Counter protestors drown out few disruptors at Wortley Pride

This weekend saw many supporters, and a few protestors, gather for Wortley’s Pride event.

As a few protesters set up across the street from Wortley Pride, a swell of counter protesters gathered.

Those allies brought drums, signs, and flags to drown out the man with the megaphone across the street.

At On the Green in Wortley Village, over 100 vendors celebrated the event, with music and drag shows on stage.

“To see all our allies standing with us is phenomenal and all the people that are here supporting us is amazing,” said Kathy Bell, president of Wortley Pride.

Police had uniformed officers on both sides of the street trying to keep tensions from boiling over.

“We do have the protesters, but we always drown them out,” said drag performer, Galaxy.

“The music is louder and everyone’s just having such a good time. If you like talk to anyone here. We’re just we’re just all just having a good time and sharing an experience.”

The event is now in its fourth year and continues to grow. The Old South community has been supportive.

“Pride, especially right now, is very important because of what’s going on in the States,” said Galaxy.

“With all the civil unrest, it’s so important for us to show our true and authentic selves and to be as loud as possible about it because if they’re trying to erase us, if they’re trying to get rid of us, we were just here. We’re going to be here anyways, and we’re always going to be here.”

Wortley Pride calls itself a “family focused celebration for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities & their allies.”

That was evident walking around The Green on Saturday.

“Everybody is raving about the safe and inclusive space that we have set up,” said Bell, who wants to see the event continue to grow, and add more diversity to the main stage.

That stage included music, dancing, and drag shows.

“All the colours,” said Galaxy.

“We just like splatter the entire place with rainbows. We are here and we’re going to be loud about it, and we’re proud.”