Rhode Island advocates highlight resources for the queer community ahead of pride month

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Pride Month is officially underway and celebrations have already begun around the world.

Amid the celebrations comes a warning from federal groups for members of the queer community to pay close attention while traveling and attending pride events.

A worldwide security alert from the U.S. Department of State warned of an increased potential of violent attacks against the queer community in the U.S. and abroad.

Here in Rhode Island, advocates say there is a range of support systems in place to keep LGBTQIA+ members safe.

“We work with a number of organizations in the community, Foster Forward, Haus of CODEC, those are just two off the top of my head,” said Executive Director of Youth Pride Rhode Island Inc. Rush Frazier Nicotera.

“If you are under the age of 24 and walk through our doors, it may take a moment, but we can get somebody to talk to you,” they said.

Frazier said they’ve seen an uptick in community members looking for support in the past few months, and the number one thing they said they need is housing.

“Once those basic needs are handled, I think that it’s a lot easier to even imagine a future that – you know, a future without homophobia, transphobia. If you know that you have what you need to survive the week,” they said.

The latest FBI hate crime data shows a 13 percent increase in crimes related to sexual orientation, a two percent drop in crimes against gender, but a 32 percent increase in crimes based on gender identity.

“Hate crimes and just the level of acceptability that it seems like people are having in regards to being intolerant and bigoted. You know, yeah that is bringing a lot more clients to our door,” said Nicotera.

“40 percent of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+ so, the deck is already stacked against a lot of these youth because of the intolerance they’re finding in their homes and in their communities,” they said.

It’s important to note as well, no local alerts have been put out here in Rhode Island.

For additional resources, you can visit Youth Pride Rhode Island Inc.’s website here.

In a statement, Providence Police said:

“We will continue working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in response to any potential threats that may occur as we begin Pride Month. Our officers are prepared to utilize the necessary resources and support as needed.”