Local LGBTQ drag bingo event draws protestors

By George Slaughter, News Editor
Posted 9/29/22

An organizer of an LGBTQ drag bingo event held Saturday said she and others worked for weeks with the Harris County Sheriff’s office to ensure both the event, and the demonstrations over it, were safe.

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Local LGBTQ drag bingo event draws protestors

Posted

An organizer of an LGBTQ bingo event held Saturday said she and others worked for weeks with the Harris County Sheriff’s office to ensure both the event, and the demonstrations over it, were safe.

Rev. Heather Tolleson is lead pastor at First Christian Church, 22101 Morton Ranch Road. The church, according to its website, welcomes all, regardless of sexuality, gender, gender identity and expression.

At Saturday’s event, protestors—some pro-LGBTQ, others against—stood on opposite sides of Morton Ranch Road.

“It was a very tense afternoon with numerous people in attendance masked and armed,” Jason Spencer, chief of staff at the Harris County Sheriff’s office said. “Fortunately, we had plenty of peace officers on scene who worked to keep the protestors separated and confrontations to a minimum. In the end, there were no significant injuries and no arrests were made.”

Tolleson said the purpose of the event was a fundraiser for a transparent closet. Such a clothing closet, Tolleson said, is a “closet for everyone. We never turn anyone away from it.”

She said the closet serves people that are transitioning and exploring, and who need access to clothes they might need.

“The clothes make you feel more confident,” Tolleson said.

Tolleson said about 200 people showed up to play bingo, while about 50-60 people volunteered at the event. She said she and others were aware of protests going on outside.

“We had a great event,” Tolleson said. “At no point in time was the environment unsafe for anyone.”

LGBTQ, protestors, Harris County Sheriff's office, First Christian Church of Katy