Friday, the State Department issued a global security alert alerting people to the possibility of violence against LGBTQ individuals, advising American citizens presently abroad to “exercise increased caution” due to a possible risk of “terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.”
Just over a week before the start of Pride month, which celebrates LGBTQ communities, the government issued an advisory advising Americans living abroad to “stay alert in locations frequented by tourists,” including Pride events.
Additionally, the department urged citizens to sign up for its “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program,” which is a system designed to send out alerts and information as well as enable officials to find citizens abroad in the event of an emergency.
The Department of Homeland Security issued a warning last year about the increase in violent threats against the LGBTQ community, including instances at drag-themed events, campaigns opposing gender-affirming products, and school curricula relating to the LGBTQ community. The agency noted that Americans who identify as LGBTQ “continue to face insidious forms of stigma and discrimination” in a statement commemorating the so-called International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia on Friday.
The agency, working with the departments of Homeland Security and the Treasury, released another advice on Friday alerting airlines, charter firms, and travel agencies to possible networks for smuggling and human trafficking. This warning came just two days earlier. The networks are “exploiting legitimate transportation services to facilitate irregular migration” into the United States, the authorities warned. They pointed out that there are “increased safety, economic, reputational, financial, logistical, and legal risks” that might affect migrants, airlines, charters, travel agencies, and service providers.
