Last night at 7 p.m., approximately 30 LGBTs and their supporters gathered inside the Rite Aid at the corner of 13th and U St. NW for a “hug-in.” The event was a response to the reported ousting of a hugging gay couple by the store’s manager last week. Although organizer The New Gay had asked people not to give the store any warning, the staff (and security guard) didn’t seem very surprised when the crowd began hugging instead of shopping.

It was quite heartwarming to see so many people hugging at once, with some hugging in pairs and some wrapped in friendly group hugs. The mood was positive, and as one hug-ee commented, “it feels nice to hug.” Most customers simply went about their shopping, however one man yelled at the hugging crowd, “You are all going to burn in hell!” and then asked for the store manager, angrily inquiring if allowing “these people” to protest in their store was part of the company policy. Other than that, the hug-in was a lovely and peaceful protest.

More photos after the jump.