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By Beth Stibal |

Christmas Drag Queen Brunch set for Sunday in Jacksonville, violence feared

Gay Pride Parade
Three drag queens dance on the streets of Miami Beach, Fla. Sunday, April 13, 2014 before the Pride Parade. Miami Beach Gay Pride is an two-day event that features a beach party and a festival and parade with more than 125 LGBT-friendly vendors and businesses, celebrities, musical performances, refreshments, food and a family-friendly play area. Coming into its sixth year, Miami Beach Gay Pride has grown into the largest, two-day event of the entire year in Miami Beach. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

(JACKSONVILLE, FLA) — The “Sleigh the Holidays Drag Queen Brunch” is set for Sunday in Jacksonville and organizers of the Christmas show are worried about violence breaking out. . The drag show is meant for all ages, and those planning it say that has led to threats of protest from members of the Proud Boys. Both event organizers have received messages and emails for several days from members of the Proud Boys.
The messages call on organizers to change the event from open to all ages to 18+, or they’ll have members from across the country arrive to protest.

“I could’ve made this all go away if I’d done the one thing they asked and make it 18 and up,” said Criss. “The fact that you’re now telling me that I have to do that, I’m not going to do that. I’m not going to tell a parent how to raise their child.”

The Proud Boys describe themselves as a fraternal group that opposes political correctness, but the Southern Poverty Law Center calls them a hate group. The drag show’s emcee says he won’t give in to the Proud Boys’ demands to restrict the show to ages 18 and up. Meanwhile, the venue’s owner says he’s considering hiring security for the event.