By Steve Neavling
The Department of Homeland Security warned about increasing threats of violence against the LGBTQIA+ community.
In a document sent to government and law enforcement agencies on May 11, DHS said that domestic violence extremists and people who commit hate crimes have become increasingly threatening toward the LBGQIA+ community within the last year, ABC News reports.
“These issues include actions linked to drag-themed events, gender-affirming care, and LGBTQIA+ curricula in schools,” DHS said.
DHS warned of larger targets, such as public spaces and health care sites that serve the community.
DHS analysts pointed to social media posts celebrating a recent mass shooting at a Nashville church school.
“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,” DHS said.
The threats come at a time when conservative lawmakers are introducing legislation targeting the LGBTQIA+ community. Some address drag shows, and others, such as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida, prevent classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity.
In 2021, about 20% of all reported hate crimes were motivated by bias linked to sexual orientation and gender, according to FBI hate crime statistics.
