Today, Rochester LGBTQ+ Together encountered hate speech while out during a program in daylight on a very public sidewalk in Rochester. While we are thankful that we’re all physically alright, we were a bit shaken up. This reinforces two things for me: the need for grassroots community groups and the concept of strength in numbers. Many different things could have happened this afternoon, but thankfully it didn’t escalate to physical violence. Who knows if this person who approached us on the sidewalk would have behaved differently to a single person wearing rainbow colors than he did to a small group. Please continue to be vocal and visible, but also remain vigilant and look out for each other. We are safer when we stand together. Allies: keep showing up! #Together #StrengthInNumbers #VisibleAndVocal
