THE rise in hate crime has real consequences for LGBT people causing them to hide who they are, trade unionists warned today.

Hate crime has more than doubled in the last five years, with one in 10 recorded crimes being motivated by sexual orientation — making it the second largest category after racial hate crimes.

Much of what goes on in workplaces and on the streets goes unreported, delegates at TUC LGBT conference heard.

Shopworkers union Usdaw’s Elijah Williams said that although things have “changed for the better” with regard to equal rights, the age of consent, marriage and family — fought long and hard for — the law “doesn’t change the way people think” or stop harassment and assault.

Reminding the conference of the recent homophobic attack on two women on a London bus, Mr Williams said: “Many of us still face unfair treatment when using public services and any online abuse is reaching epic levels.

“It’s clear that much has to be done. The trade union movement must be at the forefront.

“The Tories have consistently failed to support key measures of LGBT equality, and are undermining the Equality Act.”

The union warned that there is a “problem” with the law where anti-LGBT hate crimes are not treated equally to others, sending out a message that they are less serious.

The National Education Union’s Julia Neil said they wanted to build an “inclusive society”, resisting the rising culture of hate.

She said: “Changing the law is only part of the battle against prejudices. We need to tread carefully with early intervention and better support for services.”

The TUC will lobby for LGBT hate crimes to be put on “equal footing” and promised to encourage its affiliates to share training and campaign materials that tackle hate crime.