ALCOA, Tenn. (WATE) — Members of the community are rallying behind two teens after a painted Pride flag was painted over, not once, just twice.

A video posted on social media has gotten national attention and has sparked out rage. In it, a woman tin be seen yelling profanities at a group of teens painting a Pride flag at a decorated intersection. She then painted over it with white spray paint.

On Wednesday, the customs came out to repaint the Pride colors. Withal, it was painted over again with derogatory words.

On Sunday, dozens came out to the bridge to repaint the Pride flag and to show dearest to the LGBTQ community.

The original painting was suppose to be a way for the teens to show support to the community.

"Me and my girlfriend painted the span with the intention of letting other people like us know that they're not lonely in what they're dealing with and struggling with," said 16-year-old Jasmine Martinez.

The two teens' struggles became real when they say a woman came up to them, telling them that her behavior were just equally of import as theirs and painted over their piece of work.

"She just came and berated u.s. and started yelling a bunch of hateful things," Martinez said.

The encounter was recorded and gained a lot of attention in the community and on social media.

"Honestly, it was just frustration and information technology was just sickening that two 16-twelvemonth-old girls had to go through that by themselves," Abi Lucas said.

Her friend Octavia Lenoir added, "Her coming out and doing that to them looks like a representation of our community, and that'southward not what we're about."

Then they and other community members decided to come together to show the teens what they are about, by repainting the bridge.

"Nosotros're going to pigment it exactly like the start time Jasmine and Carmen did," said Lucas.

Lenoir stated, "I retrieve a lot of people will feel welcomed. I know that they're non lonely, I think that'due south the biggest thing it's telling everyone, 'Hey, y'all're non alone. We're hither with you, there'southward more of us.'"

One paint can at a time, Alcoa community members hope to show their true colors.

"Make this a better identify for our LGBTQ youth," said Emily Nicole Brown.

It started out as two teens showing back up to their community, and now the community is showing their support to the two teens.

"We've met and then many new friends," said Jasmine Martinez. "Before this, we didn't really have anyone else to talk to and be there for us but now nosotros have all of these people."

The Alcoa Police force Department said that no complaints had been filed with their department and all parties were within their rights.

Regarding the derogatory words painted over the flag the 2d time, they posted the following statement on their Facebook page.

Old late Thursday evening or early Fri morning derogatory words were painted on the bridge. The City of Alcoa painted over the inappropriate words. The City of Alcoa and the Alcoa Law Section will not tolerate anyone painting inappropriate, vulgar, or obscene comments or images. Additionally, threats or comments that attack or harass community members or organizations will not be tolerated

Alcoa Police Department

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