Georgia Pride march disrupted by group displaying swastika flag and Nazi salutes
Envato
An LGBTQ+ Pride celebration in Athens, Georgia, was disrupted over the weekend when a group of men carrying a Nazi swastika flag and shouting hate speech marched through the city’s downtown area.
Videos obtained by Atlanta News First from the 6 June event showed individuals dressed in black and red carrying a large swastika flag while reportedly using homophobic, antisemitic and racist language. Witnesses said members of the group performed Nazi salutes and shouted “Heil Hitler” as they passed through the area during Athens Pride festivities.
Attendees and organisers told Atlanta News First that the demonstration appeared deliberately targeted at the LGBTQ+ event. State Representative Eric Gisler, who was attending the parade, described the display as “disgusting” and “sick” in a statement to Atlanta New First while noting that participants ultimately refused to engage with the demonstrators. Organisers reportedly responded by positioning themselves between the group and the parade, holding a sign that read: “Joy is louder than hate.”
In a statement, the Athens Pride and Queer Collective, which organised the parade, said the group’s appearance was intended to “intimidate, divide, and spread fear,” but failed to overshadow the celebration. Organisers said local police monitored the demonstrators throughout the afternoon, and while the group eventually left the area without serious violence, an organiser reported that some physical contact occurred between demonstrators and attendees.
Despite the disruption, organisers and participants said the event continued with a strong sense of community and solidarity. “People chose not to engage with these individuals and their reprehensible ideology,” Gisler said. “They were there to have a good time, show support for each other and for the community.”
