When Mandy Large decided to fly the Pride and transgender flags atop her downtown Victoria food truck, she wanted to send a simple message: everyone is welcome.

But an act of vandalism has left the Bannock Room owner feeling unsafe and worried for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

On Wednesday morning (Aug. 20), Large arrived at her truck outside the Royal BC Museum to find two of her flags ripped and shredded, the poles bent out of shape.

“It was pretty heartbreaking,” said Large, who believes the incident is a hate crime.

For nearly two years, Large’s truck has been stationed on Belleville Street, a stone’s throw from the Inner Harbour, the Legislature, the Empress Hotel and other landmarks. She occasionally moves to other locations for special events.

“Of all places this should be a place

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