SAN DIEGO - A pride flag mural in the Scripps Ranch community of San Diego has been the target of repeated vandalism.
Resident Brittany Fuller tells NBC 7 she painted the mural on her back fence after she found out a few students in the area were being bullied at school because of their gender identity,
“These kids deserve protection," Fuller said. "They deserve to be themselves. Everyone in this community, everyone in this world deserves to be themselves."
But she was shocked to see vandals had spray-painted the letters D-A-D-T over the mural, a reference to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the Clinton-era policy banning openly gay members of the military. After the mural was repainted, the vandals, seen in security camera video and believed to be teenagers, returned and splashed paint over it. But this type of activity isn't new to Scripps Ranch.
Last year a group of young people stole Black Lives Matter and Pride flags from several residents' homes.
Fuller says, despite the vandalism, neighbors appreciate her support of LGBTQ+ youth.
“There’s been a great amount of support," said Fuller. "It’s been incredible. It’s been filling my heart with so much joy.”
After the most recent incidents, the Scripps Ranch Pride Council has formed and already has about 200 members.