New Video Shows Absolute Chaos During Antigay Rally at L.A. School

Students pummel a homophobic, transphobic pastor protesting a new gender-neutral restroom.

Neal Broverman

Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.

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Neal Broverman

April 21 2016 6:28 PM EST

November 21 2017 11:26 PM EST

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A group of anti-LGBT protesters upset over a new gender-neutral restroom at the Santee Education Complex near downtown Los Angeles shouted antigay slurs at students and administrators Tuesday but received a furious response from teenagers, according to new videos appearing on social media.

Holding up signs saying "Home Sex Is Sin" and riling up the crowd with a bullhorn, the homophobic group -- which included a pastor -- reportedly prodded the students by calling them slurs and saying, "Burn in hell, Santee." A recent video shows complete chaos, with a fight spilling into the streets. Police were called, but by the time they arrived the protesters had left the scene and no one was arrested or detained. Watch videos of the incident below.

A peaceful rally was held Wednesday evening, at which Santee was declared a "no-hate zone."

The gender-neutral bathroom opened earlier this month. The restroom features 15 stalls and is open to everyone; the school's Gay-Straight Alliance advocated for the facility, noting that many students identify as neither male nor female.

Following the melee Tuesday, Santee principal Martin Gomez defended the new facility, telling local TV station KTLA, "Yesterday, a small group of adults unsuccessfully attempted to discredit the brave actions of our students by protesting against the school's recently approved gender-neutral restrooms. Above all, we want to ensure the safety of our students despite outside factors and influencers who want to disrupt instruction and the well-being of our students."