Protest over cop attack after Philly Pride march

Philadelphia

Pride was born from resistance. It was a response to police harassment, government control and the policing of queer existence.

Philadelphia police, acting as if the Stonewall Rebellion never happened, violently attacked Philadelphia’s Gayborhood after the annual Pride Parade on June 7, targeting Black and Brown members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, arresting 15 people. 

Dozens of activists came out to protest the next day, June 8, gathering at the 13th Street and Walnut Street location where the police rampage took place. Carrying signs saying “No pride for cops!” and “Pride is still a riot!,” the demonstrators picked up more participants as they marched through the neighborhood, growing to 100 activists by the time they reached police headquarters on North Broad Street. 

Speakers at the “Pigs brutalized Pride! Fight back!” march condemned the police punching of pedestrians celebrating Pride, the use of batons and tasers, masked officers and the 150 cops and mounted units that were used to clear out the Gayborhood. 

The homophobic, transphobic, and racist aggression by the police was directed at the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Barricades created gridlocks that left people with nowhere to go, escalating an already tense situation. Cops openly disrespected community members, misgendering transgender and gender-nonconforming people. 

The militarized over-policing by the Philadelphia Police Department during Pride Month must be resisted. It should also be seen as a warning of a disjointed, concerning and unpredictable safety risk for queers and people of color during this summer’s many events in Philadelphia, including World Cup games, the Baseball All Star game and the reactionary 250th year celebration of U.S. capitalism, along with other festivals. Solidarity with the LGBTQIA2S+ community!