Protesters picket PWR BTTM gig in Mississippi, hurl anti-gay abuse at fans
Queer punk band PWR BTTM was the subject of an anti-gay protest last night.
The band was playing in Jackson, Mississippi, and when they turned up to beform, they found a group of homophobic protesters.
As well as holding placards protesting the band, whose sounds proudly declare queerness and the two members of which wear (amazing) dresses and lots of glitter, the gang also hurled abuse at those attending the gig at Big Sleepys.
Writing on Twitter, the band said: “This is happening at the show tn. I am completely unafraid; I am sad for them.”
The band spoke to SPIN to described the incident: “We played at Big Sleepys in Jackson, Mississippi, which is an all ages DIY space. As I was eating dinner in the van, I saw four men with giant signs walking up to our show. They posted up outside and proceeded to yell homophobic stuff at the crowd the entire night.
“We moved the entrance to the show to the back of the venue and blocked off the windows at the front. It was a freaky ass night, but the local police helped us keep things safe.”
In a private message to SPIN, Ben Hopkins said: “They were like baiting us to hit them, they wanted to be able to sue us… Like they’re not Christians, they’re crooks. I grew up with so many amazing kind Christian folks, and it’s important not to even give these men the dignity of that title. They’re fucking con artists in tacky outfits.
“We haven’t ever received threats, but I have a feeling this isn’t the last time this will happen. It won’t deter us, nothing will.”
In defiance, check out PWR BTTM’s video for I Wanna Boi below:
And for West Texas:
A statement on the band’s Facebook page reads: “This scary thing happened last night in Mississippi, and we have a feeling it won’t be the last time we will see this at one of our shows. We want to thank Big Sleepy’s and all the folks at the show for helping us deal with the situation.
“Queer is Invincible
