Candlelight Vigil Planned as Police Chief Floats 'Gay Panic' Defense in Violent Bar Raid in Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth police are being accused of harassment and brutality on the 40th anniversary of Stonewall.

The raid on the Rainbow Lounge bar in Fort Worth, Texas resulted in seven arrests for "public intoxication" and a massive head injury to one of the patrons of the bar.

"Monday, police chief Jeff Halstead said the officers' actions are being investigated. However, he also said that officers that entered the bar during the scheduled inspection were touched inappropriately. 'You're touched and advanced in certain ways by people inside the bar, that's offensive,' he said. 'I'm happy with the restraint used when they were contacted like that" (Towleroad).

Tonight, there is a candlelight vigil at 8:30 pm at the Rainbow Lounge (651 South Jennings Ave), where the raid occurred, in honor of injured victim Chad Gibson.

IF YOU LIVE IN FORT WORTH: Call Mayor Moncrief at 817.392.6118. Leave a message requesting to him to call for

Take action to let Fort Worth Municipal Officials know you demand a comprehensive investigation.

HB 1323 Stop the Bullying in Texas

Representative Strama's anti-bullying bill (HB 1323) may be coming up for a vote in the Texas House of Representatives this week.

Help protect Texas children from bullying, by urging legislators to support this bill.

Texas Virtual Lobby Day

Today is Texas Virtual Lobby Day and it is an opportunity to send email to your legislative representatives. The following is a list of bills provided by Planet Transgender that you can and should bring up in your conversations.

• Non-Discrimination: HB 197 Relating to the prohibition of employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression By Rep. Roberto Alonzo and
  
• HB 538 by Rep. Mike Villarreal, because putting an end to discrimination in a state that values hard work and individual effort is simply the right thing.
• Safe Schools for All Students - HB 1323 by Rep. Mark Strama, because Texas should provide a safe learning environment for all students.
• Hate Crimes Act Enforcement - HB 616 by Rep. Marc Veasey, because it is time to look at the James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Act.
• Hospital Visitation & Medical Decision Making - HB 353 by Rep. Eddie Rodriguez and HB 1455 by Rep. Donna Howard.
• Competitive Insurance Benefits - HB 861 by Rep. Elliott Naishtat.

Click here to send a letter your state senator and representative

Texas Independence Lobby Day March 2nd

Don't miss this opportunity to share your concerns and your lives face-to-face with the Texas lawmakers elected to represent you.

Opening Welcome Reception on Sunday, March 1st from 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Doubletree Hotel Austin - University Area, located at 1617 North IH-35
Cash bar and free hors d'oeuvres

Lobby Day Schedule on Monday, March 2nd

8am – 9am Breakfast & Registration (TBA)
9am - 10am Group photo & Press conference (Capitol South Steps)
10am – 11am Lobby Training (Capitol Extension Auditorium E1.004)
11am – 12pm Team Lobby Visits (Assigned Capitol offices)
12pm – 1pm Lunch (provided); Capitol City Men's Chorus Performance (Capitol Rotunda)
1pm – 2pm Team Lobby Visits/Lobby Your Legislator (Assigned Capitol offices)
2pm – 3pm Thank you letters/debrief (Capitol Extension Auditorium E1.004)
Host Hotel

Doubletree Hotel Austin - University Area, located at 1617 North IH-35
Special room rate of $109, plus local taxes
Queen/Queen, or King. Free Wi-Fi
For reservations, call 512-479-4000; Specify "Equality Texas Discount Rate"

Date: 3/2/2009 from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (Central Time)

Hosted By: Equality Texas
Lindsay Marsh, Field Organizer
Lindsay@EqualityTexas.org
512-474-5475

Crossposted via Planet Transgender.