A fight broke out at the Alaska PrideFest event on Saturday involving anti-gay protesters brandishing a megaphone, police said.
The altercation began near the Delaney Park Strip in downtown Anchorage and involved PrideFest participants and protesters, police said. One of the protesters identified himself to an ADN photographer as David Grisham of Repent Amarillo, a Texas Christian and political organization.
Police estimated about 20 people were involved. They said officers intervened before anybody was hurt.
According to the article the incident only involved some pushing and shoving. (And undoubtedly some name calling). Afterwards the police stayed to keep the peace until the event was over.
I have to say that I am proud of our LGBT community for standing up for themselves, I only wish I could have been there to help.
I know that guy with the flaming red doo. He is friends with my daughter, and I met him during the Democratic caucus this year. (Yes, he was a Bernie supporter.)
By the way Southern Christians were part of the Summer of Hate back in 2009, when they were mobilized by Jerry Prevo and brought in from Wasilla to protest against a ballot measure to protect gays in the workplace here in Anchorage.
They won that time, but since then the laws and attitudes have changed and our LGBT community feels much safer.
Apparently that still does not mean that some asshole from Texas cannot fly up here in an attempt to spoil their day of celebration however.
Which is sad.
Source http://ift.tt/28V4BOm
