Yes, the Proud Boys membership represent a range of ethnic backgrounds, and its leaders vehemently protest any allegations of racism. And, as they refer to themselves as a fraternity, membership is restricted to men only.
That said, they welcome ultra-nationalist and violent skinhead gangs like the 211 Bootboys into their activities, and have proudly marched alongside groups like the Patriot Front, the Traditionalist Worker Party (a now-defunct neo-Nazi group), and American Identity Movement (formerly Identity Evropa).
And, as you would expect with any such extremist group, several of its members have been convicted of violent crimes, including gang violence.
Per the available guidance from the Trump Administration, members of the “Proud Boys” are being watched for violent extremism and according to the sources the FBI refers the public to, the Proud Boys are designated a hate group that promotes white nationalist, misogynistic, antisemitic rhetoric, and frequently promotes propaganda that is openly racist or otherwise bigoted against others on the basis of their race, sex, national origin, etc.
On this site, we treat promotions for their group the same as we treat promotions for Identity Evropa or Patriot Front. They are forbidden.
You may continue to espouse for them if you wish, but please be advised that we have been and will continue to delete blatant promotions for this group, and if you quote some of their promotional materials or quote some of their leadership here we there is a good chance we will delete your comments for violating Rule #0.
Just to make sure you don’t post something that you regret, please
re-read Rule #0 and remember that racist comments or advocating for violence against others is not allowed here.
