Hope Not Hate’s report ‘State of Hate 2023’ outlines how anti-migrant activism from the far right has risen in the past year, with a 102% increase in far-right activists visiting accommodation that houses migrants and asylum seekers. The last year has also seen the far-right rally against LGBT+ rights, attacking charities who support trans and non-binary people in particular.
Sheila McKechnie Foundation’s latest report, ‘Defending our democratic space’ highlights that many charities are afraid of speaking about the problems they see, partly because of the “hostile political rhetoric they encounter”. Charities also reported their concerns about the increasing hold of so-called ‘culture wars’ thinking on political and public debate (amplified by social media and big data), which in some cases have seen direct attacks on charities who are supporting people from marginalised communities.
This rhetoric is having real-life consequences for London’s communities - the Metropolitan Police have seen an increase in transphobic hate crime reports, and last month we’ve seen distressing attacks on gay men in Clapham and Brixton.
So, how can funders support charities speaking out in support of the communities they serve? For our September insight meeting, we will explore this question in further detail and hear from Rosie Carter, Director of Policy and Engagement at Hope not Hate and Zrinka Bralo, Chief Executive at Migrant Organise. They’ll share their insights about the challenges charities face in this area and what we can do about it.