Just when you thought Pride Month would be a celebration of love and acceptance, Stockton decided to serve up a heaping dose of intolerance instead.

Hate Hits Home

In a disturbing turn of events, the Stockton Police Department is investigating two separate incidents targeting LGBTQ+ residents during what should be a time of community pride and visibility. Somewhere in the 900 block of North El Dorado Street, someone thought it was acceptable to throw a brick through a window sporting a transgender Pride flag. As if that wasn’t enough, another individual decided flag theft was an appropriate form of expression in the Yosemite Street Village area.

Standing Strong

The Stockton Police Department isn’t taking these attacks lying down. They’ve publicly condemned these acts, stating unequivocally that “hate has no place in our city”. This stance comes just a month after the City Council unanimously approved a resolution to display the Pride flag during the first week of June, signaling a commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility and protection.

Community Resilience

Despite these targeted attacks, the message is clear: our LGBTQ+ community won’t be intimidated. The police have vowed to investigate these incidents as potential hate crimes, demonstrating that attacks on one part of the community are attacks on everyone. No arrests have been made yet, but the investigation continues.

Remember, love always wins - even when some people are determined to spread hate.