Sophie Conlon
Little more than a year on, a repeated act of “disheartening” vandalism has again targeted the Limestone Coast LGBTIQA+ community.
In December 2022 and February 2023 pride flag decals were ripped from their spots on the exterior of ac.care’s Mount Gambier/ Berrin Family Relationship Centre and now in 2024, the welcoming stickers have been defaced again.
In mid March the progress pride flag stickers were ripped off and then spray painted over.
Limestone Coast LGBTIQA+ community member and advocate Patrick Smith said the vandalism was specifically targeting his community.
“The once vibrant stickers celebrating love and diversity have been targeted once again, this time marred by the added malice of black spray paint,” he said.
“This act of vandalism not only reignites the sorrow from the previous year, but intensifies it with a blatant display of homophobic targeting.
“Remarkably, amidst this act of intolerance, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag stickers remain respected and untouched, while the Australian Flag too was spared, highlighting a selective contempt that is as clear as it is reprehensible.”
Mr Smith said it was distressing to see history repeating itself, despite the continued work of the LGBTIQA+ community and allies to build inclusive spaces.
“There are still forces of hatred and bigotry actively seeking to undermine these values,” he said.
“This persistent vandalism serves as a stark reminder of the challenges the LGBTIQA+ community continues to face, necessitating not just repairs or replacements of physical symbols, but a renewed commitment to combat discrimination in all its forms.”
He said ac.care had been relentless in working to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, and this vandalism showed the journey towards acceptance and equality was far from over.
An ac.care spokesperson said the organisation had taken action to repair the damage and provided evidence to South Australia Police for further investigation.
