A “Worldwide Caution” alert has been issued by the United States State Department, warning that LGBTQ Americans overseas should exercise increased caution.
The alert shared that there is an “increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events,” and comes just weeks before the start of Pride Month.
ABC News reported that an administration official familiar with the matter says the alert is connected to the recent announcement from the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI that foreign terrorist organizations might look to exploit “LGBTQIA+-related events and venues.”
“The U.S. Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement to The Hill. “We take seriously our commitment to provide U.S. citizens with clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions.”
The alert also came on the same day that the State Department commemorated the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia.
This is the first Pride Month to start off with safety concerns from the Department of Homeland Security. A report from the department shared that in recent years, domestic violence extremists and people who commit hate crimes have increased threats of violence against those who identify as members of the LGBTQ community.
The State Department also warned in its alert that traveling Americans should be extra cautious of the potential for more generalized terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions “against U.S. citizens and interests.”
