OC Supervisors Ban Pride Flag at County Properties Under New Policy

By Brandon Pho and Hosam Elattar, Voice of OC
Jun 6, 2023
Read the original article on Voice of OC: https://voiceofoc.org/2023/06/oc-supervisors-ban-pride-flag-at-county-properties-under-new-policy/

A narrow majority of Orange County Supervisors on Tuesday voted to ban the rainbow Pride Flag from flying on all County of Orange properties, including the Civic Center and public parks.

Their vote restricts flags hoisted at the county to OC, state and national flags, along with a flag for U.S. prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action.

Pride banners don’t currently fly outside county offices and properties, but Tuesday’s vote bans it and others from making their way up the flagpoles.

The ban on the iconic symbol for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people was requested by Supervisor Andrew Do and supported by Supervisors Don Wagner and Doug Chaffee in the beginning of LGBTQ+ Pride month.

They said that flying any flag in advocacy of a group of people would open their policymaking sessions up to “divisive” public forums.

“It’s a distraction,” said Chaffee. “It takes me away from really working to make the county better.”

Do argued his proposal wasn’t motivated by any one cause or social issue and that he has routinely supported the LGBTQ+ community.

People who opposed the Pride Flag praised Do’s proposal during Tuesday’s public comment – calling the symbol “divisive” and “sinful” – and looked on as Do attempted to dissuade any notion he was targeting it.

Do recounted the times he helped transgender people get vaccinated against COVID-19 and hired a gay man to the county’s top public health leadership role.

Wagner, however, made it clear that his support for Do’s proposal was indeed a response to flying the Pride Flag.

“It is not a coincidence that this policy is in front of us right now. It is not a coincidence that we’re considering it today for the first time in the more than 100 years of this County’s existence,” he said at Tuesday’s meeting.

“We’re considering it today, in response to the divisive effort to fly one particular flag. So yes, there absolutely is a connection,” Wagner said.

Supervisors Vicente Sarmiento and Katrina Foley, who wore pins in support of the Pride Flag during the discussion, voted against the ban, arguing their colleagues were capitulating to hate.

“By taking the stance today of banning the Pride Flag, which is what this is tantamount to, at all of our county buildings, our county board offices, other than in our internal offices, our parks, our airport, our harbors, our beaches, it sends the wrong message to America and to the world,” Foley said.

The county supervisors’ debate got tense with an audience consisting of people who supported the county flying the flag, while others were against the idea.

At one point, Foley asked Do if the flags flown by the OC Sheriff would then violate his new policy.

The police appreciation week flag – “are they not allowed to fly that any more?” Foley said.

“You’re free to ask and I’m free to ignore you,” Do said while some people in the audience laughed.

Toward the vote, Foley told her opposing colleagues:

“I’m through with this discussion but I’m not through with you.”

The idea of flying a Pride Flag on government property is often split down political lines, like most recently in Huntington Beach.

But things played out a little differently on Tuesday. Chaffee – a Democrat – sided with Republicans Do and Wagner on voting for the flag restriction policy. Sarmiento and Foley, both Democrats, voted against the policy.

In the lead-up to Tuesday’s regular Board of Supervisors meeting, both Sarmiento and Foley attempted to place a separate proposal on the agenda for a discussion on purchasing and flying the flag on county property.

That request was denied by Wagner, the board’s chairman, who told Voice of OC he went with Do’s request with the idea it would tee-up the entire discussion.

Sarmiento pointed to his hometown of Santa Ana, where he previously served as Mayor, and the similar Pride Flag push back they faced.

“The sky hasn’t fallen, we have not become more divided. We have not separated. If anything, it’s shown that we are inclusive, if anything, it’s shown that we are supportive of those communities that we know have been the targets of hate,” he said.

The decision comes amid a stark rise of hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community.

The OC Human Relations Commission put out the annual hate crime report in September which showed an 83% increase in hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community in 2021.

Hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community have increased by 2,100% since 2017, according to the commission.

The action came months after Huntington Beach City Council members voted to implement a similar policy restricting what flags can be raised over city properties.

