Westboro’s adventure in Portland

In October 2013, the Portland Trail Blazers became the first NBA team to officially support same-sex marriage. They followed the Timbers and the Thorns, backing an initiative to push a ballot measure (which backers chose not to pursue in 2014) to legally protect same-sex marriage in a manner similar to the protections religious groups currently get.

Last Saturday, the infamous Westboro Baptist Church from Topeka, Kan., paid a visit to the great Pacific Northwest to rally against the Blazers and their backing of gay rights. I had the privilege and honor of finally seeing the group in person.

After years of watching them on YouTube and reading articles online, becoming familiar with their derogatory catchphrase “God hates fags,” it was almost surreal to actually see them up close and in person.

Upon arriving at the Moda Center, the environment was interesting. There were Blazers fans all over the place because there was a game and there were plenty of counter-protesters. I saw Guy Fawkes masks everywhere, with one Anonymous “member” carrying a giant flag with the Anonymous logo. People were also wearing all sorts of costumes. I saw Yogi Bear, Pikachu, unicorns, Jesus, and Satan, among others.

It was a strangely festive event. The commingling between counter-protesters and sports fans was interesting to see.

One sign I saw read something like “God loves Gays, God loves Portland, God loves the Blazers;” another read “What would Aldridge do?” The Westboro Baptist Protesters had their usual “God hates…” signs with messages of doom and damnation. They were gathering across the street from the Moda Center, next to the Rose Quarter transit center.

When the actual marching finally began, it was a great experience to behold. The counter-protesters joined the Westboro Baptist Church and everyone marched in one group. It was like a hijacking. The march went from the transit center, to the entrance to the Steel Bridge, to the Moda Center, then back to the Transit center. The group circled about three times before the Westboro Baptist Church went to meet next to the Steel Bridge, in order to depart.

I was disappointed to see them leave so soon. Some of the counter-protesters expressed similar concerns.

Once the actual protest ended, everyone was just standing around, socializing. There was a group of people just hanging out. Everyone seemed to be heading back to the Moda Center where some DJs set up speakers and were playing music. The area in front of the speakers turned into a dance floor, and as night settled on the crowd, the strobe lights came on and the party began.

I am still amazed at how such a hate-filled group can inspire an unannounced gay-pride rally. On the dance floor, almost everyone was dancing. Even I got caught up in the music and busted some moves. What an amazing crowd and what awesome people. Only Portland parties after such a march.

I felt bad for the Westboro Baptist Church because they left too early and missed the party.