Pro-Palestine protesters clashed with marchers during Philadelphia’s Pride Parade, halting the annual event and creating a chaotic scene.
Video circulating on social media captures the moment the two groups met in the City of Brotherly Love, with the LGBTQ+ walk stopped in front of Pro-Palestinian individuals chanting “Palestine will live forever! From the sea to the river!”
Drummers in the LGBTQ+ march continued beating their drums while protesters on the other side shouted their chants. The situation grew tense, with one person seemingly held back from approaching the Pro-Palestine protesters.
It’s worth noting that many of the Pro-Palestine protesters wore LGBTQ+ friendly clothing, suggesting they were celebrating Pride while also advocating for Palestine.
Additionally, the protesters defaced a couple of Pride flags, writing “No Pride in Genocide” across them—a move that may raise some eyebrows within the gay community.
Tensions have been high between Palestine protesters and other groups—pro-Israeli demonstrators and conservative groups—with protests erupting on college campuses in recent months.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government has urged Americans both domestically and abroad to be vigilant this month, fearing terrorist activity at Pride events or against LGBTQ+ individuals in general. Both groups are almost certainly feeling the stress.
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