ORLANDO, Fla. – Pride month is just weeks away, with several events on the schedule expected to draw thousands of people. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are warning the public that those events could be targeted by terrorist activity.
LGBTQ organization leaders say they are prioritizing safety so what happened at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando never happens again.
The first weekend in June sees thousands of people traveling to Orlando for GayDays, marking the start of Pride Month.
Joseph Clark, co-owner of GayDays Inc., described it as a time for people to celebrate being themselves.
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“We’ve got pool parties, special events, you name it, we’ve got it,” Clark said. “It’s like reuniting with family, and you get to be yourself; nobody is there judging who you are.”
Despite the atmosphere of acceptance, LGBTQ groups plan to take proper precautions.
The FBI issued a public service announcement, warning that foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) or their supporters could target LGBTQ-related events and venues.
The announcement referenced the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, noting that supporters of FTOs had celebrated it.
“It is absolutely heartbreaking to know that there is so much hatred that is still out there,” said Tatiana Quiroga, executive director for Come Out With Pride.
Come Out With Pride is a non-profit that hosts Orlando’s annual Pride celebration at Lake Eola in October.
“We want folks to come to our festival and feel like they’re safe, they belong, they are accepted, and they don’t have to look over their shoulder,” Quiroga said.
Quiroga stated that they’re implementing proper measures, including hiring private security, off-duty police officers, and utilizing metal detectors and bag checks.
Clark said that security will also be on-site during GayDays, along with a medical team.
“The safety and ability to let your hair down and relax are important to our event,” Clark said. “Ever since Pulse happened, it’s been very much at the forefront of our mind that that could’ve been us.”
During Pride Month events, the FBI recommends being aware of surroundings at all times and reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement.
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