The Newton Republican City Committee launched a week-long social media campaign announcing a rally on Newton Centre Green on April 13 to protest the planned “ToBeGlad Day” event and drag performance at Newton North High School the next day.
Although the Republican campaign drew Boston media to the Green and a Boston Globe column by Yvonne Abraham, only about 20 people, some not from Newton, gathered to join the protest. They were outnumbered by about 100 people — students, former students, local officials, and residents — who came to support the ToBeGlad Day event. Among both protesters and supporters, there were people who were willing to discuss their positions but preferred not to give their names.