LGBTQ advocacy org invited to host Pride parade in Gaza, West Bank with $1 million funding from queer group.

A watchdog group announced Monday that it would donate $1 million to any U.S. LGBTQ advocacy organization to host a gay pride parade in Gaza or the West Bank.

Since the Hamas terror group attacked Israel on October 6, anti-Israel groups such as "Queers for Palestine" have emerged in America. However, homosexuality remains highly stigmatized in the Palestinian territories, with gay and transgender individuals in Gaza and the West Bank frequently facing persecution and being subjected to heinous acts.

Gregory T. Angelo, the gay former president of Log Cabin Republicans and current New Tolerance Campaign (NTC) President, stated that the campaign is a "wake-up call" to anyone affiliated with the "Queers for Palestine" or "Gays for Gaza" movements.

Angelo told Planet Chronicle Digital that he didn't want the campaign to be dismissed as a publicity stunt or a joke, as it was a genuine offer.

"He stated, "This campaign aims to challenge those who claim to support LGBT equality and demonstrate their commitment through action. I believe this presents a chance for these groups to showcase their dedication to hosting an event that sheds light on the reality of living as an LGBTQ individual in the Palestinian territories or promotes pluralism and peace in the Middle East.""

The New Tolerance Campaign has secured a $1 million prize and will begin promoting it with mobile billboards in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.

Angelo stated that the $1 million prize was intended to attract attention and turn heads, but the true purpose of the project was to promote equality and human rights.

Everyday Americans can directly message the senior leadership of leading LGBTQ organizations to advocate for LGBTQ rights in Palestinian territories and Arab countries through the campaign.

Angelo stated that the left in the United States treats all forms of oppression as the same, which he believes is a mistake. He argued that the left incorrectly groups issues such as racial discrimination, sexual orientation discrimination, gender discrimination, and Islamophobia under the same umbrella.

Anti-Israel protesters in the US claim that LGBTQ individuals are not treated well in the US when presented with information about their treatment in Gaza or the West Bank.

Angelo stated that the United States provides protection from job discrimination for gay and trans individuals, as established by a Supreme Court ruling. Additionally, same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states, and the country generally welcomes people of all faiths and family types.

"In contrast to what is seen in the Palestinian territories, where same-sex marriage is not a possibility or topic of discussion, there are no protections in terms of employment for sexual orientation or gender."

In 2019, the Palestinian Authority police prohibited a gay and transgender rights group from holding events in the West Bank and threatened to arrest participants. On the other hand, Israel often highlights its tolerance on matters of sexual orientation, and Tel Aviv is renowned as a top destination for gay and lesbian travelers.

In 2013, Angelo was taken aback when he toured the West Bank as part of an Israel immersion trip.

Angelo saw the stark difference in human rights between Israel and the Palestinian territories, particularly in terms of gay rights.

The New Tolerance Campaign is a watchdog organization that aims to challenge intolerance double-standards by establishment institutions, civil rights groups, universities, and socially-conscious brands, as stated on its website.

The NTC action campaigns give ordinary Americans the ability to hold self-proclaimed arbiters of tolerance accountable when they violate their own stated values, according to the site.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.