Supporters of LGBTQ+ equality arrived from all over Ohio on Saturday to provide a barrier between a drag story hour and an anticipated protest from the white nationalist Proud Boys.
The drag story hour was held at Colors+ in Fairview Park, a suburb outside of Cleveland.
Despite repeated threats, this LGBTQ+ organization has stood firm in their their mission “to strengthen LGBTQ+ youth and allies by promoting individual and community wellness.”
“I want youth to know that our programs are going to remain constant,” Colors+ founder and staff member Kameron told The Buckeye Flame in September. “And that we’ve sent a very clear messages back that we are not going anywhere.”
Outside on Saturday, Colors+ supporters outnumbered the handful of Proud Boys by a ratio of 10:1.
Despite videos that had been shared online by “Proud Boys Cleveland” in days leading up to the event promising, “It’s going to be WILD,” only a handful of protesters showed up. Their numbers were dwarfed by supporters with trans pride flags, blocking the small group of white nationalists from the entrance to Colors+.
Inside, Cleveland’s tallest drag entertainer Veranda L’Ni read books to families. Selected readings included: “I am Peace,” “Call Me Max” and “Spork.”
Here are some images we captured of the day:
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