Pride events targeted in surge of anti-LGBTQ threats, violence (Washington Post)

[swag]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/06/17/lgbtq-pride-violence/?pwapi_[…]0eT9LoNOK2t2ivceORvumPXJUNvGM660nAS-62TwyECEbOW6mvzGZCJ4I

By Hannah Allam
June 17, 2022 at 7:00 a.m. EDT

The surge in right-wing hate-mongering against LGBTQ people is spilling into violence, with high-profile attacks this month casting fear over Pride celebrations throughout the country.

Extremism researchers have long warned of an escalating risk as hard-right Republicans and militant groups portray LGBTQ people as “groomers” targeting children, along with other baseless smears. Now, provocateurs are acting on those messages in what President Biden last month called “rising hate and violence” targeting LGBTQ communities.

The attacks have intensified this month during the first big Pride events since pandemic restrictions were lifted, most notably with the white nationalist Patriot Front’s foiled attempt to disrupt a celebration in northern Idaho.

In recent days, right-wing politicians and preachers have openly called for killing LGBTQ people. On a conservative talk show, Mark Burns, a Donald Trump-allied congressional candidate from South Carolina, called “LGBT, transgender grooming” a national security threat and proposed using treason laws as the basis for “executing” parents and teaches who advocate for LGBTQ rights. In Texas last Sunday, a pastor railed against Pride month and said LGBTQ people “should be lined up against the wall and shot in the back of the head.”

[Irish_Dem]

1. The GOP is taking a wrecking ball across our country.

Demolishing everything in its path.

[IngridsLittleAngel]

6. Even terrorists don't hate America the way Republiqans do

It makes me sick to twist Coultergeist's quote like that but.. It's true. We have one entire "party" in this country that does nothing but express their hatred for what the country is, and wish to see half of the country destroyed and murdered.

[Irish_Dem]

9. Yes. They are totally fine with children being slaughtered in classrooms.

And wish to destroy all of us and what we believe in.

I didn't used to believe in pure evil, but I do now.

[IngridsLittleAngel]

11. They are truly evil

I knew these evil people existed and have known for a long time (long story I'll post someday.) But even in my worst nightmares I didn't think there were so many, or that there would ever be so open about their desires to kill and destroy their own country and their fellow Americans.

They are pure evil. They are terrorists. And they're aiming the guns at us.

[Irish_Dem]

12. Yes.

I agree with what you are saying.

That is the biggest shock, that so many Americans happily go along with the evil. And are so willing to destroy the US and Americans.

[IngridsLittleAngel]

13. When I was getting my first taste of RWNJ extremism in the early 90's...

Fux wasn't yet a thing. Nor OANN. Sure, we had Limbaugh spewing his garbage on the radio but we were a few years away from the landscape of hate media getting so bad. That, along with them finding each other on the internet, has played such a huge part in this living nightmare.

[Irish_Dem]

14. Decades of relentless propaganda: fear, hatred, violence.

The only "real" Americans are white christian adult males.

The rest of us are to be gunned down and eradicated.

[IngridsLittleAngel]

15. Exactly what they think

Now they're just saying the quiet parts aloud.

Christian nation. The only real Americans are white cishet Christian males. Everyone else is the enemy and worthy of being killed. "You're either with me or with the terrorists." Frightening and sickening times.

[Irish_Dem]

16. Yes indeed. Frightening, sickening, heartbreaking times.

Sickening to think where the US will be in a decade.

[IngridsLittleAngel]

17. I don't think there will be a US in a decade if this isn't stopped

These people are going to tear the nation apart and destroy large chunks of it, leaving us looking more like the former Yugoslavia than the US.

What's scary is... many of them want just that.

If I had a nickel for everytime I heard "Drumpf 2016! BURN IT ALL DOWN!"... Well, I'd have a lot of nickels.

[Irish_Dem]

19. Putin's goal has been to destroy the US.

And he may obtain his goal with the help of the GOP and Magas.

Yes a greatly damaged country, with parts of it destroyed.

[IngridsLittleAngel]

20. The sickest thing should Putin succeed in destroying us from within..

Is that he would do so without firing a single shot. Just push Drumpf to win, and let him pour gas on the hatred and watch as it gets torn apart from within.

[Irish_Dem]

21. Putin committed the crime of the century.

Brought down the US without firing a shot.

Convinced the GOP corrupt politicians that they could get what he has. Unlimited permanent power and wealth.

Then relentless evil propaganda to convince the people to overthrow the government from within.

