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The Department of Homeland Security advisory cites both “lone offenders” and “small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and personal grievances” as drivers of anti-LGBTQ+ violence.
This story was originally published by the Buckeye Flame and republished here with permission.
On May 24, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a National Terrorism Advisory, confirming a heightened threat of anti-LGBTQ+ violence ahead of Pride month.
The advisory warns that institutions, individuals and events associated LGBTQ+ communities will become “likely targets of violence” in the coming months and specifically notes the fire-bombing of the Community Church of Chesterland in Northeast Ohio as one of a growing number of violent, anti-LGBTQ+ attacks.
Neo-Nazi Aimenn Penny admitted to bombing the church ahead of a scheduled drag storytime event and was indicted on a federal hate crime charge in March.
Just days before bombing the church, Penny joined fellow White Lives Matter of Ohio members to protest a drag storytime event in Wadsworth, Ohio, where members of the neo-Nazi group “Blood Tribe” also made an appearance.
Subscribe to CityBeat newsletters.On May 24, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a National Terrorism Advisory, confirming a heightened threat of anti-LGBTQ+ violence ahead of Pride month.
The advisory warns that institutions, individuals and events associated LGBTQ+ communities will become “likely targets of violence” in the coming months and specifically notes the fire-bombing of the Community Church of Chesterland in Northeast Ohio as one of a growing number of violent, anti-LGBTQ+ attacks.
Neo-Nazi Aimenn Penny admitted to bombing the church ahead of a scheduled drag storytime event and was indicted on a federal hate crime charge in March.
Just days before bombing the church, Penny joined fellow White Lives Matter of Ohio members to protest a drag storytime event in Wadsworth, Ohio, where members of the neo-Nazi group “Blood Tribe” also made an appearance.
The advisory cites both “lone offenders” and “small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and personal grievances” as drivers of anti-LGBTQ+ violence, warning that incidents of anti-LGBTQ+ terrorism could also spike around the 2024 general election.
The national terrorism advisory comes on the heels of several independent advisories for LGBTQ+ people, migrants and people of color looking to travel or move to Florida, where hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ+ people are set to gather for Pride events over the summer.
Equality Florida — an LGBTQ+ advocacy group based in Tampa — issued a travel warning for LGBTQ+ people last month in partnership with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest advocacy group for LGBTQ+ rights.
“The advisory comes after passage of laws that are hostile to the LGBTQ+ community, restrict access to reproductive health care, repeal gun safety laws and allow untrained, unpermitted carry, and foment racial prejudice,” a representative for Equality Florida said in the April 12 memorandum. “The Governor has also weaponized state agencies to impose sanctions against businesses large and small that disagree with his attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
The national terrorism advisory comes on the heels of several independent advisories for LGBTQ+ people, migrants and people of color looking to travel or move to Florida, where hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ+ people are set to gather for Pride events over the summer.
Equality Florida — an LGBTQ+ advocacy group based in Tampa — issued a travel warning for LGBTQ+ people last month in partnership with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest advocacy group for LGBTQ+ rights.
“The advisory comes after passage of laws that are hostile to the LGBTQ+ community, restrict access to reproductive health care, repeal gun safety laws and allow untrained, unpermitted carry, and foment racial prejudice,” a representative for Equality Florida said in the April 12 memorandum. “The Governor has also weaponized state agencies to impose sanctions against businesses large and small that disagree with his attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
Weeks later, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) also issued an unprecedented Florida travel advisory.
“Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals,” the formal travel notice states. “Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.”
Equality Ohio public policy director Maria Bruno also cautioned Ohioans in a written statement Friday.
“These are certainly dark times, and sometimes just living our authentic lives can feel dangerous,” Bruno said. “We shouldn’t have to live in fear, but we know that many Ohioans vacation in Florida and that many could travel this upcoming weekend. We want you to have all the information to ensure you can make informed decisions about what’s best for you.”
“Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals,” the formal travel notice states. “Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.”
Equality Ohio public policy director Maria Bruno also cautioned Ohioans in a written statement Friday.
“These are certainly dark times, and sometimes just living our authentic lives can feel dangerous,” Bruno said. “We shouldn’t have to live in fear, but we know that many Ohioans vacation in Florida and that many could travel this upcoming weekend. We want you to have all the information to ensure you can make informed decisions about what’s best for you.”
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