Local LGBTQ centers taking updated safety protocols

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The nonprofit is pulling back from publicly advertising some of its events out of concern for safety.

The LGBTQ Center posted to Facebook on Tuesday saying, “Due to security concerns expressed about this platform and society at large, we are holding back details for some meet up events on Facebook such as the Outdoors Club.

Outdoors Club events that were recently deleted may be rescheduled, but details will not be posted here”.

The post went on to encourage people to get connected to their private networks via email, as they seek to “find balance between providing access to community and security protocols that enable all people to feel safe attending events”.

ABC57 reached out to the center, and did not receive any response.

However, The Out Center, which provides resources to the LGBTQ community accords Southwest Michigan, told us groups across the country are making similar safety protocol changes after the change in power.

"Well, I can't put myself in their shoes. I can absolutely imagine a certain aspect of it. That's just like OK everybody you know we're going…We're gonna go in hiding a little bit from election result. We did take our programs out of the site online, we have target hardened our space and will continue to do so and I guess what people want people to understand is this is real,” said MaryJo Schnell the Executive Director.

Schnell went on to say anyone feeling isolated is not alone, regardless of state lines and legislature.

The South Bend Police Department said they are unaware of any threats made to the center at this time.

Mayor James Mueller responding in a statement, “South Bend is a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. Hatred, bigotry and violence have no place in our city. We are committed to making South Bend a safe community for everyone,” said Mueller.