In Northern Nevada, a longstanding support center for the LGBTQ+ community is grappling with a troubling escalation of vandalism. Recently, disturbing Nazi symbols were found on the premises, marking an unsettling first for the organization.
Images reviewed by KUNR showed swastikas and SS runes defacing the center’s entrance, but these images will not be shared to prevent the dissemination of hate symbols.
Stacey Spain, the executive director of Our Center, who identifies with they/them pronouns, emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on safety amidst these incidents. “For a queer community center to have that kind of imagery on our windows, says something about the time we’re living in,” they commented.
Reports from the LGBTQ+ advocacy group GLAAD highlight a disturbing trend: nationally, anti-trans actions are on the rise, with an average of over two instances of vandalism, threats, or assaults occurring daily. For more details, see the recent report.
Locally, the center has also faced criticism from anti-LGBTQ+ activists due to its involvement with Drag Story Hour events. Initially held in public libraries, these events were canceled by Washoe County due to safety issues, as detailed here.
Despite these setbacks, Spain remains firm in their resolve. They stated, “We’re not going anywhere. We’re here. We have families, we have jobs, we pay taxes, we are full community members, and that’s not going to change.”