[IngridsLittleAngel]

22. Sadly right

All he had to do was pay off or install some QOP politicians, who then used their platform to push his agenda of hate and division. And the brainwashed Q's gladly bought every word of it and acted upon his words to create this mess.

And it only seems as though it's gotten worse since 2020.

[Irish_Dem]

23. Yes and it will continue to get worse.

[IngridsLittleAngel]

24. It will unless we find a way to reverse course...

How? I don't know. Damn, I wish I knew how. Hopefully indicting Drumpf for 1/6 will be a start and deliver a loud message that attacking the US will be punished severely.

[Irish_Dem]

25. It is a complex situation.

Putin and the GOP has waged a relentless psy-ops war against the US.
Americans now are experiencing denial and learned helplessness.

Most don't understand what the US is facing, and have become numb to the violence, feel disconnected from society, etc. That is the goal of the GOP as they consolidate their power across the US.

It is similar to what Putin is doing in the Ukraine, just grind down the population until they surrender.

So the GOP will keep going, keep up with the shootings, violence, scare tactics, hate rhetoric, election tampering, etc. until they achieve their goals.

The first step is to face reality about our situation. We are up against a very formidable enemy, and getting out the vote is not enough.

The second is to realize that we are not helpless.

I like to think of the Zelensky model: Fight like hell and win.

At this point I think the odds are 50/50 that we can change what is happening.

[IngridsLittleAngel]

26. A complex situation is right...

Especially with the media contributing - out of negligence or design. They've done more than enough to "both sides" and "embrace debate" everything to the point that many well-meaning, left-leaning people have moments of "Well, I don't know... The media is saying that Hillary did this or Biden said that. And what about Hunter Biden's laptop?!"

That confusion and chaos just makes it easier for people to feel overwhelmed, lost as to what the truth is, etc. Which the QOP and Putin and their ilk have fully capitalized on.

An ugly example: How I've had relationships with my own relatives fractured. All the QOP had to do was say enough times "LGBTQ's are out to harm kids. Yes on 8 - protect children!" that they bought it. Nevermind the fact I've never done a thing to kids. Nevermind that the only two people I've ever personally met who did sexually harm children were straight males. All it took was the QOP and the media muddying the waters enough and creating enough "reasonable doubt" that they bought into it.

That's been pumped up on steroids when it comes to Drumpf, the QOP, the right-wing media and even the Pope - "Yeah, so Drumpf did that, but... What about the Dems?!" The party of "America" standing with Russia instead of Ukraine. Pope Francis repeatedly saying "Ukraine must've provoked Putin." People hear that enough and... they start to listen, if not buy it.

You know what they say about if you repeat a lie often enough, loudly enough and with enough conviction.

What you said about people being worn down can't be said enough. They are worn down. By the constant "excitement" (more like chaos and turmoil) of Drumpf's "presidency." Worn out by all the hate and violence. Worn down from worrying that the next time they go to work or to the store they could be shot. Worn down worrying about the economy. Worn down by everything being a debate, and watching as people on both sides scream at each other.

We absolutely do need to fight like hell - fight to stop them, fight to get the truth out. None of it's easy. It may or may not work. But not fighting back is just going to ensure the whole thing collapses - the country, society, the government, all of it.

[Irish_Dem]

28. The US media is the propaganda arm of the Putin/GOP crime syndicate.

Relentless hostile negative programming and indoctrination of Put/GOP dogma.

Yes it is going to take a concerted effort to restore our democracy and the world we knew.

However, some things may never go back to "normal."

I cannot believe what is happening to women and LGBTQ right now.
We are de-evolving into the dark ages.

[IngridsLittleAngel]

29. Yes they are

They were of course the propaganda arm of the Reagan/Bush/Cheney/Gingrinch/GOP crime syndicate. But at some point, they decided to remove a few of the names that weren't "extreme enough" and opt for Drumpf and Putin. Which has only made the mess worse.

I hope one day before my life is over we were return to normal. But some days, I fear we won't... At least not in my lifetime.

It's absolutely horrifying what is happening to women and LGBTQ's. Dark ages indeed. And the worst part is, they know it and want it. That those corrupt "leaders" actually see such a reality as desirable.

[Irish_Dem]

30. Yes we are seeing the logical conclusion to Reagan/Gingrinch, et al.

The irony is that the rich elite and super power broker politicians don't really even care about these issues one way or the other, women, POC, LGBTQ, etc.

They just use the issues to manipulate and control their base.

