Report back from recent community mobilization against the Proud Boys in defense of a church drag event in Portage, Michigan.

The day begin with cool Michigan sunshine. The type of day that comes around maybe twice a year when it is not swamp-ass hot or bitter cold. The kind of day that reminds you that it is, in fact, worth living in the upper Midwest. We tell ourselves this all the time. It is morel and trout season. It’s farmers markets, garden centers, and flower nurseries. The time of year you stop and talk with the people you, at best, gave only a passing wave to as you jumped into your freezing car only a few short weeks and months prior.

This also happens to be the time of year that the LGBTQ+ folks celebrate existence, the community that they nurture, and those who nurture them back. Except this year, it’s extra embattled because GOP fucknuts decided to put an even bigger target on the backs of gender non-conformists. Because of this, a few days ago, word started circulating throughout the community that the non-profit hosted family friendly drag event at a church the following Saturday, the 20th was receiving messages on social media from Proud Boys saying they would protest the event. Great. Those goobers again.

All told, only 10 of them showed while our side numbered about 40-50. Police were on the scene from the jump. So, too, was West Michigan’s iteration of a nationally syndicated ”local” news station, but they kept their distance. There was un-Christlike music in the parking lot, hugs, quick clacking of tactical mittens, flags, umbrellas, water, snacks, chanting, sharing terse words with the opposition, a far-Right YouTuber with his very cool selfie stick, and younger choads with full body Bud Light costumes. If you’re not up on the latest far-Right outrage over Bud Light partnering with a trans influencer and Kid Rock having a mantrum, go here.

An elderly church couple entering the venue were overheard, saying, “You see those flags!? Those are the anarchists and they’re here to help us!” An opposition sign said “Satan loves transgenders” or some such thing. To which, our side had folks embracing Satan and praising Them on high and promising unspeakable sexual acts with the dark lord. To which the church pastor took exception. And I found very. Very. Funny. We’re not without our tensions and contradictions.

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