141 Join in Statement: Solidarity with Prides and the LGBTQ+ Community Against Escalating Threats 141

organizations, institutions of faith, businesses, and community, faith, and elected leaders have come together to issue a joint statement expressing their unwavering support for Pride events and the LGBTQ+ community amidst a rising tide of threats and hostility.

In a powerful expression of unity, these diverse community leaders have condemned the growing threats against Pride events and the LGBTQ+ community, specifically from anti-LGBTQ+ groups and extremist factions. The statement highlights an alarming increase in public hostility and antiLGBTQ+ legislation, resulting in fear and concern over safety within the community.

The joint statement underlines the crucial importance of Pride events, not just as celebrations, but also as potent symbols of defiance against hate, resilience against oppression, and an affirmation of existence. The leaders also pledge to work tirelessly to safeguard the LGBTQ+ community and Pride events with a call to action for all leaders, community members, and allies, asking them to stand in unity against fear, hate, and violence.

The joint statement is signed by 72 organizations, institutions of faith, and businesses, as well as 69 community, faith, and elected leaders.

United in Pride: Solidarity with Prides and the LGBTQ+ Community

As leaders in our diverse communities, we stand united in condemning the growing threats against Pride events and the LGBTQ+ community at large. We are deeply concerned by the escalating attacks and

LGBTQ+ community, leading to fear of physical violence and harm. The ongoing attacks and threats have reached a point where our Pride celebrations, symbols of joy and unity, are now being targeted. This is an affront to our cherished American principles of equality, liberty, and justice.

We firmly believe that safety is a fundamental right, not a privilege. No ideological differences should culminate in life-or-death consequences. We pledge to work tirelessly to safeguard our LGBTQ+ disruptive activities perpetrated by antiLGBTQ+ groups, including extremist factions such as the Proud Boys. These attempts to incite fear, spread disinformation, and sow division within our society are unacceptable. We have seen a record number of antiLGBTQ+ legislation and an alarming increase in public hostility towards our community and Pride events.

We are not fair-weather friends of the LGBTQ+ community. We understand the importance of Pride for our LGBTQ+ community. These events are not mere celebrations, but potent symbols of defiance against hate, resilience against oppression, and an affirmation of existence. The vibrant Pride events planned for this year all across San Diego County will not be marred by hatred. They will remain shining beacons of diversity, love, and unity.

To all those spreading hate, we say this: We are not strangers to adversity. We have faced it before and we will face it again. Our LGBTQ+ community is resilient, born from the crucible of struggle, and hardened by a history of vibrant resistance and radical love. Your fear, hate, and violence cannot silence us. We are many, we are diverse, and we are powerful.

We condemn these threats and stand unwavering in our support of the LGBTQ+ community. We will use our collective platforms to counteract the false narratives propagated about our community to foster a climate of understanding, tolerance, and acceptance.

We call to action all our fellow leaders, community members, and allies. Let us stand in unity against fear, hate, and violence. Let us ensure the power of our intersectional solidarity leads to positive action. We are LGBTQ+ and allied leaders in business, faith, community, and elected office. Our collective strength is our best weapon in the face of adversity. Together, we can and will continue to Thrive! Now, more than ever, it’s time for Pride.