One Colorado Denounces Intimidation Tactics at Douglas County PrideFest

Pride festivals are meant to be a safe space for members the LGBTQ community to be themselves and express their true identities without fear of intimidation. But in 2023, with conservative lies about LGBTQ people spreading like wildfire, being able to create that safe space is getting harder and harder. On Saturday August 26, Castle Rock, Colorado held its annual Castle Rock Pride, sometimes referred to as the Douglas County PrideFest, only to have the event terrorized by hate groups.

According to 9News, the protestors arrived at the event wearing t-shirts reading “Stand to protect children” and stood up during the event right before the drag show to try to block people from viewing it.  The protestors stood for approximately 40 minutes until the event’s security convinced them to leave. That was the most visible part of the protest, but there was even more harassment going on in the parking lot. According to another article from 9News, Deborah Takahara, public information director for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, says that the deputies at the event were prepared to intervene but did not do so, as they were taking their cues from event security.

“Protestors entered the event, blocked aisles, and blocked the stage for over 40 minutes,” explains one anonymous attendee in a statement released by One Colorado. “There were men in the parking lot harassing patrons, calling them names and making the Hail Hitler salute. There were slurs and comments made. One protester yelled at staff and then flipped them off. One of the protestors was escorted out for inciting violence, and another was escorted out by one of his own co-protestors. Children were crying, and I feared for the safety of everyone there. Thankfully there were no major injuries.”

According 9News, Michael Clarkson, the volunteer chief of security for the event, identified Able Shepherd as the primary group involved in the protest, although some protesters were spotted wearing clothing associated with white supremacist group National Front. Able Shepherd, which is led by Navy Seal Veteran Jimmy Graham, does not claim to be a political group, with their website (which we will not link to for the sake of not directing traffic to them) describing them as a “nationally-recognized progressive tactical training program in Denver, Colorado designed to teach situational awareness, leadership, first aid, and protective tactics that can be applied to virtually any threatened environment.”

Their description of themselves reaches the height of irony, as they were the ones threatening the environment at Castle Rock Pride and not the other way around. Able Shepherd had previously partnered with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office earlier that same month for a training to prepare churches for active shooter situations.

“It is disheartening to witness any form of threats and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric at our community Pride events,” Nadine Bridges, executive director of One Colorado, says in a statement. “Whether big or small, Pride is for all to gather and celebrate love, diversity, and the freedom to be our authentic selves. Let it be known that we will not be manipulated by intimidation. Our community is strong and beautiful, and we will continue to rise above prejudice and fear. I ask all Coloradans to stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ Coloradans and denounce hatred and embrace love, joy, and acceptance.”

“Castle Rock Pride, the organizers of Douglas County PrideFest, are proud to have offered our queer community a family-friendly festival that celebrated the unique individual within each of us, yet heartbroken at the same time that our children and community experienced bigotry and hate firsthand at our event,” says Meghan Zavadil, secretary for Castle Rock Pride. “This event is designed to create a safe and welcoming place for our community. Jimmy Graham and the men from Able Shepard disrupted and undermined that message.

“We are thankful there was no physical violence, but make no mistake: Children were harmed by this display of hate and bigotry. They were frightened and crying. Families were traumatized. People left fearing for their safety. We call out the hypocrisy of all those who have spent the last year spreading lies and accusations about the LGBTQIA+ community. Your rhetoric has opened the door for violent hate groups in Douglas County. You have put our law enforcement officers in harm’s way. Most importantly, you’ve harmed some of the children you claim to want to protect. Our children.”

Zavadil also assured the public in her statement that Castle Rock Pride 2024 will go on as planned. “We thank those who have supported us and sent positive messages. We will not allow these groups or anyone else to step on our constitutional rights and deter us. We will see you at Pridefest 2024, because you belong here.”

Photo courtesy of Castle Rock Pride