An LGBTQ+ advocacy group is determined to share its message of love and inclusion despite receiving continual threats on social media.
Identity Inc. had to cancel an Aug. 12 fundraiser at a brewery in Aztec, New Mexico due to unspecified threats. The fundraiser was intended to collect school supplies for students in need.
The organization has not only received threats on social media but also at its former headquarters in downtown Farmington. Despite the continuing backlash, Identity Inc. is trying to move forward in a positive direction.
“There are queer people, there are trans people, there are two-spirit people that live here in Farmington and in the greater state of New Mexico,” Lady Shug of Identity told KOB. “I just want to let any folks know and any young folks and any people in our community know that your voice is valid. It’s not important who you love but it’s important that you know that you’re loved, and Identity will always be here and support them whether they want us or not.”
Identity Inc. no longer has a safe space for people to gather but is seeking to raise enough for a new location as well as to continue its mission to help students and teachers in need. Those wishing to contribute can click here.
Nicole Hall of Identity said the continuing threats stem from a lack of understanding. “That’s mostly why people have those feelings towards the LGBTQ2S+ community because they don’t want to understand,” Hall told KOB. “So, if we just hated everything that we didn’t understand as humans, then we wouldn’t have, you know, evolved into who we are now.”
