APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Protesters gathered today to take a stand against one downtown Appleton property owner.
Earlier this month, James Boyce, also known as Jay Krieger, displayed a homophobic slur on a digital sign.
That’s since been taken down.
Saturday started as a peaceful demonstration.
“We wanted to come and out demonstrate queer joy, queer love, and show people in Appleton who we really are,” demonstrator Connie Kassor said.
“Peacefully protest and show the city of Appleton and its residents, especially its LGBTQIA+ residents that we love them. They are worthy. They are loved, and accepted,” demonstrator Sommer Loar said.
It quickly escalated during FOX 11’s interview with Boyce.
Demonstrators said to Boyce, “this is hate. The word that you used to get everyone out here is in this.”
Boyce showed up and handed out papers to demonstrators, which included the same homophobic slur that has since been taken off his sign.
“Since I’m an almost 60 year old guy, I used an old term like that and I was using it for Joe McCarthy, he would say that. I would never say that,” Boyce said.
Boyce claims the message on his digital sign was meant to make fun of government.
“Everyone knows what that word is. Everyone knows that that is a slur against the LGBTQ community. You can’t claim ignorance in this day and age,” demonstrator Abby Ringel said.
Boyce says he was ignorant.
“Insensitive perhaps for that. But it means to me as I researched the word years ago is that a guy got away who did a bad thing. That’s what it means,” Boyce said.
Demonstrators, however, say Boyce didn’t learn his lesson, because he passed out the papers with the same slur.
“The owner passed out a pamphlet with so much hate in it. And then he decided to change his sign and is out here walking around with a rainbow flag saying how he loves everyone as an inclusive,” Ringel said.
Demonstrators said to Boyce, “this is not humor.”
“I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry,” Boyce said.
“It’s not funny. Words kill people,” demonstrators said.
Protesters told Boyce that leaving would be the best peace offering he could give, so he did.
The message behind the demonstration still rang out.
“Love will always conquer hate,” Loar said.
The city of Appleton also put up their own sign nearby that says “Hate Has No Home Here.”
Mayor Jake Woodford has said the city can’t do anything about Boyce’s sign because it meets codes and the message is protected free speech.
