This section describes what we can all do to tackle homophobic or transphobic graffiti or campaign literature and sources of help if you are being targeted.

If you see homophobic or transphobic graffiti, stickers, leaflets or posters in a public place like the street and want to do something about it

Homophobic or transphobic campaigns by people who feel they represent a political or religious view can be hurtful whether it takes the form of stickers, posters, graffiti slogans in the street or a leaflet through your letter box.

It is possible for graffiti, stickering or fly posting to be punished as anti-social behaviour with an ‘on the spot fine’.

Homophobic, transphobic or generally abusive graffiti might appear on the front of your home or communal areas of buildings such as stairwells or lifts.

The police are not able to take action unless people report homophobia or transphobia. You can call our casework team for a confidential discussion about reporting options or read our fact sheet, “Why Report?”.

To be able to take action, the police need to find out who did it.

You can report graffiti to your local council by calling their main telephone number and asking to speak to the department that deals with graffiti.

In some situations the local council will not send someone to clean it. That usually happens when it’s on a home property but not visible from the street or on a business property.

There are some things you can do to make your home or business less attractive to graffiti writers.