Armed members of the right-wing militia This Is Texas Freedom Force showed up Tuesday to protest outside the Aztec Theatre’s presentation of A Drag Queen Christmas. Three times as many counter-protesters — including members of San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ community, their allies and anti-fascist activists — showed up. Here’s a look at what unfolded.
Counter-protesters hold pro-LGBTQ+ signs outside the Aztec Theatre on Tuesday. Credit: Michael KarlisThe protest largely remained peaceful, despite a few scuffles that quickly subsided. Credit: Michael KarlisA man who only identified himself as “Steve” and who claimed to live in a nearby apartment caused a scuffle. He was quickly confronted by armed counter-protesters. Credit: Michael KarlisKimiya Factory confronts two SAPD officers, asking why there appears to be a larger police presence patrolling the side of the street where the counter-protesters are. Credit: Michael KarlisAt around 9:40 p.m. Tuesday, SAPD sent in about 40 additional officers who marched in two single-file lines. Soon after arriving, the reinforcements turned around and headed back. Credit: Michael KarlisArmed counter-protesters stand guard, observing members of the right-wing militia across North St. Mary’s Street Credit: Michael KarlisPassengers in a car driving down North St. Mary’s Street wave a gay pride flag and flip the bird at right-wing militia members. Credit: Michael KarlisQueen Fantasia, a San Antonio drag queen, said she’s been performing for five years, adding that the art of drag “saved her life.” Credit: Michael KarlisRobert Gonzalez, president of the San Antonio Log Cabin Republicans, said his group doesn’t support children being able to attend drag shows. Credit: Michael KarlisOnlookers at the Canopy Hotel watch the protest from the balcony of the hotel’s bar. Credit: Michael KarlisCounter-protesters far outnumbers the right-wing militia members for the duration of Tuesday’s protest. Credit: Michael KarlisA man flashes a white power symbol used by far-right extremist groups. He told the Currentthat president Trump changed his life, and that the only media he trusts is Newsmax. Credit: Michael KarlisA sign left behind by one of the right-wing protesters lies on the sidewalk. Credit: Michael KarlisSAPD officers patrol the front lines of each side. Credit: Michael KarlisQueen Polly Anna Rocha arrives half an hour before she’s set to perform at the Aztec Theatre. Credit: Michael KarlisA Christmas-themed river barge floats underneath the North St Mary’s Street bridge near the Aztec Theatre. Credit: Michael KarlisMembers of the far-right activist group San Antonio Family Association stand on the corner of N. St. Mary’s St. and W. Crocket St. Credit: Michael KarlisMoments before, the man in this photo approached the right-wing protesters and threw one of their signs into the San Antonio River. The altercation was quickly broken up by SAPD. Credit: Michael KarlisAn angry counter-protester exchanges insults with right-wing demonstrators standing on the opposite side of the street. Credit: Michael KarlisLife on the River Walk remained fairly normal despite the demonstrations at street level. Credit: Michael KarlisDistrict 2 City Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, who is gay, speaks to counter-protest organizers. Credit: Michael KarlisAttendees line up to enter the show at the Aztec Theatre. Ticketholders Brian Rodriguez and Marco Peña told the Current they didn’t understand what all the fuss was about, considering LGBTQ+ bar Pegasus has weekly drag shows. Credit: Michael Karlis