Hate Crime Reporting and Support

Hate crime in the UK is on the rise. Shining a spotlight on the issue has never been more important.

Hate crimes occur in many forms. They can be assault, harassment or abuse and can happen online or in person. All hate crimes are motivated by a prejudice towards a person’s race, sexual orientation, religion, disability or trans status. Despite much progress in changing societal attitudes, LGBT people still experience hate crimes at alarming rates.

Despite victims increasingly coming forward, more needs to be done to ensure the LGBT community are reporting incidents. YouGov data shows that four in five anti-LGBT hate crimes and incidents go unreported, with young people particularly reluctant to report their experiences to police. Reporting rates are increasing but still dangerously low. LGBT Foundation are working to increase awareness of hate crimes and encourage victims and witnesses to come forward.

At this website you can find information and advice on reporting hate crime:

https://lgbt.foundation/report

Orlando Against “Kill All Gays” Message On Digital Traffic Sign

May 17, 2023

In a disheartening incident that took place early Wednesday morning, a digital traffic sign near Lake Nona, Orlando, displayed a deeply disturbing anti-gay hate message. The Orlando Police Department (OPD) swiftly responded to the report, initiating an investigation into this appalling act of intolerance. As we delve into this incident, let us emphasize that such messages have no place in our society, and it is essential to shed light on the gravity of this issue and the importance of unity, acceptance, and inclusivity.

Reported just before 4 a.m., the altered sign at the intersection of Lake Nona Boulevard and Nemours Parkway displayed the shocking message, "KILL ALL GAYS." This act of vandalism was immediately brought to the attention of the OPD, who noted that the sign had been tampered with. The authorities have launched an active investigation to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable for their hateful actions. 

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer swiftly condemned the incident, expressing his deep disappointment in the display of hate within the city. In a prepared statement, Mayor Dyer emphasized that hate has no place in Orlando and reiterated that this incident does not define the community. His words of reassurance were directed towards the LGBTQ+ residents and visitors of Orlando, affirming their value and emphasizing their rightful place within the city's fabric.

Mayor Dyer's statement sends a powerful message of unity and support, reminding everyone that Orlando stands strong in the face of hatred. It is essential to recognize the significance of such affirmations, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community, who continue to fight for acceptance and equality. By unequivocally stating that Orlando is a place where all individuals are respected and valued, the Mayor reaffirms the city's commitment to inclusivity.

The OPD's quick response and subsequent investigation are commendable. Acts of hate and discrimination must be met with swift and thorough investigations, ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice. By diligently pursuing this case, the OPD reinforces the message that hate crimes will not be tolerated, and the safety of all community members remains a top priority.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder that despite significant progress in promoting acceptance and equality, there are still individuals who harbor prejudice and ignorance. However, it is crucial not to allow such incidents to overshadow the progress made. Orlando's community is defined by its resilience, diversity, and unwavering commitment to inclusion. The support shown by Mayor Dyer and the OPD, along with the countless residents who stand against hate, demonstrates the strength of unity in combating intolerance.

The appearance of an anti-gay hate message on a digital traffic sign in Orlando is a distressing reminder of the work that remains in creating a world free from discrimination. However, it is heartening to witness the rapid response and firm condemnation of such acts by city officials, law enforcement, and the community at large. By standing united against hatred, Orlando reinforces its commitment to inclusivity and sends a powerful message of support to its LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. It is through dialogue, education, and unwavering advocacy that we can ensure a future where acts of discrimination are but distant memories, and acceptance reigns supreme.

Homophobic Rant by a “Karen in the wild” at Florida Starbucks Sparks Outrage

At a Starbucks located in Coral Gables, Florida, a customer unleashing a barrage of homophobic slurs at a lesbian couple, leaving witnesses appalled and calling for an end to such hate. Cassie Urry and her girlfriend, Lorrin Skrbec, were visiting from Toledo for a much-anticipated cruise to the Bahamas. However, their stop at the coffee shop turned into a distressing encounter. Urry sensed an uncomfortable atmosphere and soon discovered that all eyes were on a particular customer, who began spewing racist remarks and slurs targeting Asian patrons.

