US Intelligence Under Scrutiny for Omitting ‘T’ from LGBT+ in Pride Month Threat Reports

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) is responsible for assessing threats to communities across the United States, including those targeting LGBTQ+ individuals during high-profile periods such as Pride Month. Recently, independent journalist Ken Klippenstein, through his investigative news site KlipNews, published DHS documents that repeatedly refer to the “LGB+ community” when discussing threats and vulnerabilities, omitting the “T” that stands for transgender people—a move at odds with long-standing terminology used by both advocacy groups and federal agencies .

Klippenstein’s reporting, which has previously brought to light issues of government transparency and surveillance, prompted immediate reaction from LGBTQ+ organizations and rights advocates, who emphasized the potential dangers of such language choices .

LGBTQ+ rights organizations quickly condemned the omission, arguing that it is not a mere semantic issue but one that can have tangible impacts on the safety and visibility of transgender people—who continue to face disproportionate levels of violence and discrimination in the United States . The Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, and National Center for Transgender Equality have all underscored that transgender people are among the most frequently targeted in hate crimes, particularly during Pride events .

Sarah McBride, a prominent transgender activist and state senator, stated, “Erasing transgender people from official documents sends a clear message that our government does not recognize the unique threats we face. This undermines efforts to ensure our safety and dignity, especially at a time when anti-trans violence is at an all-time high” .

Advocates also point to the importance of accurate representation in security assessments: if transgender-specific threats are not explicitly recognized, law enforcement and emergency responders may be less prepared to address targeted attacks or provide appropriate support .

The terminology used in federal documentation has evolved over time, with “LGBT+” and “LGBTQ+” becoming the standard to reflect the diversity of the queer community. The inclusion of “T” acknowledges the specific experiences and risks faced by transgender people. According to the Williams Institute, transgender Americans are four times more likely than cisgender people to experience violent victimization .

Previous DHS reports and federal hate crime statistics have consistently used “LGBTQ+” in their references to the community at risk, particularly in the context of targeted violence and domestic terrorism . The sudden shift to “LGB+” terminology in the 2025 I&A documents is thus a notable departure from established practice .

Experts in public policy and national security warn that the language used in official documents can shape both internal and external responses to emerging threats. Dr. Imara Jones, an award-winning journalist and founder of TransLash Media, commented, “This is not only about words, but about the allocation of resources and attention. If the government’s own intelligence reports omit transgender people, it risks deprioritizing the urgent need for protections and response strategies specific to this group” .

Legal scholars have also raised questions about the potential legal ramifications. The omission could undercut the ability of community organizations to advocate for federal funding or policy changes if government intelligence assessments do not explicitly name transgender people as at-risk populations .

As the story has circulated, calls for clarification and accountability from DHS have grown. Congressional LGBTQ+ Caucus members have requested an immediate review of the I&A’s reporting protocols, citing concerns that the omission may reflect either a lack of oversight or a deliberate attempt to minimize the visibility of transgender people in federal policy considerations .

A spokesperson for DHS, when contacted for comment, said, “We are reviewing the matter and remain committed to the safety of all Americans, including LGBTQ+ individuals. Our reporting processes are designed to ensure comprehensive threat assessments, and we take concerns from the community seriously” .

For many transgender advocates, the issue goes beyond bureaucratic oversight. “Transgender people are not an afterthought. We are your neighbors, your friends, your family members, and we deserve to be seen and protected,” said Raquel Willis, a nationally recognized transgender activist .

Organizations across the LGBTQ+ spectrum have reiterated that Pride Month, while a time of celebration, is also a period of heightened risk for many participants. Ensuring that all members of the community are explicitly named in security briefings is seen as a fundamental step toward equality and safety.

As pressure mounts, civil rights groups are urging DHS to issue a correction and reaffirm its commitment to full inclusion. Monitoring of federal reporting language is expected to continue, with advocates warning that such omissions, if left unchecked, could signal broader trends of erasure and exclusion in government policy.

At a time when anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and violence remain pressing concerns across the country, the language used in official threat assessments is more than symbolic—it is a matter of life and death for some of the nation’s most vulnerable communities.