An LGBT event in DC known as the “DC Dyke March” is now facing backlash after allegedly asking attendees to avoid displaying pro-Israel and other Jewish symbols.
Event organizers implied that the group wished to avoid displaying flags from “nations that have specific oppressive tendencies,” apparently in reference to Israel.
The group also indicated that American flags would not be welcomed, but flags representing Palestine would be.
DC Dyke March Bans Jewish, Israeli Symbolshttps://t.co/hBV3rbbhUm
— The Forward (@jdforward) June 6, 2019
Needless to say, the decision sparked growing outrage from a wide-sweeping range, prompting several pundits from various backgrounds to voice their disapproval on social media.
Many pointed out that, ironically, LGBT rights are protected in Israel, whereas the gay community faces routine persecution in Palestine.
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(blink blink blink)https://t.co/T9fIuhm9GL pic.twitter.com/dEIYmMgIMU
— David Rutz (@DavidRutz) June 6, 2019
(DC Dyke March meeting)
“So we’ll ban Israeli flags, since Israel has the best gay rights record in the Middle East.”“Correct. We’ll allow Palestinian ones though, since we would go to prison in Gaza.”
“Makes sense.”
“Yes, very intersectional of us.”
— David Rutz (@DavidRutz) June 6, 2019
Apparently no one told the @dcdykemarch organizers that Palestinan officials oppress their own people; criminalize the sale of land to Jews; Oh! and they throw gay people off buildings. https://t.co/E3CefIMdF9 pic.twitter.com/GBdP9QzcL2
— Alex VanNess (@thealexvanness) June 6, 2019
Up front about their antisemitism. https://t.co/5WsxNg4qds
— Seth Mandel (@SethAMandel) June 6, 2019
Well that’s certainly inclusive… 🙄
— Jaeger Sylva (@JaegerPony) June 6, 2019
But the Palestinian symbols are fine, the same Palestine that will kill you for being gay. Makes sense.
— Kyle (@kylemusic87) June 6, 2019
The sheer irony of an lgbt parade that allows a Palestinian flag but bans an Israeli flag, when it is illegal to be gay in Palestine and Israel is the only safe country in the Middle East for gay people where it is legal and celebrated. Gay Palestinians flee to Israel for safety.
— Rebecca Riley ☀️🌎🌲🦋🌈✡️ (@emprestheodora) June 6, 2019