violence Prevention Center, explain that the presence of other people can diffuse individual responsibility, leading to hesitation in intervention. Many individuals report concerns about their own safety as a significant barrier to acting when witnessing harassment.
Amelia Prochaska, a facilitator in bystander intervention training, reflects on sociocultural attitudes that discourage engagement. People are habitually socialized to avoid involvement in others’ issues, which can prolong harmful situations.
When Harassment Escalates to Violence
Instances of harassment often begin with verbal degradation or catcalling. For example, a recent incident involved a trans woman who faced escalating threats and physical violence after being verbally harassed at a subway station. Experts advocate for early intervention, asserting that ignoring initial signs of harassment may set the stage for more severe confrontations, including physical altercation.
Identity and the Decision to Help
Research indicates that our willingness to assist is often influenced by perceived social connections. People are more likely to intervene on behalf of those with whom they share similarities. Unfortunately, rising political animus against LGBTQ+ individuals may foster an environment where fewer people feel compelled to help. Moreover, superficial connections, such as shared interests or attire, can enhance the likelihood of intervention.
Alisa Nudar, a queer youth, notes the relief she felt when a peer intervened during her own experience of being harassed, demonstrating the significant impact even minor acts of support can have in distressing situations.
Effective Strategies for Intervention
Prochaska promotes various intervention methods that prioritize the well-being of the individual experiencing harassment without directly confronting the aggressor. These methods include:
- Distract: Divert attention from the situation by engaging the person being targeted.
- Delegate: Seek help from another bystander who may be more comfortable intervening.
- Document: Record the incident to provide evidence if needed later.
- Delay: Temporarily defer action while assessing the situation if safety allows.
- Direct: Approach the aggressor, if safely possible, and challenge their behavior.
Keith Lynch, a former NYPD officer, emphasizes the importance of reporting harassment incidents. While physical intervention may not be viable for everyone, making authorities aware of such situations can be crucial in addressing violence within subway systems.
A Call to Action
With insufficient guidelines from law enforcement regarding intervention, citizens are encouraged to take initiative in supporting each other. Prochaska argues that fostering an environment of intervention not only aids victims but actively combats the normalization of harassment.
“When we start intervening, it helps us all,” she states. By equipping individuals with strategies to address harassment, society can challenge the status quo and advocate for a safer, more inclusive community for all.
