A counter-demonstration took place at Roosevelt High School in southeast Fresno on Monday in response to a planned protest there by the Westboro Baptist Church.
The church is designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center and is known for its anti-gay beliefs.
Balloons of every color of the rainbow lined the fence of Roosevelt High, though the reason they’re here wasn’t intended it be a celebration.
Weeks ago, the Westboro Baptist Church announced plans to protest in front of the school because of the LGBTQ+ friendly clubs on campus.
“We decided we wanted to send a message that hate is not welcome here in Fresno. We think what they stand for and the message they’re trying to send to the youth in our city is unacceptable,” said Jason Scott with LGBTQ Fresno.
More than a hundred people showed up at the corner of Tulare and Cedar to stand against hate.
When a few protesters did arrive, the many rainbow umbrellas were used to block the messages.
“When I found out I was like, ‘What?’ And just seeing them come out and show so much hate to people, it’s just not it,” said student Jolie Monson.