Six days after President Trump told the far-right Proud Boys group to “stand back and stand by” during 2020’s first presidential debate, internet users have reclaimed the #ProudBoys hashtag and keyword phrase, flooding Twitter and Reddit with photos of gay men in love and expressions of physical affection. Founded by Vice co-founder Gavin McInnes, the Proud Boys considers itself a group of “Western chauvinists,” while the FBI considers it a hate group with links to white supremacy.
.@JerickFL and I are joining thousands of gay men on social media to reclaim #ProudBoys from white supremacists and bigoted neo-nazis. Let’s replace the hashtag with images of love, positivity, and true PRIDE! Your two favorite #ProudBoys are here standing by, ready to VOTE! 🏳️🌈🗳 pic.twitter.com/8k8iUlfFFx
