WILTON MANORS, Fla. – South Floridians will soon be hitting the streets for the Wilton Manors Pride festival.
As the event approaches, questions are being asked how this year’s festival will play out since the U.S. State Department issued a travel warning for LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations.
Jameer Baptiste is one of the organizers of this year’s Stonewall Pride event.
“It’s always in the back of your mind, but you can’t allow that to discourage you from celebrating and advocating for your community,” he said.
It was over the weekend that the State Department issued the global advisory, which stated it’s “aware of the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events.”
Officials are urging U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling both domestically and abroad.
“These are the things that we as a community have to face because of intolerance and violence towards us,” said Baptiste.
The State Department alert comes just days after the FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued a similar warning ahead of Pride Month, that foreign terror groups and their supporters may target Pride events and venues.
“We want to make sure our community is safe,” said Baptiste. “We want to make sure our security is at the utmost.”
Baptiste said that just as in years past, visitors can expect a multi-agency law enforcement presence at this year’s event. Some you’ll notice; others, you may not.
“We have plain-clothes officers, we have snipers in undisclosed locations throughout Wilton Drive that the festival takes place on, along with the parade,” said Baptiste.
It’s all to help usher in a happy Pride festival and to keep it that way.
“We definitely want you to know that we have your safety in interest, and we’re going to make sure that while you’re having fun, that you’re secure in that, as well,” said Baptiste.
In addition, Local 10 News received a statement from Wilton Manors police, which can be read below.
“Last week the FBI and Homeland Security briefed law enforcement about the likely potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQ+ communities in the United States during pride month. Our agency as well as our local, state and federal law enforcement partners are aware of this intelligence as we continue preparations for our signature Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival, and other events. Public safety will be our number one focus in protecting and serving our community, and we ask our community friends if they see or hear something of concern, say something by immediately contacting law enforcement. Together with our community, law enforcement will remain diligent in our preparation, we will remain steadfast in our passion to protect our community, and we look forward to our City celebrating Pride this June.”
Wilton Manors Police Chief Gary Blocker