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LGBTQ+ community, allies speak out after armed protestors crash Memphis drag show

During a march in Overton Square, dozens demanded change and accountability.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Members of the LGBTQ+ community are speaking out after a group of armed protestors crashed a drag show at the Memphis Museum of History.

During a march in Overton Square, dozens demanded change and accountability.

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“We will not be scared and intimidated in expressing ourselves," said Amaranthus Hyden. “We are protesting against what happened on last Friday at MoSH."

On September 23, a group of armed protestors crashed the Memphis Proud Drag Show and Party at the Memphis Museum of Science & History.

The Museum released this statement:

“The safety of our guests and staff members is our primary concern. Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety of all present, the Museum of Science & History made the decision to cancel all programming Friday evening due to the presence of armed protesters. Closing early involved the cancellation of the two events scheduled for the evening, a laser show in our Planetarium and the Memphis Proud drag show and dance party.

We want to apologize to our guests and the Memphis community for the disruption.”

"It really got to me, because there were families there. They had children there," said Jenna Dunn. “It was an eye-opening experience, really."

Memphis poice said no one was hurt and no arrests were made.

Still, some members of this community argue it never should have happened, and they refuse to be silenced.

“We decided that we wanted to do a march in response," said Dunn.

It’s their way of fighting back together. They’re striving for change, one step at a time.

"Despite all the hate that people give queer people, we have an incredible community that's powerful and loving," said Hyden. "We're here for each other and we shouldn't allow people to scare us out of being who we are."

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