But some of the elite like Trump are sadists and very much enjoy torturing others and making them suffer.

The base has been convinced these groups are evil and need to be eradicated or placed under draconian control.

The hatred and fear feed the GOP engine in terms of money and votes.

I don't know either if we will get back to normal in my lifetime. My daughter and her girlfriend are hoping to get married next year.
If that is made illegal, they are talking about moving to Canada.

[IngridsLittleAngel]

31. No question about that

Without Reagan, we don't get Gingrich. Without Gingrich, we don't get Bush II. Without Bush II, we don't get Drumpf. It's all linked together and has snowballed over the last 40 years.

(I didn't include Bush I because he was just a milquetoast version of Reagan.)

I think for a number of years they didn't really care about these issues. "Meh, we don't care about abortion, but our base does.." "Ehh, couldn't care less about gays, but that'll get the voters riled up." I do think over the last few years, though, they do care - by "care" I mean truly hate. The party shifted, starting with outrage over Obama being president, and fueled by Drumpf. They've gone from "Whatever it takes to keep power and wealth" to "The real purpose of getting elected is to hurt people we hate." DeSatan is likely hurting Florida's economy just to crush LGBTQ's and Disney.

I hope marriage equality will still be the law of the land next year for your daughter and her girlfriend. Obviously, many of us are scared of all our rights anymore. If not, I wouldn't blame them for moving to Canada. There are days where I would if I could myself.

Just sad and frightening what's happened here, especially in the last few years.

[Irish_Dem]

32. Hard to tell what the 1% are thinking.

As more of the GOP is taken over by ruthless sociopaths you could be right. The vile hatred goes right to the top.

Yes it is a hallmark of the GOP now that they will destroy anything that stands in the way of their goals. DeSantis will sink Florida if that is what it takes for him to remain in power.

DeSantis is showing us the new GOP model. The model the GOP hopes to take to other states and to the entire US. Burn it all down if necessary to obtain permanent power.

I am really sad to see the US go backwards, so many are losing their rights and protections under the law.

Right I don't blame my daughter and her girlfriend for thinking about moving to Canada. But I hate to see them go. And it is a loss for the country if educated young people leave the US.

Edit to add: It is so surreal in some ways. My daughter and her girlfriend are planning their wedding, looking at dresses, rings, wedding venues, etc. But there is a cloud hanging over them. Will they be able to actually get married when the time comes.

Feeling like 1939 Germany more and more.

[IngridsLittleAngel]

33. For years, it was all about money and power

At some point in the 21st century, the GOP was taken over by extreme hatred and bigotry. Was it 9/11? Outrage for electing a non-white man as president? The Tea Party? I'm not exactly sure. Perhaps all of them were sharp steps downhill. Just that at some point, they went from "we want power and money and family values" to seething, frothing-at-the-mouth hate. All I know is it happened before 2016 - Drumpf's campaign didn't create them, it just brought them fully out of hiding.

I'm not sure what goals DeSantis has besides hate. I'm not even sure if he has. If there was ever a "method to his madness" it's now long gone. It's now been two years of nonstop hate and hostility. No vaccines. No masks. Kill protestors. Crush LGBTQ's. If there ever was a plan or any rational thoughts, they're long gone and replaced by irrational hate and insanity.

So many others in his party are now the same way. And of course, many have left the party because it's too far for even them.

Watching this unfold is sad. Throughout most of my life, it seemed like we were making progress on granting rights and protections. Now so many of them openly want to destroy them. Freedom is being replaced with fascism before our very eyes. It does feel more and more like 1939 Germany.

I agree that anyone who feels there is no option left but to move - to move out of a red state, to move to another country - is a loss. At the same time, I can't blame them. It becomes very hard to stay when constantly in fear of "They're going to take away my rights" or "They're going to come after me."

Very frightening. Very surreal as well, as you said. Making plans for something very beautiful and special, all while feeling like there's a cloud hanging over them and a storm on the horizon.

I don't know how our country and society can continue at this pace myself.

[Irish_Dem]

35. DeSantis appears to want total and complete power.

To control everyone and make them live by the rules in his head.

He is also sadistic like Trump.

Yes I agree, it has all turned so hateful and ugly. And frightening.
The US appeared to be making progress on many levels, but now we are sinking into the deep dark abyss.

Yes to see my daughter and girlfriend so excited about the wedding and to realize that it may not take place is disheartening. Or that down the road the state will reverse the marriage and make it null and void.

