Florida Continues To Be The Wild West: Sign Hacked To Read “KILL ALL GAYS” On IDAHOBIT
In a disturbing incident that occurred on Wednesday, May 17, an electronic construction sign in Orlando, Florida was hacked to display a hateful message during the early hours of the morning.
The sign, located at the intersection of Lake Nona Boulevard and Nemours Parkway, near Nemours Children’s Hospital and a major intersection, read “KILL ALL GAYS” on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), reports Washington Post.
On a day committed to ending hate, bigots have made their stance clear
Reports of the hacked sign began pouring into the Orlando Police Department, prompting swift action from local authorities. The incident, taking place on a day meant to raise awareness and promote inclusivity, has shaken the community and highlighted the ongoing battle against discrimination faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, reports Washington Post.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer strongly condemned the offensive message, posting to Twitter saying, “Hate has no place in Orlando, and this disgusting display is not who we are as a community.” Mayor Dyer says, “To Orlando’s LGBTQ+ residents and visitors: you are respected and valued here. And we won’t be deterred in our efforts to ensure that our city is inclusive for all.”
Unfortunately, this incident occurs within the context of Florida becoming a focal point for state-based anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation. Governor Ron DeSantis has been at the forefront of pushing discriminatory policies such as his Don’t Say Gay law which contributes to an increasingly hostile environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the state.
As authorities launch investigations to identify the culprits behind the incident, local citizens and LGBTQIA+ allies congregate at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub, the site of America’s second most deadly mass shooting. The gay haven was attacked in June 2016 and remains a vigil for those lost to the violence, reports Washington Post.
This incident in Orlando is not an isolated event, but rather a symptom of the larger anti-gay maelstrom that continues to plague the United States. Acts of hatred and discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community are not representative of the nation’s values, yet they persist in various forms.
