State Department issues unusual worldwide LGBTQ+ travel alert

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Politico

05/17/2024 06:20 PM EDT


Americans traveling abroad for Pride Month should take precautions because of an increased risk of terrorist violence, the State Department said Friday in an unusual message to LGBTQ+ people.

The State Department said in a travel advisory that U.S. citizens should stay alert in tourist areas and places popular with LGBTQ+ people. It did not mention specific threats or advise against travel.

U.S. diplomats have been directed to email the travel warning to all Americans who have registered with the State Department while abroad, according to a U.S. official granted anonymity to discuss internal matters.

The warning came as Secretary of State Antony Blinken marked the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/17/state-department-worldwide-caution-alert-lgbtq-00158753

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Link to U.S. State Department ADVISORY - Security Alert May 17, 2024 Worldwide Caution

[Behind the Aegis]

1. When this was reported here about possible attacks against my community...

...a few here thought it was "LOL" worthy.

[jimfields33]

2. Definitely did. I was surprised.

[BumRushDaShow]

3. I wasn't surprised

Unfortunately many DUers either yawn at anything to do with LGBTQ+ or will unconsciously (or even consciously) slide in homophobic nonsense in their posts as a "joke".

[Chi67]

7. Exactly

I’m not surprised either.

[EllieBC]

9. Some dismiss concerns and criticism of

countries with anti LGBTQ laws as being insensitive towards other cultures.

It’s fucking bullshit.

[Oopsie Daisy]

4. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals *

https://step.state.gov/

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Benefits of Enrolling in STEP

Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.

Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.

Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.

[electric_blue68]

5. Damn. Be careful out there!

[Marthe48]

6. I hadn't heard about any threats

until I read this. I have friends who are returning from a vacation, so I'm glad I didn't know while they were out and about.

Hope the whole month is as peaceful.

[dickthegrouch]

8. Apparently the FBI warned San Francisco about Pride

CBS news last night said the city of SF had received a warning to be on high alert for the Pride parade.

🏳️?🌈 we’re going anyway.