The 12 Do's & Don'ts of Acknowledging Antigay Protesters

When attending Pride events this year, you’re bound to run into a few of antigay picketers and protestors; ones who are probably boasting a megaphone and dozens of horribly designed signs calling the LGBT community every awful name under the sun.

Your inherent need to respond is always there, but before you do so, remember these 12 actions you should and should not take when coming toe to toe with hate.

1. DO acknowledge them

They’re there to get under your skin. Show them that you see them, and show them that you’re not bothered.

2. DON'T call them names[iframe https://giphy.com/embed/ZGv7uLRvOb49q allowfullscreen="" class=^{{"giphy-embed"}}^ frameborder="0" height="280" scrolling="no" width="633"]

Never throw hate back at them.

3. DO give them a silent piece of your mind[iframe https://giphy.com/embed/aRUqfjXvA9Ggw allowfullscreen="" class=^{{"giphy-embed"}}^ frameborder="0" height="320" scrolling="no" width="633"]

Maybe a peace sign, a heart, wave your rainbow flag, or a blow a kiss at those bastards.

4. DON'T engage in an argument

Yelling will only bring out the worst in everyone.

5. DO inform your friends, your family, and any children around you that the words they are preaching are far from the truth.

6. DON'T resort to violence[iframe https://giphy.com/embed/26AHPbgL5IXrTdyta allowfullscreen="" class=^{{"giphy-embed"}}^ frameborder="0" height="310" scrolling="no" width="633"]

Never, never, never.

7. DO kill them with kindness

The happier you are, the madder they become. Hell, you should even take a photo with them. (It’ll make a great Insta post!)

8. DON'T expect the police to do anything (aside from keeping things peaceful)

 Freedom of speech is legal, and the protestors are legally allowed to voice their opinions. Police cannot step in unless violence or threats break-out.

9. DO feel free to politely inform the protestors of the facts

Have your receipts ready!

10. DON'T let them ruin your experience[iframe https://giphy.com/embed/MlO6XkhagCqw8 allowfullscreen="" class=^{{"giphy-embed"}}^ frameborder="0" height="410" scrolling="no" width="633"]

If you’re at a vigil or at Pride, remember what you’re there for and focus on that.

11. DO drown them out 

Preferably with song.

12. And finally, when all else fails, DO create 8 ft. tall angel wings to block the picketers from being seen