DHS: Threats Against LGBT Individuals Are Intensifying

As Ron DeSantis and other Republicans have sought to endear themselves with Republican primary voters - typically the most extreme and unhinged elements of the Party base - through a new jihad against LGBT citizens, they have created an atmosphere where threats of violence against the LGBT community and its members are intensifying according to a new report from the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS").  Through "don't say gay" laws, efforts to demonize transgender individuals, and a manufactured hysteria over drag shows, the underlying message is that LGBT individuals are a threat to children and society.  In a nation drowning in guns, it is sadly probably a matter of time before another mass shooting and a gay club or pride event takes place.  Not that these Republicans care the slightest about the way they are literally endangering lives.  All that matters is thrilling the evangelicals and Christofascists by mainstreaming their hatred.  A piece at ABC News looks at the growing threat.  Here are excerpts:

Threats of violence against the LGBT community are on the rise and intensifying, according to a new briefing by the Department of Homeland Security.

The DHS document, distributed to government and law enforcement agencies on May 11, said that domestic violence extremists and people who commit hate crimes have increased threats of violence against the LGBT community within the last year.

“These issues include actions linked to drag-themed events, gender-affirming care, and LGBT curricula in schools," DHS said.

DHS said that the issues inspiring threats and calls of violence against the LGBT community could lead to a rise of potential attacks against larger targets, such as public spaces and healthcare sites that may be linked to the community.

In recent months, politicians in Tennessee, Florida and other Republican-run states have introduced legislation that critics say targets the LGBTQIA+ community.

In March 2022, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Parental Rights in Education bill, dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" bill by detractors.

The bill banned classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. Last month, the Florida Board of Education expanded those restrictions to include all grades. In March, Tennessee became the first state to restrict public drag performances.

HB 9 and SB 3, signed by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, make "a person who engages in an adult cabaret performance on public property" -- or where it can be viewed by minors -- a criminal offense.

Last month, a federal judge temporarily blocked the law, saying it was vaguely written and overly broad, according to AP.

At least 14 states have passed laws or policies that restrict gender-affirming care for people under the age of legal majority, which is the threshold for legal adulthood.

According to DHS, about 20% of all hate crimes reported throughout the country in 2021 were motivated by bias linked to sexual orientation and gender, citing the FBI's hate crime statistics. 

 It is terrifying that increasingly LGBT individuals have to once again be afraid for their safety and consider avoiding states where Republicans are fanning the flames of anti-gay hatred.