The Parasol Patrol is a group of dedicated volunteers who use rainbow umbrellas to shield children and families so they can enjoy these events without the watchful eye of anti-LGBTQ protesters.
On one side, a group protesting the event -- be it the Proud Boys, Patriot Front, or the Westboro Baptist Church, all of which are designated as hate groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
The Parasol Patrol uses rainbow umbrellas to protect children and families from facing hate groups protesting their events., when a friend of Bazan hosted an all-ages drag show. The event received an influx of threats: "The hate mail was fast and furious. We had death threats coming in, they were gonna lock the doors and burn the buildings. It was really some nasty stuff," he said.
Volunteer Heather Spillman recalled facing off with a vocal group of protestors, and the volunteer patrollers broke into Disney songs -- singing "the entire score from 'Frozen.' Kids were so distracted and enamored with these volunteers singing that they never even knew that the protesters were there," she told ABC News.
"When I grew up in a very rural area in Oklahoma, and being Asian and being queer – it was a struggle, it was a very lonely time," Riply said.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Butterfly Brigade' memories: SF survivors of anti-LGBTQ+ violence recall group's powerAs we recognize Pride Month, celebrations are tempered with the reality of massive amounts of anti-gay legislation peppering lawmakers' desks and the headlines. In the Bay Area, many survivors of anti-LGBTQ+ violence are gone, with few remaining to tell their stories.
Read more »
LGBTQ+ family group criticizes topless trans activist'It was an afternoon filled with joy and hope, and this clip is a distraction,' said Family Equality's CEO, speaking about the White House's Pride celebration.
Read more »
'Closeted Support': Texas Rangers Only MLB Team To Not Host LGBTQ Pride EventGlobe Life Field in Arlington will be the only major league park to not host a night celebrating the LGBTQ community.
Read more »
Police K-9 dies from heat exhaustion after patrol car malfunctions, unexpectedly shuts offHOUSTON — A 4-year-old police K-9 named Aron with one-and-a-half years of experience on the force has died from heat exhaustion after being left in an air-conditioned patrol car that unexpectedly shut off when the officer was away from the vehicle.
Read more »
Police K-9 dies from heat exhaustion after patrol car malfunctions, unexpectedly shuts offA 4-year-old police K-9 named Aron with one and a half years or experience on the force has died from heat exhaustion after being left in an air-conditioned patrol car that unexpectedly shut off when the officer was away from the vehicle.
Read more »
Houston police K-9 dies after patrol vehicle malfunctions, trapping dog alone in hot carAron, a 4-year-old K-9 officer who served 1.5 years with HPD, died of heat exhaustion after the police unit he was in malfunctioned.
Read more »