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John,
Last Sunday, a Salt Lake City bookshop closed unexpectedly after receiving a bomb threat. The threat wasn’t made because someone hates books (though we should also talk about these book bans, too).
The bomb threat was made an hour before a Drag Queen Storytime event hosted by Utah performer Tara Lipsynki. |
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Police did not find a bomb on the property. But the threat alone tells LGBTQ+ people that we are supposed to hide, that it is DANGEROUS for us to exist in public spaces or engage with our communities.
This is by no means the only recent example of threats of violence against LGBTQ+ Americans, but what I found shocking is that this isn’t the only threat Tara has faced this year.
Already in 2023, Tara has worked four drag events across the state that were targeted with threats of violence towards the hosts and attendees. At one of those events, she came face-to-face with the Proud Boys.
We all know that Republicans have succeeded in radicalizing much of their base and validating hate and violence, but let’s call this what it is: domestic terror.
When you attempt to terrorize your fellow Americans, whether with threats or actual violence, you are a domestic terrorist.
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If our leaders did more to guarantee our safety and punish people who profit off of stoking hate and violence, then the LGBTQ+ community would have nothing to fear. My family would have nothing to fear.
This time the threat was in Utah, but next time it could be here at home. I know there are people who will put a target on my back for running for Congress as a gay man. I know I’m supposed to be afraid.
But I DON’T CARE.
I don’t care who you are, who you love, how you identify, what color your skin is, where your accent is from, or which pronouns you use, John.
Stay safe – but don’t hide. Idaho needs people like you as much as it needs me.
I see you, I will fight for you, and I appreciate you.
David Roth |
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