Department of Homeland Security warns about increase in anti-LGBTQ+ violence

English: Redneck Revolt members, “Unite The Right” Rally in Charlottesville
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is warning that anti-LGBTQ+ violence is rising this year as Pride Month is about to begin.

In a memo sent to law enforcement agencies on May 11, DHS said that threats of attacks from domestic extremists and hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people have increased in just the last year. It says that the increase in threats could lead to actual violence and that larger events – like Pride celebrations and healthcare sites – could be attacked.

DHS analysts cite social media chatter celebrating the mass shooting in Nashville, where a former Christian school student returned to their school and killed six people, including three children.

“These issues include actions linked to drag-themed events, gender-affirming care, and LGBTQIA+ curricula in schools,” the memo says. “High-profile attacks against schools and faith-based institutions like the recent shooting in Nashville have historically served as inspiration for individuals to conduct copycat attacks.”

The memo comes after Republicans in state legislatures across the country filed hundreds of bills this year attacking LGBTQ+ rights, particularly the rights of…

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