Activists hold a huge gay protest party outside Mike Pence’s house
By Darren Mew
Queer protestors have staged a dance party outside the temporary home of vice-president-elect Mike Pence
The protest started in Washington DC before activists gathered outside Pence’s house to voice their disapproval of his anti-LGBT policies.
Pence has a history of opposition to LGBT+ rights, having campaigned against gay marriage and opposed the repeal of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.
The protest was led by WERK For Peace with its leader, Firas Nasr, at the front of the crowd — and he really did werk his body. He was seen twerking and dropping while the queer party marched, waved flags and danced to hits by the likes of Rihanna and Whitney Houston.
If this video of @werkforpeace organiser Firas Nasr leading the protest doesn’t make you want to become a political organiser, nothing will. pic.twitter.com/tBHiRMOsa4
— Jack Smith IV (@JackSmithIV) January 19, 2017
The Facebook page for the event told the protesters to “shake our booties and bodies in front of/around his house in Chevy Chase” with the hopes of “leaving behind [biodegradable] glitter and rainbow paraphernalia that he can NEVER forget. #WeAreQueer #WeAreHere #WeWillDance” It then went on to call Pence “Daddy” and describe him as ” homo/transphobic” which they said “is not tolerated in our country!”
Talking to CNN, one protester said: “We are here tonight to send a clear message to Daddy Pence that we will not tolerate bigotry and hate in our country. We are here to take the streets as our dance floor.”
Another woman told the news channel: “Get to know us. Talk to us. I would want to speak to him one-on-one, just [to] explain how it is to be a trans woman in this country, and tell him it can be hard and they are making it harder, trying to push us down. But I’m not being pushed down.”
Protesters were reportedly said to be chanting “Daddy Pence, come dance,” and were met by dozens of local residents who brought them snacks and who wanted to see the giant glitter show.
Pence will take the oath to become vice president tomorrow (20 January) and then move into his official residence.
glitter and glowsticks as protesters prepare to dance march their way to @mike_pence‘s MD rental home pic.twitter.com/zEAf57vrTJ
— Betsy Klein (@betsy_klein) January 18, 2017
Now playing on Western Ave: @ladygaga — protest almost at Mike Pence’s home pic.twitter.com/wugfY0Ud76
— Betsy Klein (@betsy_klein) January 19, 2017
Queer dance party outside Mike Pence’s house pic.twitter.com/sQvlha4uGW
— Infantry Snowflake (@CrappyMovies) January 19, 2017