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A video of far-right group Proud Boys engaged in a physical altercation outside an LGBTQ center in New York City has now gone viral on social media. Members of the group had gathered outside the venue to protest a Drag Queen Story Hour that was being held there.
In the footage, members of Proud Boys can be seen clashing with others on the streets outside.
For the uninitiated, the Drag Queen Story Hour is basically when performers in drag read books to kids in libraries, schools, and bookstores. The stories are well known for their themes of inclusivity and acceptance.
Roughly 40 protestors and 100 supporters gathered at the Drag Story Hour on Sunday, March 19. Videos on social media suggest that at least one Proud Boys member walked away from the ensuing altercation with a facial injury. Pictures and videos of the man with blood on his face have now surfaced on social media. He is even heard saying:
"I came here to help, not get the sh*t beat out of me"
Additionally, it was reported that one unruly protestor was also arrested.
Netizens were infuriated to see the protests and slammed the protestors at the Drag Queen Story Hour, with one saying:
“Ahh…"came to help". The good old Rittenhouse excuse."
Social media users infuriated as Proud Boys video from the Drag Queen Story Hour surfaces online
With protesters, far-right groups, and counterprotesters crowding the LGBTQ center entrance, law enforcement officials and City Council security guards had to be called to the Manhattan street to put a stop to the clash between Proud Boys and supporters of the Drag Story Hour.
As soon as the videos reached social media, netizens were quick to bash the group for the ruckus they created outside the venue.
The City Council also spoke up on the matter and said:
“While we can’t comment on any specific security concerns and decisions, several Council members have been the target of repeated acts of harassment, trespassing, and vandalism by those seeking to attack Drag Story Hour over the past months. The Council’s security protocols prioritize the safety of Council members, staff, and public participants in our activities.”
The protest on Sunday is not the first one at the drag storytime event
This is not the first time that the Drag Story Hour has faced backlash. The same happened in December 2022, when members of far-right groups, including Proud Boys, gathered near the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus in Ohio to protest against the reading, which was set to be held at the venue.
In the end, the protests led to the cancelation of the event.
At the time, about 70 members stood on the roads and chanted "life, liberty, victory" and "reclaim America.” However, that instance also led to widespread backlash on social media.
