As dangerous storms like Hurricane Helene threaten communities, FEMA’s priorities have come under scrutiny for seemingly prioritizing LGBTQ issues over immediate disaster response. A recent roundtable discussion titled “Queer and Present Danger” featured officials emphasizing the need to address the needs of “LGBTQIA people” in the context of disasters, raising concerns about the agency’s focus during critical times.

Tyler Atkins, an emergency management specialist at FEMA, moderated the March 2023 conversation, stating, “LGBTQIA people and people who have been disadvantaged already are struggling. They already have their own things to deal with. So you add a disaster on top of that, it’s just compounding on itself.” This emphasis on identity amidst pressing disaster threats reflects a broader trend within various sectors influenced by woke culture.

The discussion gained significant attention after being shared on social media, amassing over 10 million views and highlighting a shift in emergency management priorities. Maggie Jarry, an emergency coordinator for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, noted a departure from utilitarian principles to what she described as “disaster equity.” Jarry stressed the importance of examining policies that may disadvantage vulnerable communities in accessing disaster recovery resources.

Critics were quick to respond on X. Elon Musk even jumping in in response, “Saving American lives should be priority #1.”

The backlash against FEMA’s focus on LGBTQ issues amid dangerous hurricanes underscores a critical question: will the agency prioritize immediate disaster response, or continue pursuing equity-driven policies that may leave vulnerable populations even more exposed during times of crisis?