In light of the recent tragic murder of a gay Jamaican man in Kingston and the recent UN vote to change the phrase of a resolution on extrajudicial killings in which discrimination based on sexual orientation is no longer explicitly named, a rally’s being planned by local LGBT activists to “show firm solidarity with our gay brothers and sisters around the planet.”
The demonstration, expected to begin at noon at the Civic-Center area UN Plaza, will include guest speakers such as Clinton Fein, a South African artist and activist, and Veronika Cauley, an African-American transgender and HIV advocate. Supervisor Bevan Dufty will serve as emcee.
The rally holds historical significance as well: San Francisco served as the host location for the UN when it was first chartered.
“That is partially the cause for a rally on Saturday at noon at UN Plaza, to remind the UN of where it started and to urge it to work to protect any and all protections for gay people” rally organizer (and Appeal pal) Michael Petrelis says.
“In San Francisco, our vigils at consulates, solidarity kiss-ins on global days of coordinated actions, and resolutions from the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor provide much hope to gays around the world. Our street actions are a deep source of comfort to gays around the world who long for acceptance and tolerance. Making noise here says to our brothers and sisters that we care for them.”
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