I composed a message that can be tweaked, altered, added to, etc to spread to the community. The main points to get across to people are:
-this is a proactive event supporting the Spokane community.
-this isn't a gay issue or a straight issue--this is a community issue.
-violence is unacceptable in Spokane.
Please spread the word! Let's make sure we support Portland and continue to cultivate a healthy and safe Spokane for all people!
On Sunday, May 22nd two men were followed and attacked after an evening stroll across the Hawthorne Bridge in downtown Portland, OR. The reason for the attack is shocking, disturbing, and unacceptable. The two men were attacked because they were holding hands.
Portland is celebrated as a place where many in LGBTQ communities feel not just welcomed, but embraced. This image is coming, quite literally, under attack. The most recent attack follows a similar attack that happened nearly one year ago, which prompted the founding of the Q Patrol. Those who attack members of LGBTQ communities are initiating a conversation with our entire society. Instead of words they are using fists and feet, punches, pushes, and kicks.
The Portland community, spearheaded by amazing people and organizations like the Q Center, Basic Rights Oregon, Cascade AIDS Project, and Pride North West, is responding. Those attacking us have chosen not to use their words, making it clear that they will not listen to words. So, Portland is responding with images and peaceful action. On May 29th, over 4,000 people united holding hands across the Hawthorne Bridge in solidarity with the men who were attacked and in support of LGBTQ communities. They are joining hands to proclaim that all are welcome and need not fear for their safety for simply holding hands.
We, here in Spokane, need to join in that proclamation. We are organizing “Hands Across Monroe: In Solidarity with Hands Across Hawthorne”. We are inviting anyone and everyone in the Spokane community who believes that all people should feel safe, especially while walking through our city. If you would like to join us, we will meet at 7:30pm on Sunday, June 5th at Riverfront Park by the runners. We will walk across the Monroe Bridge holding hands in solidarity with the Portland LGBTQ community and anyone who has ever feared holding the hand of the one they care for.
This is not a gay or straight issue. This is a community issue. Let’s not wait for an attack in Spokane. Let it be known NOW that in Spokane VIOLENCE IS UNACCEPTABLE and that anyone has the right to hold hands with the ones they love.
Again, feel free to tweak this and direct it towards anyone you think might need it!
