EM NGUYEN, ABC NEWS CORRESPONDENT - December 14, 2022 - KRDO’s Afternoon News

Club Q and Pulse nightclub shooting survivors testified before Congress on anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and violence earlier today. The hearing, according to organizers, was held to address the ways in which anti-LGBTQ legislation and rhetoric is rising -- and may be fueling a rise in violence against LGBTQ Americans. This year, Pride events, drag shows, LGBTQ-friendly medical institutions and more have all become prominent targets of violence, threats and protests. A rise in attacks, threats and protests against LGBTQ people and allies have been seen across the country amid inflammatory anti-LGBTQ rhetoric in politics. More than 300 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced at the state level in the last year, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Survivors called out the bill critics dub the Don’t say Gay bill that bans instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in kindergarten through third grade.