A disturbing scene unfolded during a planned anti-trans protest in Wisconsin, organized by the group Gays Against Groomers, as masked neo-Nazis brandishing swastika flags and semi-automatic rifles unexpectedly joined the demonstration. The event, which took place during Watertown’s Pride In The Park celebration, sparked outrage and concern for the safety of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
The group known as Blood Tribe, an online neo-Nazi faction notorious for promoting “hardline white supremacist views,” and directing their hatred towards Jews, non-whites, and the LGBTQ+ community, made its presence felt during the pre-planned protest outside the family-friendly Pride event. Gays Against Groomers, founded by political pundit and content creator Jaimee Michell, has gained notoriety for their controversial stance against drag shows, accusing them of being a form of “indoctrination” and baselessly linking LGBTQIA+ individuals to the “medicalisation” of children.
Disturbing images from the event captured the sight of neo-Nazi members marching alongside Gays Against Groomers’ protestors, holding signs with messages like “Let kids be kids” and “Pride is not for kids.” The unexpected alliance of these two groups raised alarm bells and brought attention to the pressing need for vigilance against hate groups attempting to undermine LGBTQ+ rights and events.
Following the event, Gays Against Groomers released a statement vehemently denouncing the presence of the neo-Nazi sympathizers, stating that it condemned the intrusion of extremist ideologies into a protest aimed at safeguarding and advocating for the well-being of children. The group emphasized that it does not endorse or align with any political or extremist ideology and expressed frustration over not being able to control who might choose to join their public events.
As the LGBTQ+ community and its allies continue their fight for inclusivity and acceptance, this alarming incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges and threats faced by the community. Awareness of such infiltrations and robust measures against hate groups remain essential to ensure that events meant to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community do not become platforms for intolerance and bigotry.