Nonprofit uses rainbow umbrellas to shield people from hateful protesters

Earlier this year, for example, Mile High Comics in Denver held its monthly talent show, which is hosted by drag queens. Several protesters across the street from the comic book shop shouted offensive, disapproving messages toward the families and children heading into the show. Thanks to the Parasol Patrol, which used the umbrellas to block the view of the protesters and gave the children earmuffs, the messages weren’t received.

Parasol Patrol’s mission is simple: reduce chaos; reduce confrontation; make everything as safe as possible. The group manages this by putting themselves between protestors and the group they’re trying to protect, which is often young people.

And why the rainbow umbrellas?

“We’re queer. We’re people of color,” Eve said of her and Eli, who is a Marine Corps veteran. “And we wanted to be able to show that through the rainbows, but also our point is reduce the chaos and help insulate these kids. And if we’re able to distract them somewhat with the colorful umbrellas so they won’t be looking at the protestors and their really vulgar signs and give them a diversion, that’s a plus.”