Mike Pence Will Encounter a 'Big Gay Dance Party' While Visiting Ohio

When Vice President Mike Pence arrives in Ohio Friday, he's expected to be welcomed by what is being called a "big gay dance party," which will consist of drag queens, LGBTQ activists and more, according to a report from the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Pence is scheduled to deliver a speech at the Renaissance Hotel Friday, which is also the start of Columbus' Pride weekend.

Pence has long been criticized for his views on the LGBTQ community and his opposition for marriage equality. Pence also signed a religious liberty bill into law in Indiana when he served as the state's governor in 2015. Opponents of the measure say it allows business owners to discriminate against LGBTQ people by citing their religious beliefs.

"Ohioans will protest Vice President Mike Pence ... by dancing outside the hotel and performances including DJs and drag queens," ProgressOhio, a left-leaning non-profit, said in a press release obtained by the Enquirer.

The group is also co-sponsoring the "big gay dance party."

"We want to counter that anti-LGBT attitude that they have with a big, positive, loving dance party," Jay Smith, an organizer for the event, told the newspaper.