I know, if things continue where will the US be in a decade.

[IngridsLittleAngel]

36. Yes he does

I think he wants nothing more than to be the next Hitler or Pol Pot or Stalin - or even Putin. Any sanity or rationality that might've existed in his head is now replaced by cruelty, sadism and a thirst for blood. Anyone out there frightened over the possible Donald Drumpf 2024 Revenge Tour? DeSantis is even more dangerous.

So many things have helped fuel this potential side backwards. A big part of that was allowing bigotry to be seen as "differences of opinion," allowing people in the South to rewrite history ("War of Northern Aggression" and "We really won the Civil War" and the like), and sitting back and allowing an entire party to declare the other "the enemies" (Gingrich in 1994). I think that's part of what I find so appalling.. This was so preventable.

I keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best everyday for couples like your daughter and her girlfriend, and all same-sex couples. I hope for the best that equality will still be the law of the land when their day comes, and that no one comes along and voids their marriage down the line. They deserve better. We all do.

[Irish_Dem]

37. Thank you

For your good wishes for my daughter and partner.

Yes all the vile hatred was done on purpose, for political and financial gain. Despicable.

[IngridsLittleAngel]

38. You're welcome

I hope come their special day that marriage equality is still the law of the land and that their wedding is everything they've ever dreamed of.

What's going on is indeed despicable. Sad that in this country that hate and lust of power are more important than human rights and equality. A shame how the mighty have fallen.

[TDale313]

2. We're all very clear that this is terrorism, right?

Also the predictable next step in the hate fueled rhetoric so many GOP politicians and Far Right Religious leaders have been spewing. There will be violence, and it’s going to be targeted at marginalized groups.

[IngridsLittleAngel]

7. It's terrorism

Well, at least I've been saying so. I just hope people with a lot more power and influence in this country can see it's terrorism as well. They're very much terrorizing the LGBTQ community at this point, and they want blood.

[AntiFascist]

27. Not to mention potential hate crimes, covered under Federal law n/t

[vercetti2021]

3. As I've said

You want me? Come fucking get me. I'm ready with my .380 at any time.

[AntivaxHunters]

4. The DOJ needs to get involved at this point

and bring these people up on Civil Rights violations & hate crime charges because that's exactly what this shit is.

[IngridsLittleAngel]

8. Yes it does

Hell, we're well past the point of the DOJ needing to get involved. Hate crimes, terrorist threats, you name it. Hell, go the distance and finally say it: These are domestic terrorist groups.

[IngridsLittleAngel]

5. The Divided States of Stochastic Terrorism

The QOP and reich-wing media have worked so hard in 2022 to make the LGBTQ community the ultimate enemies. So of course the mindless drones with more guns than brains now think it's okay to terrorize and kill us.

This is what happens when these fuckers "other" people they don't like. And in my time I've never seen a group "othered" the way LGBTQ's have been this year. Hundreds of bills. Nonstop hate from "leaders" and the media. "Groomers." It just never fucking stops.

I'm so tired of waking up with dread, worrying I'll check here and see a Pride event shot up or blown up with multiple fatalities... While the QOP laughs, the reich-wing media says "You deserved it" and the "mainstream" media like CNN tries to "both sides" it.

This has gone beyond a joke (not that it was ever a joke). This has gone beyond a "culture war" (not that it was ever a culture war). This is rapidly spinning toward violence and murder - all because a pack of stupid whiny incels can't handle the fact not everyone is cishet.

[gulliver]

10. Our response to this stuff is crazy bad

Of course the right-wing is hate-mongering, literally marketing and selling hate for money and power. And our response to it is what, call it a name, "hate?" It's just awful how naive that is, how doomed to failure, frustration, anger and defeat. What it actually does is the opposite of its intention. It feeds hate.

We say the Republican "smears" are baseless. If so, then we can easily deplore the things the Republicans claim to deplore. Simply join them, for example, in deploring the (nonexistent) grooming. Then add, "But it doesn't happen anyway. Republicans are just lying."

Simple algorithm for responses:

If Republican says he/she hates X, and X doesn't exist, join the Republicans in being against X. Indeed, be even more against X than they are. But add that X doesn't exist.

[IngridsLittleAngel]

18. The QOP are literally threatening LGBTQ's...

But why won't we think of the Repuliqans?!

Our response is "crazy bad"? Who are the ones with the guns, threatening to use them?

You cannot be serious.

[Cha]

34. May it Backfire on their Zombie Hate

POS ASS.

💙💛