I'm so proud that BLACK GAY MEN have created their rightful (and natural) place in the cosmos by spreading massive love and positive thinking about being #ProudBoys

The hashtag is wonderful!!! As an African Mum…..I so approve this message! pic.twitter.com/89Udcri4hz

— WRITER KOLA BOOF (@KolaBoof3) October 4, 2020

Despite what the current leader says, the Proud Boys have a fraught history with both homophobia and transphobia.

According to The Southern Poverty Law Center, McInnes has published multiple pieces criticizing trans people for simply existing.

“We’re all transphobic. We see there are no old trannies. They die of drug overdoses and suicide way before they’re 40 and nobody notices because nobody knows them. They are mentally ill gays who need help, and that doesn’t include being maimed by physicians,” he wrote in a piece for Thought Catalog.

He has also called trans people “stupid lunatics” and other names. Despite the open dislike, the group also uses homophobia when criticizing non-American cultures, frequently targeting Islam and Muslim-majority countries for their stances on the LGBTQ+ community.

McInnes helped found the group in 2016, which they say is a “white chauvinist” organization, using his platform to spread offensive views on Black people, women and cultures outside of the United States, according to Reuters.

While Trump later denounced the group after the debate and tried to separate himself from their actions, the group has still professed its adoration for him.

Tarrio, the current leader of the Proud Boys, is also in charge of the "Latinos for Trump" group, CNN reported.

Matt Dechaine told CNN the goal of the effort was to spread joy and remove the negative connotation from the terms.

"Seeing the hashtag was so uplifting. It feels like the movement for positive change for all is gathering momentum all the time and I'm glad to be a small part of it. By coming together rooted in respect and love for each other, the world can be so much better!" he said.

#ProudBoys

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