Chicago, IL -
The Chicago Commission on Human Relations, through its Chairman and Commissioner Dana V. Starks, condemned a bomb threat received by WTTW11 in clear reference to its upcoming television program "Out & Proud in Chicago," a presentation of the history of Chicago's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the bomb threat - possibly made in a letter - was reported to Chicago Police on Tuesday evening. Police are investigating the incident.
"It is shameful and disgusting that this is how our LGBT community can be treated in Chicago. While we would like to believe that this kind of homophobia was a thing of the past, unfortunately it continues — this time at the expense of WTTW, Northeastern Illinois University, and also the entire LGBT community," said Starks in a press release.
"More than anything," Starks continued, "This incident emphasizes the importance of providing education on the harmfulness of stereotypes which lead to discrimination — and even hate." he added.
"We hope that this incident does not tarnish the otherwise positive reception that has been anticipated for ‘Out and Proud in Chicago,' the first presentation of the history of the LGBT community on prime time television in Chicago."
According to the Chicago Tribune, the bomb threat - possibly made in a letter - was reported to Chicago Police on Tuesday evening. Police are investigating the incident.
"It is shameful and disgusting that this is how our LGBT community can be treated in Chicago. While we would like to believe that this kind of homophobia was a thing of the past, unfortunately it continues — this time at the expense of WTTW, Northeastern Illinois University, and also the entire LGBT community," said Starks in a press release.
"More than anything," Starks continued, "This incident emphasizes the importance of providing education on the harmfulness of stereotypes which lead to discrimination — and even hate." he added.
"We hope that this incident does not tarnish the otherwise positive reception that has been anticipated for ‘Out and Proud in Chicago,' the first presentation of the history of the LGBT community on prime time television in Chicago."
