A recent report by Outright International, titled "Killed for Who They Are: Extrajudicial Executions and Targeted Killings of LGBTIQ People," has shed light on the alarming rate of targeted killings of LGBTIQ individuals worldwide. Released on October 27, the report examines extrajudicial executions and targeted killings across different regions, revealing how prejudice, discrimination, weak legal protections, and failures in accountability continue to put queer lives at risk. The report documents 233 killings of LGBTIQ people between January 2020 and July 2026.
The report highlights the challenges of collecting reliable information on these killings, particularly in countries where LGBTIQ people are criminalized, stigmatized, or forced to conceal their identities. Ohotuowo Ogbeche of Outright International noted that documenting these killings remains difficult, and many cases go unreported or are not recognized as targeted killings. The report cautions that the actual number of victims may be higher due to underreporting. The victims documented ranged in age from 12 to 77, including at least 18 children.
The report also emphasizes the lack of visibility of intersex victims, with only two killings documented, in Colombia and Kenya. This does not necessarily mean that intersex people are not experiencing violence, but rather reflects serious gaps in recognition, reporting, and data collection. The legal environment also contributes to the problem, with 65 United Nations member states criminalizing consensual same-sex relations. Additionally, eight countries legally prescribe the death penalty for consensual same-sex conduct.
South Africa, despite having one of the continent's most progressive constitutional frameworks for LGBTIQ rights, has documented 36 targeted killings of queer people since 2020, including three children. At least 14 queer people have been murdered in suspected hate crimes since 2024. The report highlights the murders of lesbian women, transgender people, and gay men, including Imam Muhsin Hendricks, who was killed in February 2025 after reportedly receiving death threats.
Jade Madingwane of the Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW) emphasized that South Africa's experience demonstrates the difference between having progressive laws and ensuring that people can exercise their rights in everyday life. Madingwane stressed that legislation must be supported by practical measures, resources, and accountability. The Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act, passed in 2024, represents an important legislative development, but the challenge remains in ensuring that institutions have the capacity, training, and resources to respond effectively to hate crimes.
The report's findings have been echoed by Maria Clara of Colombia Diversa, who emphasized the importance of accurate data in identifying patterns, exposing institutional failures, and supporting investigations. Clara warned that when identities and experiences are not properly recorded, they risk being excluded from government responses. Colombia Diversa has documented over 2,346 homicides of LGBTIQ people in Colombia between 2006 and 2025.
The report calls on governments to decriminalize consensual same-sex relations, introduce and enforce hate crime protections, improve investigations and prosecutions, and ensure that victims and their families can access justice and support. Outright International has launched a petition calling for countries to ensure that sexual orientation and gender identity are included in the UN General Assembly's resolution condemning extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions.
Key points
- The report documents 233 targeted killings of LGBTIQ people between 2020 and 2026.
- South Africa has documented 36 targeted killings of queer people since 2020.
- The report calls for governments to decriminalize consensual same-sex relations and introduce hate crime protections.
