Hundreds line downtown Maryville streets for rally, protests

Hundreds flocked to downtown Maryville on Saturday morning as Blount Pride and counterprotesters lined the sidewalks of West Broadway Avenue. Blount Pride’s “Can’t Hide our Pride” rally lasted from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. promoting visibility for the LGBTQ+ community.

Shannon Bryant, a rally organizer and board member for Blount Pride, told attendees Saturday that the area’s LGBTQ+ community needs to fight to be seen.

“I want the world to know that there is a supportive community of LGBTQ+ folks and allies in Blount County, Tennessee,” she said.

Bryant, charting drag artist Flamy Grant and Knox Pride Treasurer Nathan Hidgon spoke during the rally. About 175 people attended, according to Blount Pride’s head count.

Well over 100 counterprotesters lined Lamar Alexander Parkway during the rally and the opposite side of Broadway for the duration of the event. Their event also featured speakers, music and signs.

“We are here to shine a light,” one preacher said over a loudspeaker system while Flamy Grant sang.

Aaron Noble, who is an associate pastor at Patriot Church in Lenoir City, said Saturday’s demonstration was about taking a stand for what’s right.

“We believe there’s a great perversion going on, so we’re trying to stand up and be a voice for the most vulnerable,” he said. “It means we’re being the hands and feet of Jesus, and that we’re standing up for his righteousness.”

Maryville Police provided a visible presence during the events. Patrol officers in cars, on bicycles and on foot were on station near both groups. One stood watch with binoculars from the roof of the Maryville Municipal Building. Officers coordinated traffic, held crosswalks for the protesters and at times enforced Maryville’s rules around where protesters could stand.

Maryville Police Chief Tony Crisp told The Daily Times Saturday afternoon that his department issued no citations and made no arrests during the events.