New BBC documentary Is It Safe to be Gay in the UK? takes a looks at the rise of homophobic hate crimes in Britain.

The show explores the motivations behind unprovoked attacks on gay Brits, hearing from victims of the hate crimes and their families.

Here’s everything you need to know.

What’s it about?

Fifty years after the 1967 Sexual Offences Act kick-started the decriminalisation of homosexuality, it appears being gay in the UK is still not without risk. Violent attacks and hate speech against gay people are on the rise in Britain, leaving members of the LGBT community fearing for their safety.

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Part of the BBC’s Gay Britannia series, Is It Safe to be Gay in the UK? gets to grips with UK homophobic hate crimes, interviewing those directly affected.

Victims include Alex and Becky, a couple preparing to go to court over an unprovoked attack they endured on the streets of Croydon. Viewers also meet Dain and James, who were beaten up in a brutal attack in Brighton, leaving Dain with a broken eye socket.

While some are fortunate enough to survive these horrific attacks, the programme doesn’t shy away from the fact that many aren’t. We also hear from Jenny, whose brother Ian died after a homophobic assault that took place in central London

What’s a homophobic hate crime?

Hate crimes are incidents motivated by an individual’s racial, sexual or other prejudice, so a homophobic hate crime is caused by prejudice against a person’s homosexual identity. Hate crimes can include offensive slurs, violent attacks and other abuse.

When’s it on?

Is It Safe to be Gay in the UK? airs August 1 at 9pm on BBC Two.