I expect simple behaviours here. Friendship, and love. Any advice should be from the perspective of the person asking, not the person giving! We have had to make new membership moderated to combat the huge number of spammers who register
I feel sadden by this because it happened in my own neighborhood. The Eagle, popular gay leather bar mentioned in the article, is one of the many hot spots for the gay community in Atlanta. I have never gone to the Eagle, but i do frequent other gay bars around the city. Just thinking that crap like this can still happen is a bit of a wake up call for many of us around the city.
Today, many members of the community came together to protest the unjust treatment enacted by the police. Over 300 people showed up. Sadly i could not attend because i had to work, but i'm glad many others showed up.
I hope the officers responsible get the book thrown at them.
Pure abuse of power.
Look at this tree. I cannot make it blossom when it suits me nor make it bear fruit before its time [...] No matter what you do, that seed will grow to be a peach tree. You may wish for an apple or an orange, but you will get a peach.
Master Oogway
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13751
It is not automatically wrong, just because it is gay, to check a bar, but the manner of the checking seems to be provocative and unpleasant. If they found evidence, real evidence, of offences, prosecute away, but do not persecute.
Location: USA
Registered: September 2003
Messages: 327
Thank you timmy <3
I happen to know one of the main organizers of the protest. It was very successful. She is doing everything she can to make sure human rights are respected. I'm glad many people are showing support.
You don't love someone because they are beautiful, they are beautiful because you love them.
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13751
And if it proves that crimes were committed then the accused have the human right to being arrested with dignity intact and to a fair trial.
It is important that a meeting place is safe for all concerned. While I don't find a gay leather bar to my taste I want to be able to visit it knowing that I may be titillated but will not be outraged.
I think there were more folk in that protest than were inthe reading Pride procession! Go figure!
Location: USA
Registered: January 2009
Messages: 44
Certainly not an isolated incident. Here in Phoenix, they were raiding gay bars in much the same manner, through the mid 90's or later. It took gay friendly mayors to make a difference. The city now has police and fire fighter recruitment booths at Gay Pride events, while the state has gotten more red-necked (and politically red).
What would happen in Atlanta if someone called and said there was sex going on in a church? They would probably laugh off unless it was MCC.
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13751
There seems to be an increasing number of bloggers covering this story. One comment on mind suggests writing to the Georgia toursim guy telling him why we will not be visiting Atlanta. Obviously I would not be visiting Atlanta anyway, but I sent an email abut the tour I was no longer feeling safe about bringing there.
Clearly someone made a bad judgement call. Did such activities merit the excessive use of force and number of officers involved? I don't think so.
According to the Police, several months of undercover work lead up to the events of september 11. Police officers reported having witnessed what appeared to be sex acts and men dancing around in their underware accepting money from patrons. However, no arrest were made then. Instead, they waited till september 11 to violate the civil rights of 62 other patrons, who were not engaging in sexual activites, that had no idea what was going on.
Odd enough, of the 8 people arrested, none were charged with performing sexual acts.
For these reasons, many members of the Atlanta gay community will be taking their complaints to City Hall because stuff like this should not happen.
The protest will take place sept 19th and many are already planning to attend as support for the cause increases.
The protest organizer explains....
"What happened at the Eagle stops here and now. The Atlanta community at large will not stand for raids on any venue without substantiated complaints, proper protocol in carrying out investigations and, if warranted, justified arrests."
"Our intent is to show the City of Atlanta and the APD the vast number of community members who are concerned about what happened & that we want answers to valid questions:
-Is typical protocol for these type of charges normally a citation and not arrest?
-Was this high number of APD officers the best use to address such minimal charges with Atlanta crime concerns skyrocketing?
-Why was intervention by City Council candidates necessary for the release of the staff after 19 hours in jail on no bond?
-Why does APD have an LGBT liaison if that position is not utilized?
-Who is to be held accountable for the formal filed complaints of mistreatment?
-Where has Mayor Franklin been and why hasn't she made a statement?"
You don't love someone because they are beautiful, they are beautiful because you love them.
Location: USA
Registered: September 2003
Messages: 327
I already made arrangements at work to arrive a little late. I will be attending the protest/rally with my fellow community members sept 19th to make sure our voice is heard. Many of my friends are attending. I was sad I could not attend the last one.
I will be taking my camara and document the event as seen through my eyes. Will check back here to share what I saw and what was acomplished.
[Updated on: Tue, 15 September 2009 20:25]
You don't love someone because they are beautiful, they are beautiful because you love them.
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13751
This is getting interesting. M, this is for you, since you live in that neighbourhood, and is the small contribution I can make to your area, and to gay rights in general: http://www.sovo.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=27370
Location: Canada
Registered: December 2003
Messages: 869
I know, and it was for that very reason, and that you had authored this original thread on the story, being why I resurrected it from the archives in order that I might add the update for those that may have been interested.
Warren C. E. Austin
The Gay Deceiver
Toronto, Canada
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