A “Straight Pride” rally hosted by the far-right hate group Proud Boys in Modesto, California ended in fistfights and the sting of bear spray over the weekend. Pro-LGBTQ activists combined with anti-fascist protestors showed up to counter the militaristic group that rose to prominence under former president Donald Trump, reports LGBTQ Nation.
Members of the group have been arrested and charged with multiple hate crimes and several members have been charged for their roles in the insurrection at the Capitol building.
Pro-LGBTQ activists held a rally in a local park a few hours before the Proud Boys event started, but joined with anti-fascist activists to actively counter protest the “straight pride” rally, reports LGBTQ Nation.
Reports say the militia group provoked the protestors, kicking off the brawl that closed down the street and ended in two arrests. This is the third time the group has held the event; the group uses the opportunity to hurl racist and anti-LGBTQ slurs at passersby and protestors while soaking up the local media and police attention.
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