On May 17, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide LGBTQ+ travel alert ahead of Pride Month, Politico reported.
The department stated, “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 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.”
The advisory also urged U.S. citizens to stay alert in locations that LGBTQ+ citizens frequent. It also urged people to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency overseas, as well as to follow the department on Facebook and X/Twitter.
The State Department alert came a week after the FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued a similar joint advisory warning of potential foreign terrorist violence against LGBTQ+ events and venues. Neither advisory has mentioned specific geographical spots.