Jordanna Riggs said they’re raising their children to love everyone and the colorful lights are just one example.
HOUSTON — A family in Houston’s Westbury neighborhood is asking the Houston Police Department to help them find a vandal who cut off their pride lights twice.
Jordanna Riggs told KHOU 11 that the rainbow lights on their porch received a glowing reception online when they were added last year.
But last week, someone cut them off by slicing the power cord. After Riggs’ husband fixed the wire, the vandal came back and did it again.
“I wasn’t going to let whoever this hateful person was get the last word,” Riggs said. “Of course, I was sad about my lights, but I was more sad that we couldn’t show love and acceptance for the community.”
The lights are just one example of what they’re teaching their children.
“We’re trying to raise them to love everyone; rainbows are joyful in and of themselves,” Riggs explained.
The family has filed a police report.
Now, they’re trying to turn a negative experience into a positive one. They started a GoFundMe.com account to raise money for the Trevor Project, which supports the LGBTQ community.
“All in all, love wins, and there are many more people who are accepting and loving,” Riggs said. “We’re not going to let the one loud, hateful person ruin the joy.”
The Greater Houston LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce said attacks like this one have been increasing.
“We know there’s a rise in anti lgbtq+ rhetoric,” Ryan Wilson told KHOU 11.
He said anyone who feels targeted should contact law enforcement.
“Well, one of the nice things about living in Houston is our local law enforcement, whether it’s the constables or the Houston Police Department, they have LGBTQ liaisons who better understand the issues.
The LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce also has resources that you can find here.