Shadows of Fear: How Pandemic Uncertainty Fuels LGBTQ+ Targeted Violence.

The surge in pandemic uncertainty has fueled a rise in LGBTQ+ crimes as societal anxieties and existing prejudices have intensified. As global crises unfold, marginalized communities like LGBTQ+ individuals become increasingly vulnerable to targeted violence, reflecting deep-seated societal tensions. This research explored the impact of pandemic uncertainty on LGBTQ+ crimes across ten selected economies (Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Russia). Unlike traditional methods that may overlook country-specific differences in panel data analysis, this research employs the quantile-on-quantile approach, which evaluates relationships between variables within the context of individual countries. This method enhances the precision of the findings and offers valuable insights into the unique characteristics of different economies. Unlike earlier studies that focused on a single variable, such as COVID-19, this research employs a comprehensive pandemic uncertainty index that integrates data from multiple pandemics, including SARS, MERS, avian flu, Ebola, and others. The findings uncover that pandemic uncertainty drives a surge in LGBTQ+ crimes across most of the examined countries, each displaying distinct patterns and trends. These insights underscore the urgent need for policymakers to conduct thorough assessments and craft targeted strategies that address the evolving impact of uncertainty on violence against LGBTQ+ individuals.