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5 October 2020

‘Proud Boys’ hashtag hijacked with amazing pics of gay love – here’s the best of the best

The far-right group is being flooded by Proud Boys of a different kind.

By Jamie Tabberer

Over the weekend, gay and LGBTQ people hijacked the #ProudBoys hashtag – usually reserved for the far-right, neo-fascist, and male-only organization – on social media.

And it’s the most uplifting Twitter content in months.

The trend follows US President Donald Trump spotlighting the racist group by saying “Proud Boys, stand back and stand by” (whatever that means) when asked to denounce white supremacists and militia groups. He made the statement during his TV debate against Democratic rival Joe Biden last week.

Then, Star Trek actor George Takei took to Twitter to suggest taking over the term.

“I wonder if the BTS and TikTok kids can help LGBTs with this,” he said. “What if gay guys took pictures of themselves making out with each other or doing very gay things, then tagged themselves with #ProudBoys. I bet it would mess them up real bad. #ReclaimingMyShine.”

 

 

As the new and improved hashtag began to take off, the iconic actor added: “Look up what’s trending now on #ProudBoys. You’re welcome, Internet.”

As people began to flood the platform with pictures of same-sex love, Takei made his own contribution – sharing a pic of he and husband Brad.

“Brad and I are #ProudBoys, legally married for 12 years now,” he said. “And we’re proud of all of the gay folks who have stepped up to reclaim our pride in this campaign. Our community and allies answered hate with love, and what could be better than that.”

 

One popular post using the hashtag came from the Canadian Forces in America Twitter account, which shared a picture of two military members kissing.

In another tweet, a rep for the organisation said: “If you wear our uniform, know what it means. If you’re thinking about wearing our uniform, know what it means. Love is love.  Know what we mean?”

They added: “They were silent. They were shunned. They weren’t always welcomed. This is about us, then, now. This is for them. They are Us.”

Posts from betrothed boys of all ages and races – as well as some from proud single boys – also spread far and wide on the platform. Here’s our pick of the best.

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