CHICAGO (WLS) — The owner of a Chicago travel agency specializing in gay group tours around the world is making sure to inform his clients about a recent warning from the U.S. State Department.
The State Department has issued a global security alert about possible terrorist attacks against the LGBTQ+ community.
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Officials are urging Americans to be extra cautious ahead of the start of Pride Month.
Brian Herb and Joel Cabrera own Zoom Vacations.
“My first thought when I saw the warning was that you need to be extra careful when attending events with large crowds like this, and always know where the exits are.” said Herb.
While threats against the LGBTQ+ community are not uncommon, Brian Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois, said issuing broad travel warnings to specific groups is unusual.
“It also confirms what we know to be true: that too many forces in our society and around the world deny the dignity of queer people. That's the thing,” Johnson said.
Johnson said the data shows hate crimes against gay people are on the rise.
“We're a community that's been targeted more than any other community in recent years when it comes to hate crimes, so I think it's certainly gotten worse,” Johnson said.
Despite the warnings, travel agents say LBGTQ+ clients are not cancelling trips this summer.
Lynn Farrell, owner of Windy City Travel, said she booked the trip for a June wedding in Italy.
“A lot of our clients are just, like, ready. We're going to be cautious. We're going to build up our patience. We're going to get through things, but we don't want to stop.” Living their lives '' Farrell said.
Herb said her community is fearless and has become desensitized to warnings and threats against them. The journey continues.
“Whether or not we get a warning from the State Department, we always have to be very careful, that goes without saying,” Herb said.
The State Department's warning comes days after the FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued warnings to the LGBTQ+ community to remain vigilant during Pride events in the United States.
However, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security did not name any specific locations.
The FBI Chicago field office said there is no specific threat to events planned in the Chicago area at this time.
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