Winston-Salem adds safety measures to LGBTQ Pride events

Winston-Salem city leaders are working with the police to enhance safety at upcoming LGBTQ Pride events.

Mayor Allen Joines says the move comes after two recent acts of intimidation.

Joines would not say what extra steps are being taken, but the goal is to ensure safety at two upcoming events: the painting of a downtown crosswalk with a rainbow theme this weekend, and the annual Pride Parade scheduled for June 24.

He says the measures are the result of incidents this month including the vandalism of a Pride-themed banner in front of city hall, and a protest of a drag brunch at a local brewery by people who identified as members of a right-wing extremist group.

Joines says Winston-Salem has an image as an inclusive community. 

“And that's what we're proud of and worked on for many, many years," says Joines. "So it's concerning when a few folks kind of make a situation that's not an accurate depiction of our city.”

It’s not the first time that extra precautions will be in place for the Pride Parade. Additional steps were also made in 2014 when the event followed the legalization of same-sex marriage in North Carolina.