Location of LGBTQ+ event in Beaufort County is prompting protests amid support
The LGBTQ+ Lowcountry Pride Group is planning to move its annual Pride festival to a public park in Port Royal, which has sparked a divide in the community as opponents attempt to block it and supporters come to its defense.
It would be the first time the event, which has been held in Bluffton the past four years, would be held north of the Broad River.
Angela Wright, who represents the group, said it is looking to move the event to Port Royal in November because a number of sponsors in northern Beaufort County have expressed interest in supporting it.
“We have a lot of people who are really excited it’s going to be in Port Royal for once,” Wright said.
Wright’s comments came in July, when she gave an update on the plans during a Town Council work session.
Since then, residents who are opposed to the event being held in the public Live Oaks Park have attended Town Council meetings to urge elected officials to block the plans. That testimony has prompted others to show up to support the Pride festival being in Port Royal.
Opponents have cited concerns about the location of the festival being near the town’s elementary school and the possibility of drag queens participating in a parade. They’ve also raised issues about the distribution of LGBTQ+ information regarding gender.
Wright initially told the Town Council that a parade was part of the plans, but Mayor Joe DeVito said Thursday that he’s met with the group and a parade is no longer under consideration.
“They tell me that none of that is going to happen at this event,” DeVito said.
The group must meet certain requirements to use the park, and its application is under review, DeVito said. “At this point, there is nothing glaring that says they don’t meet the requirements.”
“Make no mistake, if you are not against this movement, you are for it,” Danny Norwood, describing himself as a father, grandfather and follower of Jesus Christ, told council members Wednesday, which brought applause.
National LGBTQ+ groups are on a “twisted spiritual crusade” to steal the innocence of kids, Norwood said, adding he believes it is no coincidence that the event is proposed near a school.
“I would ask everybody in this community, on this council, to consider what we’re letting in,” Norwood said. “The snake has crawled under the door.”
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 18, when school will not be in session.
Supporters say Pride festivals are safe, welcoming events where people can find support and information and have a good time, too.
“My family will be there, and we look forward to celebrating all of God’s beloved children with you,” said Mary Foster, describing herself as a straight cisgender female who is married and has a son who is transgender.
Cisgender means a person’s gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth; transgender means a person’s gender does not match the sex they were assigned at birth.
Those who don’t want to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community “should stay home,” said Foster, adding she’s been been frustrated and embarrassed that there is so little to honor the LGTBQ+ community in Beaufort County.
The LGBTQ+ Lowcountry Pride Group says its mission is to promote the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community in the Lowcountry by educating society, honoring its heritage, advocating for its culture and celebrating diversity.
Wright said the event is family oriented and will include vendors, a bounce house and face painting.
