The federal government is urging worldwide caution and alertness in popular tourist spots amid what it says are potential threats of violence against LGBTQI+ travelers.<\/p>\n
The U.S. State Department issued a security alert<\/a> Friday warning of the possibility of terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against American citizens. Specifically, the State Department is warning that Pride celebrations and venues frequented by LGBTQI+ persons could be at risk.<\/p>\n “The Department of State is aware of the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events,” the State Department said in the alert shared to its social media platforms.<\/p>\n The warning comes just a week before the traditional start of the summer travel season, and just before the start of widespread Pride Month celebrations in June.<\/p>\n It also comes just a week after the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a joint public service announcement<\/a>, which similarly warned of the potential for foreign terrorist organizations to target Pride events and venues in June.<\/p>\n Though it shared serious concerns in Friday’s alert, it is<\/em> important to note that the State Department did not detail specific<\/em> threats or circumstances that triggered this advisory.<\/p>\n At the same time, the department told TPG, it’s aware of “long-standing messaging by foreign terrorist organizations encouraging attacks against LGBTQI+ persons,” including Pride celebrations.<\/p>\n The agency keeps an ongoing and robust assortment of travel advisories covering, essentially, the entire world. And it often issues safety alerts and reminders ahead of major travel seasons, and in the midst of situations involving emerging unrest.<\/p>\n For instance, before each of the past two spring travel seasons, the department reminded travelers headed to Mexico<\/a> of common-sense safety measures to avoid becoming a potential victim of crime.<\/p>\n Daily Newsletter<\/p>\n Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter<\/p>\n Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG\u2019s experts<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n It also issued a global safety alert<\/a> in October amid violence in Israel and Gaza.<\/p>\n Additionally, the department maintains travel advisories for each country around the world, rating potential risk levels based on factors like the possibility of kidnapping, crime, unlawful detention and \u2014 for some regions of the world \u2014 specific dangers to LGBTQI+ travelers.<\/p>\n Notably, Friday’s alert for this June seems to cover travel around the entire world.<\/p>\n The state department has a guide full of advice<\/a> and considerations for LGBTQI+ travelers heading abroad.<\/p>\n Here are some additional pieces of advice for your summer 2024 travels, including trips taking place during Pride month.<\/p>\nShould travelers be concerned?<\/h2>\n
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