![]() ![]() Officials in several cities and school districts in Padilla’s district have also attempted to ban the Pride flag. In Calexico, the city’s youngest and first openly transgender mayor, Raul Ureña, and his father were accosted during a Pride-flag-raising ceremony last week. In Hillcrest, for example, an area of San Diego affectionately known as the “gayborhood”, a man said he was called gay slurs before being doused in gasoline and set on fire Monday. ![]() But Padilla agreed this year’s Pride at least feels different. In 2021, hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people rose by more than 50% from the previous year, according to the FBI. Homophobia and queer hatred has a long history in the US. “When I march in Pride this summer in San Diego, which is one of the largest Pride celebrations in the state … I’m going to feel a little less safe,” said California state senator Steve Padilla, who came out as gay at San Diego’s Pride in 2005. Companies have backtracked on their support.Īs the end of Pride month approaches, which often culminates in weekend-long events, many LGBTQ+ Americans remain on edge and fearful of what the backlash means for their future. Elected officials have tried – and sometimes succeeded – to ban the emblematic rainbow flag. ![]() Extremists have cast threats and attacks against members of the LGBTQ+ community, forcing events to ramp up security or cancel. But recent legislative attacks on trans Americans and hateful political rhetoric about queer identity have cast a shadow over Pride this year, even in states traditionally supportive of gay rights. “Ultimately, we felt that we needed security, and then we did not have the funds for security to ensure that we would be able to be responsible if something were to happen.”įor decades in the US, Pride events have been a celebrated – and even profitable – part of the month of June, dedicated to the history and culture of the LGBTQ+ community. ![]()
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