LGBTQ+ Staten Islanders fearful after worldwide travel alert “threats in our own Backyard
KC Hankins, a resident of St. George, stated that while it has always been “a scary world” for LGBTQ+ people, current threats of global violence against the queer community have also occurred in the United States, New York, and Staten Island. “They [threats] are the direct outcome of the relentless drumbeat of anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda around the world. Whether it’s the Ugandan government legalising the death penalty for homosexuals or the over 500 anti-LGBTQI+ bills introduced across the United States, this rhetoric fosters hatred for queer people and inspires violence from hate groups ranging from ISIS to the Proud Boys,” said Hankins, a New York City LGBTQ+ advocate.
As we approach Pride Month in June, the US Department of State issued a worldwide travel notice on Friday for all LGBTQIA+ Americans. And many members of Staten Island’s LGBTQ+ community are concerned for their safety. “Due to the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” the advisory states. “The Department of State is aware of the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events and advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.”
But the caution level abroad is also felt here in the U.S. every day of many LGBTQ+ individuals’ lives.
“While the State Department is warning of foreign terrorist threats against LGBTQIA+ people, us queer folk know full well that we are in danger from domestic threats as well,” said Hankins.
Stapleton resident Chris Bauer, former president Lambda Associates of Staten Island, who has long been a driving force for LGBTQ+ rights on Staten Island, agreed.
“We are not only seeing this overseas, but it’s here as well, which is really sad, and it’s especially against the transgender community,” he said. “People feel embolden that they can lash out with violence.”
Many Staten Island activists believe it’s “sad” that the State Department had to issue such a warning, especially given the ongoing prejudice against the LGBTQ+ community. “The good news is that we have a government that genuinely cares about people, their safety, and well-being.” “Sadly, we still need these advisories,” said Richmond County Surrogate Court Judge Matthew J. Titone, a former North Shore assemblyman and Staten Island’s first out homosexual political official. “The bad news is that we are moving backwards ten paces because people cannot tolerate others who are different from them. It is discouraging. And that is certainly disturbing.But I believe we must first address the underlying issue. Where does it come from? And I believe we need look no further than in our own backyard,” he added.