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On April 28, a gay couple reported burning a Pride flag in front of their home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Lancaster Police are currently investigating the incident.
Tukto and Peter Hellman told the local NBC affiliate. WGAL They said they noticed the flag had been burnt on Wednesday morning, when the alleged vandalism occurred. When they checked Ring’s surveillance cameras, they found footage shared with WGAL of a person wearing a hoodie with his face hidden, approaching the flag with a lighter and attempting to light it on fire. The flag was burnt and torn, but because the flag itself was made of nylon, the fire did not spread to other parts of the house.
“We want to show that there are real people behind these acts,” To told the TV station. “There were real consequences and impacts that could have happened. For example, if there was a significant amount of fire, the fire could have reached the house. And certainly, we live in a row house, so there could have been an impact on neighboring houses as well.”
This is not the first time the couple has targeted and vandalized Pride flags since they moved in six years ago, and they are believed to have stolen and damaged Pride flags in the past. However, they have no hesitation in flying the flag and feel supported primarily by the community.
“It’s definitely discouraging,” To told WGAL. “But it’s something we know in the back of our minds. For example, when we publish something like this, it’s like putting a target on us.”
Toh, a primary care physician at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, regularly treats trans patients and provides gender-affirming care. he said. lancaster online As an advocate for LGBTQ+ healthcare, I made a statement and said it’s important to fly the pride flag.
“It’s about letting people know that this is a supportive community and that we’re here,” he says. “This is something we feel is important, especially in a political climate like today.”
Fortunately, Toh and Hellman have a spare flag on hand and plan to put up another one as soon as the rain stops.
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Source: Advocate.com – www.advocate.com
