LGBTQ Pride Event Vandalism Investigated by Atlanta Police Following Global Black Pride Celebration

Police in Atlanta are looking into a case of vandalism that has affected the property of organizers of an LGBTQ Pride event dedicated to honoring Black queer communities worldwide.

Alleged Act of Vandalism

The Atlanta Police Department announced on Wednesday that the incident occurred at a hotel in midtown Atlanta, where an event for Global Black Pride was being held. Authorities reported that an intoxicated hotel guest was responsible for the damage. 

Following the preliminary investigation, the police stated that they are actively pursuing leads to identify the suspect and are trying to understand the motive behind the act of vandalism. NBC's Atlanta affiliate, WXIA-TV, mentioned that a now-deleted video on social media depicted the aftermath of the incident, showcasing tables, pamphlets, and pride flags in disarray at the hotel. Global Black Pride condemned the act of vandalism in an Instagram post, labeling it an "act of hatred." The organization emphasized its commitment to healing and joy, stating, "We will not be deterred, and we will not allow hate to stop us from celebrating our pride and resilience." Furthermore, they asserted, "When we fight, we win."

Celebrating Global Black Pride

The Global Black Pride festival commenced on Tuesday and will continue until Monday in Atlanta. The festival features a variety of events, including workshops, art exhibits, a health conference, and numerous marches. This festival began during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and is celebrated biannually. The inaugural in-person event took place in Toronto in 2022. This year's celebration boasts renowned figures such as Tony-winning actor Billy Porter and Nigerian singers Yemi Alade and Omawumi.

The LGBTQ Community in the South

Notably, over half of Black LGBTQ adults in the United States reside in the South, as per a report by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law published in January 2021. Additionally, data from March 2021 from the institute indicates that out of the Atlanta metropolitan area's population of approximately 6 million, around 194,000 individuals identify as LGBTQ, albeit without a racial breakdown.