An open letter to the Nazis who showed up to yesterday’s Grove City PrideFest

Originally published with The Buckeye Flame

Standing on the front line, staring down the eyes of so much hatred. Standing to protect those behind me, to absorb the lashings of hate. I should be furious, I should be fighting back.

All I can do is stare into the eyes of hate and feel empathy for how that hatred had been born.

Their words and chants lash against me causing their sting. Yet a statue I remain, determined to show the strength and resiliency of all those behind me.

I lock eyes with their leader, forcing him to look back at me: to see exactly who he is attacking and to see that I will not be erased. His words, directly attacking me. Mocking me, recording me and yet I remain. I will not allow their hate to win. I will not allow them to direct their pain on anyone else.

Alongside me, allies are turning their backs to create a wall, fighting back against the hate, all to protect those behind them. I continue to stare into the eyes of hate. All I want is to ask: why do you bear this hatred? Why do you carry this much pain? What could I do to help you no longer feel such pain?

They are just humans, the same as we are. While misguided and lost, they deserve to know that I do not hate them. I only feel sorry for them, wanting nothing more than to help them overcome their hate.

These thoughts kept me still, staring into the eyes of hate, absorbing their lashes so those behind are protected.

Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024

Location: Grove City, Ohio

Event: Grove City PrideFest

What was the makings of a wonderful celebration of diversity and authenticity was invaded briefly by a wave of hate from days past. The Nazi group—identified as Blood Tribe by the label on their shirts—attempted to disrupt this celebration with intolerance and threats. Members of this group wore face coverings to hide their identities, and were armed with handguns; spewing threatening chats derived from the Third Reich.

Together, attendees and volunteers of the Grove City PrideFest created a wall to protect those inside the celebration, which included families with young children.

“Pedophiles get the noose!” “A cleansing of blood is coming!” The chants repeated, but the wall stood strong.

Empathy turns to disbelief as I question how they get so mad when drag entertainers read to children, but have no qualms about condemning children for being themselves. Why do you bear this hatred?

Eventually, the group left, marching into the streets of Grove City. While this group came and provided a brief disruption, they did not succeed in their goal to drive us out.

We resumed our celebration and had a wonderful time together. We dance, we hugged, we laughed, we celebrated. We did not allow their pain to destroy our celebration. The organizers, the volunteers, the participating organizations, churches, business and attendees all displayed immense courage and strength. Together, we maintained our safety and together we’ll remain.

We will not be silenced. We will not be erased. We will always come together to celebrate who we are: beautiful, authentic, resilient humans.

Gays and straights, transgender and cisgender, young and old, we all celebrated our ability to love greater than hate.

So I ask again, why do you carry this much hate?

To view the video that NV captured from Grove City PrideFest and hear her thoughts, please visit her Instagram or TikTok.
To learn ways you can support and develop Pride in Grove City, visit their website here.