Westboro Baptist Church to visit Fresno & Reedley

The Westboro Baptist Church, known for its extreme and inflammatory hate speech, is bringing its divisive message to Fresno and Reedley. The WBC has gained notoriety for targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, military personnel, and other marginalized groups with protests filled with offensive and hurtful rhetoric. Their actions have been widely condemned as hateful, and they have been classified as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

In response to their planned visit, a coalition of local LGBTQ+ organizations and allies are coming together to stand against their message of intolerance. The coalition’s counter-protest aims to promote unity, love, and acceptance for all. Through peaceful demonstration, the LGBTQ+ community and supporters will stand in solidarity, sending a clear message: hate has no place here.

Join us in supporting equality, respect, and inclusivity for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or background. Together, we can drown out hate with a message of love and acceptance.

Westboro Baptist Church Counter-Protest Dates:
Roosevelt High School in Fresno October 28, 2024 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Reedley High School in Reedley October 31, 2024 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Fresno event page – Reedley event page

Let’s come together as a community and show that Fresno and Reedley stand for kindness, acceptance, and equality!

Send “advocate” to 559-862-1040 to signup for updates

Event Guidelines

1. Do NOT engage with the protesters. Our most important guideline. Don’t yell back at them or confront them in any way. They say things to deliberately provoke a response which they may use against us. If their hate-filled
   messages and methods begin to get under your skin, turn your back, walk away, breathe.
2. There is/are dedicated person(s) to be liaisons for both media and Law Enforcement contacts. You don’t need to speak with reporters or police. If you see something concerning, please let the Law Enforcement Liaison know.
3. Please refrain from taking and/or showing photos of children of attendees, especially children/students. Without consent, it’s inappropriate. Additionally, it’s possible to place the children/family in harm’s way via doxing, etc.
4. No signs, please. Please be mindful that the kids we are supporting will also see and read them. We want to surround them with positivity. If you do bring signs, please make them in support of the students, NOT against WBC.
5. Not everyone doing interviews and taking photos are legitimate journalists even if they say they are. You don’t need to speak with anyone claiming to be press.
6. We empathize that many volunteers want to be close to the protesters but in order to shield the kids safely, we may need to form a line or go with designated teams to walk folks to the building. If we are assigned an area, we
   need to stay where asked. Unless your safety or wellbeing is in danger, please stand where team leaders request.
7. If you feel overwhelmed not just today, but in days to come you feel affected, please seek out your support network; family, friends, counselor, etc.
8. We’re here for the kids/students.

Take lots of photos and videos to share and hashtag #ParasolPatrol. Let’s show
the kids that #LoveWins!