Added security measures in place for Raleigh Pride event in light of nationwide warning - WRAL News

A national warning was issued about protections for LGBTQ Americans this month. It's happened as Pride events are taking place across the nation, including some this weekend in the Triangle.

The national warning is based on a report by the Human Rights Campaign that details at least 75 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been signed in the 2023 legislative session, more than doubling 2022's amount.

The LGBTQ Center of Raleigh will be hosting a pride event on Saturday.

The Human Rights Campaign has declared the state of North Carolina as one of 23 states considered high priority to achieve basic equality. In other words, North Carolina is considered one of the states with the least protective laws for the LGBTQ+ community, like non-discrimination protections in employment, housing and public accommodations.

There are guides available to help organizers plan with safety in mind, including one by the Western States Center. The Western States Center is an advocacy organization that aims to promote inclusiveness around the nation. In a guide by the group called protecting pride, data reveals anti-LGBTQ+ demonstrations have more than tripled in the past 15 months compared to the previous two-year period.

Tips include creating a safety plan with a map of a venue, communicating with attendees before the event and avoiding engagement with protesters.

"We’ve really, unfortunately, seen far-right groups align around promoting anti-LGBTQ bigotry," said Lindsay Schubiner with Western States Center. "That was a concern for Pride events last year and it is a concern again this year."

A Department of Homeland Security document distributed to law enforcement agencies last month said domestic violence extremists and people have increased threats against the LGBTQ+ community within the last year.

Kendra Johnson with Equality NC said this is the fist time in her life where she feels as unsafe as she does now.

"We've been doing some support and training with some prods around the state in order for them to take these threats seriously and be prepared so that we don't have anything tragic happen," Johnson said.

Johnson said North Carolina is second to Texas for most amount of threats the LGBTQ+ community has received this year.

"We really want to create a place of celebration in Raleigh and also remind people who are coming to Raleigh that this is a safe place for them," said Trey Roberts, co-founder of Raleigh Pride.

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