In light of recent warnings from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding foreign terrorist organizations, including groups like ISIS, potentially targeting Pride month events, Impulse Group stands in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community and calls for increased vigilance and protection during this celebratory season.

"At Impulse Group, our mission is to engage, support and connect gay men worldwide. In the face of potential threats to our community, we reaffirm our commitment to creating safe and inclusive spaces where everyone can express themselves freely and without fear. We stand with our community members and allies in solidarity, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Pride remains a time of celebration, empowerment, and resilience,” said Leo Rivas, Program Director of Impulse Group.

Impulse Group emphasizes the importance of remaining alert and taking necessary precautions at Pride events, including staying informed about security measures, reporting any suspicious activity, and supporting one another as a community.

"After the Pulse Massacre in 2016, the city of Orlando collectively learned firsthand the importance of continuing to dance and celebrate being a member or ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. We cannot allow threats from foreign adversaries to influence our culture and freedoms to celebrate. We never can let hate win. Our conversation should now be on ways to enhance security and further protections of our sacred spaces, not cancel them,” said Noel Ruiz, President of Impulse Group Orlando.

"We are a vibrant and colorful community. Pride itself is one of our greatest strengths. Pride is a protest against oppression and hate. Pride is freedom. Pride is us. As we enter this Pride season, I remind us all to stay vigilant and continue the good fight for love and acceptance," says Mark Edward Brown from Impulse NYC.

Impulse Dallas chapter president Ressie Gamble says, "To stand against terror we have to stand together as one community. Division between race, economic standing, and gender identity has kept us separated for far too long. Now is the time to show our solidarity in hopes of protecting one another as siblings in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality."

Impulse United Board Member Corey Lyons adds, "It's more crucial than ever that we remind ourselves our words and actions carry weight. Here and abroad. We must combat this hate by standing firmly against any form of legislation that seeks to marginalize us further."

IMPULSE GROUP, an affinity group of AHF, is a global organization with over 500 volunteers on five continents whose purpose is to engage, support and connect gay men globally. Using social events and innovative marketing campaigns, Impulse tackles topics such as HIV/AIDS, sexual health, stigma, substance use, suicide, depression, and inequities within our community. For more information on Impulse, visit https://impulsegrp.org/

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