Co-Founder of Deplorable Pride: “I was told: ‘The president is going to want to see this.’”

NEW YORK – GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, today voiced concern over the report by the North Carolina-based newspaper The News & Observer that the White House Office of Political Affairs proactively contacted conservative LGBTQ organization Deplorable Pride, which was previously banned from participating in Charlotte’s LGBTQ Pride Parade. The group is led by Brian Talbert, who has used or promoted inflammatory language against Muslims, women, and even the LGBTQ community itself.

The White House has chosen to stay silent and refuse to recognize LGBTQ Pride Month. By instead contacting Deplorable Pride, the Office of Political Affairs has further shown how completely tone deaf this administration is to the inclusive umbrella of the LGBTQ community.

The News & Observer report caps off what has been (so far) complete silence by the White House in recognizing June as National LGBTQ Pride Month. The White House has, however, issued proclamations on “Great Outdoors Month,” “National Ocean Month,” and “National Homeownership Month.” Further, President Trump’s silence highlights his administration’s agenda of systematically erasing LGBTQ Americans from the fabric of this nation. Whether it’s filling his administration with long-time anti-LGBTQ activists or erasing LGBTQ Americans from government websites, federal surveys, and even the upcoming 2020 U.S. Census, the Trump Administration has proven itself to be anything but an ally to the LGBTQ community.

GLAAD urges media to question The White House on the about why they chose to contact Deplorable Pride and have remained completely silent on LGBTQ Pride Month.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Brian Talbert, Co-Founder of Deplorable Pride

• Used derogatory anti-LGBTQ terms to attack people; including “f*ggot.”
  
• Threatened to kill “every single” Muslim in a Facebook post.

• Called Muslims “camel f*ckers” while voicing support of President Trump’s ban on Muslims.
  
• Admitted that he doesn’t support Pride Month and said LGBTQ People should be ashamed of themselves.
  
• Called Liberal LGBTQ people “some of the most vile and disgusting people on earth.”
  
• Argued that a new version of the rainbow flag created to address LGBTQ people of color was racist for not having a white stripe.
  
• Expressed extreme views towards people who are pro-choice.
  

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