Activists and allies in south-east London have once again rallied together to block far-right protesters from disrupting a family-friendly drag event. The Honor Oak Pub in Lewisham has faced three attempts to disrupt the event by Turning Point UK (TPUK), an offshoot of an American far-right group that spreads anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. Despite the group’s position as a far-right organization, prime minister Rishi Sunak refused to condemn it during Prime Minister’s Questions, which led to Lewisham MP Vicky Foxcroft joining counter-protesters.
LGBTQ+ activists, teachers, allies, and members of the Lewisham National Education Union (NEU) came together to blockade the anti-drag protesters. They were joined by Stand Up to Racism, an anti-racism group, who called on the authorities to end TPUK’s presence and not to take it for granted that the group has the right to disrupt community life. Signs were placed across Lewisham to spread awareness of the protests and counter-protests.
Drag artist and Drag Storytime & Brunch host That Girl was again forced to anticipate the protests and called for supporters to stand with them against the bigotry. During the protests, a heavy police presence divided the two groups, with the pro-LGBTQ+ counter-protesters outnumbering TPUK supporters. They chanted messages of LGBTQ+ solidarity and played George Michael songs to drown out the anti-drag rhetoric.
That Girl summarized TPUK’s position as “queerphobia,” and the protests were condemned by the borough’s Labour MP, who called on Sunak to condemn the group’s “attempts to spread hatred and division.” The group has routinely called for its supporters to protest outside the pub in an effort to spread their anti-drag message. Anti-LGBTQ+ pundits such as GB News host Calvin Robinson and occasional actor Laurence Fox have joined with protesters in the past, sharing misinformation about family-friendly drag events.
The event in Lewisham highlights the ongoing struggles that the LGBTQ+ community still faces, despite recent advancements in legislation and social acceptance. It also underscores the importance of unity and solidarity in combating hate and bigotry. As Drag Storytime & Brunch host That Girl stated, “We cannot do this alone,” and it is only through coming together that we can create a more inclusive and accepting society.