Urry pulled out her phone to capture the incident on video. The resulting footage, which has since gone viral on TikTok, shows the woman, dubbed "Karen in the wild," directing her vitriol at the camera. She launches into a series of baseless accusations, claiming that lesbianism is inherently linked to child abuse.

 

@sass.curry

Interaction with this lovely lady in Miami

♬ original sound - Cass

While the incident at Starbucks was undoubtedly distressing for Urry and Skrbec, it also serves as a stark reminder that homophobia continues to persist. The couple's calm response exemplifies the need to confront hate with resilience and dignity. The incident prompted Starbucks to take immediate action, with the company spokesperson emphasizing their zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination and affirming their commitment to maintaining an inclusive environment for both employees and customers.

Urry and Skrbec managed to focus on their cruise and put the negativity behind them. However, the aftermath of the incident lingers as a painful reminder of the work still needed to eradicate homophobia and create a society that embraces love, respect, and equality for all.

Lizzo brings drag queens on stage, protesting Tennessee law

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — In a concert Friday night in Knoxville, Tennessee, Lizzo filled the stage with drag queens in a glittery protest against the state’s legislation designed to restrict drag performances in public.

While performing at Thompson-Boling Arena, the Grammy-winning “Juice” singer brought out a number of drag performers, including Aquaria, Kandy Muse, Asia O’Hara and Vanessa Vanjie Mateo. On Saturday, Lizzo posted videos on Instagram from the show, including comments to the crowd that referenced the pending law.

In February, Republican Gov. Bill Lee signed the legislation against “adult cabaret” in public or in front of minors. A federal judge temporarily blocked the law in late March, saying it was too vaguely written. Civil rights groups have criticized the law as a violation of free speech.

The Tennessee law is part of a wider Republican effort to restrict drag shows and other LGBTQ+ public gatherings.

“In light of recent and tragic events and current events, I was told by people on the internet, ‘Cancel your shows in Tennessee,’ ‘Don’t go to Tennessee,’” Lizzo said during the Friday concert. “Their reason was valid, but why would I not come to the people who need to hear this message the most?”

“Why would I not create a safe space in Tennessee where we can celebrate drag entertainers and celebrate our differences?” added Lizzo.

SNL’s Victoria Jackson Sparks Outrage with Homophobic Rant at Tennessee Council Meeting

Former Saturday Night Live cast member Victoria Jackson delivered a homophobic rant during citizens comments in a city council meeting on April 11. The meeting aimed to address the authorization of a permit for the annual LGBTQ+ Pride festival, which has been at the center of heated debate. Jackson's divisive remarks added fuel to the fire, highlighting the ongoing struggle for acceptance and equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community in the region.

The Pride Festival Debate:

Franklin, a historic city in Tennessee, has seen its annual LGBTQ+ Pride festival become a focal point of controversy. This year, anti-LGBTQ+ activists called for the cancellation of the event, citing recent incidents, such as the shooting at a Christian school in Nashville, as well as growing hostility towards LGBTQ+ individuals and drag performances. The city's governing board convened to decide whether to grant a permit for the festival, and tensions ran high during the meeting.

Victoria Jackson's Homophobic Rant:

Amidst the fervor surrounding the Pride festival, former SNL cast member Victoria Jackson took the opportunity to express her homophobic views at the city council meeting. Taking the podium, she boldly stated that "God hates sodomy" and "God hates homosexuality," citing biblical references to support her claims. Jackson further asserted that Pride itself was detestable to God, and invoked the story of Sodom and Gomorrah as evidence of divine disapproval towards homosexuality.

The Viral Fallout:

A video capturing Jackson's homophobic tirade was shared on Twitter, quickly going viral and garnering over 7 million views. The video drew widespread condemnation, with many expressing their outrage at the offensive and discriminatory remarks made by the former SNL star. The incident not only underscored the deep divisions within the community but also reignited the urgent need for acceptance and understanding.