Proud Boys neo-Nazi member arrested outside postponed Glitter Nova event in St Kilda
Dozens of advocates have turned out to support a LGBTQIA+ event in St Kilda after protests from a right-wing hate group.
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A member of a far-right hate group has been arrested in response to protests outside a venue where an LGBTQIA+ event in Melbourne was cancelled over safety threats.
Glitter Nova was due to take place at St Kilda’s Victorian Pride Centre on Thursday evening, featuring a drag show, queer comedy and musical performances.
Stonnington Youth Services, along with the local council and event partners, decided the event would not go ahead only hours before attendees aged 12-25 were scheduled to arrive.
Dozens of supporters instead turned out to the centre amid concerns neo-Nazi group Proud Boys were planning to protest after hateful threats were reportedly made online.
We’re not stopping. pic.twitter.com/HyUHI6MUWw
— yeah righto mate 🴠(@yeahrightomate_) December 8, 2022
Proud Boys, described as a far-right white nationalist organisation and supporters of Donald Trump, was established in the United States in 2016.
Just last week, members of its American branch forced the cancellation of a drag show in Columbus, Ohio, while dressed in camouflage and brandishing what appeared to be firearms.
The FBI considers the organisation an ‘extremist group’ with ties to white nationalism while Canada and New Zealand have designated it a terrorist organisation.
Footage posted to social media from the St Kilda event showed dozens of Glitter Nova supporters shouting down five masked men who claimed to be part of the hate group.
Crowds were filmed chanting “You’ll always lose in Melbourne” in response to the group’s anti-LGBTQIA+ and anti-Semitic rhetoric.
One man wearing a Proud Boys hooded jumper was later seen being handcuffed by police.
Victoria Police told the Herald Sun several officers attended the Pride Centre to “ensure community safety” despite the event being postponed.
“One man was arrested for failing to move on and the remainder of those present left the area without incident,” a spokesman said.
“Police will continue to run proactive patrols of the area to deter any anti-social behaviour and work with partner agencies to ensure the safety of all community members for future events.”
Vile neo-Nazis target youth drag event
An end-of-year celebration featuring a drag show and other queer performances has been cancelled amid vile threats from online neo-Nazi and anti-LGBTQIA+ groups.
Glitter Nova, a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, was due to take place at St Kilda’s Victorian Pride Centre Thursday evening for attendees aged 12-25 years old.
Organisers instead made the call to postpone the event run by Stonnington Youth Services when it became apparent protesters would disrupt the evening.
A Stonnington Council spokesman told the Herald Sun it was a “difficult decision” but one that was necessary to ensure the safety of attendees.
“We have recently become aware of a planned protest at Glitter Nova this evening and, in order to maintain our commitment to creating safe and inclusive events, we felt the wisest and most prudent course of action was to postpone the event in order for us to ensure the safety of our attendees,” the statement read.
“We were looking forward to this event, and understand that many young people were looking forward to it also.
“The decision to postpone has not been taken lightly – the safety of our community is paramount.”
The event was marketed as a free youth celebration of “diversity, inclusion, having fun and connection to like-minded folks.”
Drag performances, queer stand-up comedy, musical acts and a chance for attendees to enjoy garment-making workshops were planned.
“Our decision to postpone the event in no way legitimises the statements made by the protest groups,” the spokesman said.
“Our primary focus is on the safety of young people and their right to be able to gather connect and celebrate in a welcoming and inclusive environment.”
“We fully support our LGBTIQA+ community and are committed to a culture of child safety.”
The Herald Sun understands police will continue to run proactive patrols of the area to deter any anti-social behaviour.
Organisers have vowed to reschedule the event to a later date.
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