Transphobic, Anti-Semitic Flyers Found in Atlanta Neighborhood

Author: Donald Padgett

Police in Atlanta have increased patrols after transphobic and anti-Semitic were found in the city last weekend.

The flyers were left on the driveways of homes in the eastern part of the city and listed specific individuals with notable LGBTQ+ advocacy and support groups as being responsible for what it terms the “rise in transgenderism.” They provide a scan code to a link where users can download and print their own version of the flyers. The flyers appear to be the work of the Goyem Defense League, identified by the Anti-Defamation League as a known hate group.

“Who is behind the rise in transgenderism?” the flyers read before listing specific individuals with LGBTQ+ groups including GLSEN, Trans Student Educational Resources, Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund, and GLAAD’s National Center for Transgender Equality.

The Atlanta Police Department issued a statement saying it was “aware of antisemitic and transphobic flyers found in the East Atlanta area” and that its Homeland Security Unit “was quickly notified and is investigating.”

The flyers left residents and local politicians disgusted and angry. State Sen. Elena Parent said residents “on at least four streets” in her district woke up to find the flyers “on their doorsteps” on Sunday.

“This malevolent garbage is a sobering reminder of the hateful among us,” State Sen. Elena Parent tweeted last week.

While the nature of the flyers was both offensive and disturbing for residents in the neighborhood, police indicated they have found no actual crime associated with their distribution.

“At this time, we are not aware of any criminal acts related to the flyers,” the statement said.

This was not the first time racist flyers were left in the neighborhood. Earlier this year similar flyers were distributed in the area.

“Welcome to being a Jew in Georgia,” State Rep. Esther Panitch tweeted after anti-Semitic flyers were left in her district last February. Panitch is the only Jewish member of the Georgia State Senate.

The ADL describes the Goyem Defense League as “a small network of virulently antisemitic provocateurs” in Florida who parady the ADL’s name and logo. Goyim is a derogatory Yiddish and Hebrew word for gentiles or non-Jewish people.

Police want to hear from anyone who received a flyer and from anyone who could help identify the person responsible for delivering them. You can call the non-emergency line at 404-658-6666 or 911. Information can be submitted anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or online at www.StopCrimeAtl.org.

Original Article on The Advocate
Author: Donald Padgett