The U.S. State Department has issued a “worldwide caution” alert, warning of an increased risk of terroristic attacks specifically targeting LBGTQ+ individuals and events, particularly with the approach of Pride Month in June.
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The warning emphasized the need for U.S. citizens traveling abroad to remain vigilant, especially during public gatherings and celebrations dedicated to the LBGTQ+ community. According to the New York Post, the advisory was issued the same day Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia. “On this day, we reflect upon the violence and discrimination lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons worldwide suffer and re-commit ourselves to opposing these acts,” he said in a statement.
“This year, like every year, we state unequivocally: LGBTQI+ persons deserve recognition of their universal human rights and human dignity,” Blinken continued. Additionally, the warning from the State Department aligns with other advisories released by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security earlier this month.
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“FTO efforts to commit or inspire violence against holiday celebrations, including Pride celebrations or LGBTQIA+-related venues, are compounded by the current heightened threat environment in the United States and other western countries. FTOs and their supporters have previously promoted anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and targeted LGBTQIA+ related events or venues for attacks”
The earlier advisory also cited high-profile attacks, such as the eighth anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub Orlando shooting when 49 people were killed and 53 injured after an attacker entered the venue. In June 2023, three alleged ISIS sympathizers were arrested for attempting to attack a Pride parade in Vienna, Austria, using knives and a vehicle as part of the planned attack.
Bliken said that the United States will stand with the LBGTQ+ community and advocate for its rights:
“We will continue to advocate for the rights of LGBTQI+ persons not just because we have a moral imperative to do so, but because it helps to strengthen democracy, bolster national security, and promote global health and economic development.”