Travel
State Department issues ‘worldwide caution’ for travelers, warns of anti-LGBTQ+ violence
Traveling brings challenges for members of LGBTQ community
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Damien Henderson, USA TODAY
The U.S. State Department issued a “worldwide caution” for Americans overseas Friday, warning about potential threats to LGBTQ+ travelers and other violence.
“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 said. The warning did not name any specific terrorist organizations or events.
The security alert also highlighted the general “potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” The State Department previously issued a similar advisory in October in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.
The warning advised Americans to stay aware of their surroundings “in locations frequented by tourists, including Pride celebrations and venues frequented by LGBTQI+ persons.” The State Department also advised travelers to sign up for its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which communicates updates and can help locate users in case of emergency.
“The U.S. Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas,” a spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
“We take seriously our commitment to provide U.S. citizens with clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions,” they added.
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The advisory comes after the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security warned last week that foreign terrorist organizations or their supporters could target LGBTQ+ “events and venues” during Pride Month in June.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.
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