On Nov. 7, a flag supporting the LGBTQ+ community was torn down and destroyed at the local Bethesda United Methodist Church. The church security cameras caught the act on tape but could not identify the perpetrator. According to MOCO360, “The church put up the flag banner in June in recognition of Pride Month.”
Senior Emilie Lynch, who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, said, “I thought this was a generally accepting area, so this incident has made me feel very confused and scared.” Lynch elaborated, “It honestly shocked me and has made me more aware that this kind of hate can exist anywhere.”
A church in Silver Spring experienced a similar incident last January when an LGBTQ+ pride flag was cut in half. A report made by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) detailed, “From June 2022 to April 2023, ADL tracked at least 356 incidents of anti-LGBTQ+ hate and extremism in the United States.”
Carmen Simon, co-president of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), said, “There have been rises in hate crimes recently, which to me indicates how we have failed to address the more hidden biases.”
Mr. Favazzo, a B-CC guidance counselor, explained that the B-CC Administration has been responsive when incidents such as these arise. “They have worked well with students in creating lessons, through student wellbeing or advisory, to educate our student body about how hate can impact their peers,” said Favazzo.
Simon added, “ I’ve had tons of teachers who ask for pronouns covertly or who work to add LGBT representation into their classes.”
However, Simon also conveyed some frustrations, “When it comes to supporting queer students, B-CC has repeatedly failed to shut down casual homophobia.” Simon added, “I’ve seen teachers and staff completely brush [homophobia] off, yet it’s one of the biggest complaints GSA members have had with the school.”
MCPS provides resources for the LGBTQ community if they are struggling.
24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ youth, 100% confidential and free:
Text “START” to 678-678, Call 1-866-488-7386 or Chat
