A Reminder To The LGBT+ Community: How to Stay Safe During Pride Month

As Pride Month celebrations kick off worldwide, addressing the potential presence of protesters at festivals, parades, and events is essential.

A recent video garnered around 643.3K views stands as a reminder of how queer and supporters of LGBTQ+ can ensure their safety in the face of opposition.

Keeping Each Other Safe

The video started by emphasizing the importance of not engaging with protesters and instead advocated for staying in groups and looking out for one another.

“That’s right. We are not engaging. We are staying in groups. We are looking out for and keeping each other safe. And we are not giving violence away.”

This advice aims to protect individuals while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere during Pride celebrations.

Recognizing the Perceived Safety

The content creator acknowledges that some individuals may feel less threatened due to their allyship.

“You are not an island, my friend. Being intentionally confrontational gases them up. That makes all of us less safe,” the video creator asserts.

This emphasizes the interconnectedness of the community and encourages individuals to prioritize protecting one another. By staying attentive and ready to support fellow participants, they can enhance the collective safety of the event.

This approach aligns with the inclusive spirit of Pride, where unity and mutual care play vital roles in creating a welcoming and secure environment.

Unity and Collective Protection

To ensure a harmonious Pride experience, the influencer left an inspirational note to everyone in the community.

“Use that energy to stay sharp and be ready to protect each other and happy pride,” the video creator urges.

This call to action highlights shared responsibility in creating a safe and supportive environment during Pride celebrations. By harnessing collective energy and staying vigilant, individuals can actively contribute to the protection and well-being of one another.

Community Response

Many individuals resonated with the video’s message, with various comments echoing its sentiments.

One user commented, “Thank you for saying this because I know personally I have a lot of trouble managing my confrontational side.”

Another one added, “I’m pregnant, and I’m nervous for the first time. It’s not just me in my body now. I’ve got my squish to protect”.

Right-Wing Protesters Targeting LGBTQ Communities

Based on a report by Rolling Stone^[1], activists and organizers for Pride Month 2023 are facing escalating aggression from far-right groups and threatening social media campaigns.

Mainly, drag and trans-focused events are under increased threat. This heightened risk has necessitated a boost in security measures and a reassessment of event plans.

The report notes a significant surge in attacks against the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month, with a 900% rise in reported attacks in June 2022 relative to the previous month.^[2]

It’s important to note that hate groups like Patriot Front and the Proud Boys were identified as the main culprits behind these attacks.

Moreover, the legislative landscape has become hostile, with several states contemplating bans on public drag performances and a wave of anti-trans bills being passed, further amplifying safety concerns for Pride organizers.

@justflintisfine Remember: We keep us safe
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♬ original sound – Flint