Three quarters of a city's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community have been verbally or physically assaulted in the last five years.

Four in five of those attacked said that sexuality was a factor and many said they remained concerned about reporting incidents to police.

While most people spoken to had positive feelings about living in Brighton and Hove, research also found areas of need, discrimination and gaps in services.

The survey also revealed that 16 per cent of gay men have HIV, 21 per cent have been homeless, of which 18 per cent of respondents have used sex to gain somewhere to stay and 23 per cent of the sample had serious thoughts of suicide in the past five years.

The Count Me In Too report, by the University of Brighton and Spectrum LGBT forum, interviewed just under 900 men and women providing a unique snapshot of the lives of the 35,000-strong LGBT community in the city.

The two-year project received unprecedented support from LGBT people, as well as staff from public services such as the council, police and health authority.

The report builds on the Count Me In survey carried out in 2000, giving an up to date insight into the lives of LGBT people who live, work and socialise in the city.

Arthur Law, co-ordinator for Spectrum, said: "This is really a starting point but there are some quite worrying findings.

"The city has long been a home to and refuge for LGBT people. Only together, as individuals, groups, services, and planners, can we ensure that we build on these foundations to lead the way in tackling inequality and discrimination and championing a model of LGBT inclusion that the city can be proud of."

On hate crimes, Mr Law added: "There has been a general increase in confidence with the police but that is not necessarily carrying through to people reporting things."

Andy, who was interviewed in one of the outlying areas of the city said: "Thereís a lot more talking than there used to be, a lot more listening but I still hear about things going on.

"There is still people getting beaten up - you still hear stories of being verbally abused in the streets and it's those kind of things that would stop a mate of mine who would never come into town."

Chief Superintendent Paul Pearce, police commander for Brighton and Hove, said he was pleased the majority of people felt the service had improved during the last five years, adding that a significant proportion of those interviewed still felt there was room for improvement.

He said: "We will continue to strive to provide a professional service that makes LGBT people safer - and feel safer."

Dr Kath Browne from the University of Brighton said: "Through listening to people's stories in discussion groups, the study has reached people who have never before had their views heard.

"The Count Me In Too initial findings reports are just the beginning - there are many areas to explore in more depth, and over the next few months we'll be analysing the information in partnership with stakeholders and putting it to practical use."

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