- Queer LiberAction’s Rick Vanderslice gets up close and personal with an anti-gay counterprotester outside Fort Worth City Hall on Tuesday. At one point, Vanderslice attempted to kiss the man.
LGBT protesters and anti-gay counterprotesters clashed outside Fort Worth City Hall this evening in a tense scene that nearly became violent.
There were no arrests or major physical altercations, but there was plenty of taunting and some heated verbal exchanges. Participants from both sides later accused the other of elbowing and pushing, and one of the counterprotesters admitted to ripping a gay Pride flag.
The drama unfolded shortly after 5 p.m. with TV news cameras rolling. Fort Worth police officers looked on from a distance but did nothing to separate the two factions, which each appeared to number about a dozen.
We’ll post a full DVtv report on Instant Tea tomorrow. DV Senior Editor Tammye Nash is inside City Hall, where the council was expected to vote sometime tonight on a proposal to add gender identity and expression to the city’s existing nondiscrimination ordinance. The proposal represents the first in a series of recommendations made by the City Manager’s Diversity Task Force, which was formed to address LGBT issues in the wake of the Rainbow Lounge raid.
See Friday’s Voice for expanded coverage.
Anti-gay Pastor Joey Faust of Kingdom Baptist Church of Mansfield was among those who mixed it up with the LGBT protesters.
It figures. History is being made inside the Fort Worth City Hall, while “outside” the misfits on BOTH SIDES seek “attention.” Progress was made inside City Hall.
Just thought I’d share some of my favorite stories from the bible. I think this is where the counter-protesters get their morality.
https://listverse.com/2008/01/31/top-10-bizarre-biblical-tales/
I just thought I would post in case not everyone knew this but along with Joey Faust… the other two I saw on the news that spoke at the meeting in Fort Worth, Richard Clough and Scott Graham are both associate ministers for Eagle Mountain International Church https://www.emic.org/ is the website and the page with the pastors bios to show that they are both ministers there is
https://www.emic.org/about/pastors_bio.php just wanted to show in case it’s not known. ITs located at 14355 Morris Dido Road, Newark, TX 76071
Thanks
William
Palestine Texas
Rick I am so proud of you! QL really organized a great event! I am so pleased to be surrounded by so many people who CARE (unlike you, Brian who cannot support your community). Blake, I am pleased to work with you on the issues in our community. Because of you, Fort Worth residents feel better knowing that there is a group who really makes a difference. There are too many groups out there who want to kiss the asses of those in office. QL fights discrimination and bigotry where it is faced, and does not care what political party they are affiliated with. It is my hope and wish that some of these other groups learn from QL and get their off their whiney asses and do something. Thanks
Victory in city hall!! Transgender people have to thank the Gay and Lesbian community for there HUGE support. Much love to y’all for standing up for outside and testifying for us inside. Thank you!
Now, what can I do for you!
I, too, would like to thank the LGB community for coming to the aid of us, the transgendered. We (the tg) were small in numbers and you increased them.
Thanks
Tori
Are you on drugs Joe Remsik? Please explain what QL: has done.
Both Rick and Blake are embarrassments to the LGBT Community. None of their publicity stunts has created any results or made any difference. Well, except for embarrassing us.
…and forward we go! Nice speech Jon and David. Tori, you make it real for those of us that have not understood.
The mom and dad that were there on behalf of their kids, both members of the GLBT community…. absoultely inspiring! Like so many in our community that have not been so fortunate with our own parents… WOW! Gives me HOPE!!!
I am so glad to be agnostic.
DallasDude: This reminds me of a quote attributed to Luis Bunuel: Thank God I’m an atheist.
That’s wild. Dallas police would have never allowed both sides to mingle like that. They would’ve been shouting across the street from each other. It’s almost as if Fort Worth police wanted a situation.
Rick Vanderslice has spent 70 (maybe more) years yelling and making trouble. None of that has been helpful. None. It’s pathetic.
Dear Mark Reed,
Would you please give Rick a plane ticket?
Anywhere.
But, make it one-way.
Please.
For those of you who thought Rick Vanderslice’s “take-over” of QueerLiberaction might be a “good” thing – this is Exhibit 2. The childish fight with Mark Reed was Exhibit 1.
How much embarrassment are we supposed to endure? There were “whack-jobs” on both sides outside City Hall. All Rick does is prove that members of the LGBT Community can (also) sink to the lowest levels as the opposition.
Rick Vanderslice is the Fred Phelps of the gay community. Nice for us.
Sometimes it takes embarrassment to increase awareness, doesn’t it?
Actually, I don’t think you can argue with the results…FW CC passed measures to improve anti-discrimination in city government.
While you (and I – didn’t hear about it) stayed at home, they got out there and did something. Great job Rick, Blake and everyone else that dared stand up in their face!! They try to win through intimidation and making us fearful.
Passing the change to the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance had NOTHING to do with a few idiots screaming outside. Wake up. These stunts only hurt us.
Amanda,
Awareness? Do you really believe people are “unaware” of the fight for our rights?
Vanderslice is just trying to get media coverage. Like he said at a QL meeting: “there is no such thing as bad publicity,” which happens to be his specialty.
Any progress that was made in FW, was made in spite of QLs juvenile publicity stunts.
What disturbs me the most is that it says that the Fort Worth Police looked on from a distance but did not separate the two groups.
The is completely insane!
In all other cities, the police separate protestors from counter-protestors.
Josh,
If non-GLBT people don’t see us fighting for rights, why would they be aware and possibly vote for our rights? Media coverage is the very thing our opponents are using to deny and prevent our rights. They are completely right to fight fire with fire.
Do you actually think non-LGBT people are going to support us because Rick Vanderslice makes a complete ass of himself? Please explain how making “angry demands” motivates anyone to become generous to our cause?
What’s next? Holding guns to their heads?
@ Amanda:
QL does not create “awareness” where is doesn’t already exist. They go where the attention is, not where the “need” is. Fort Worth was paying attention to LGBT issues. Nothing QL has done has added to that progress.
Plus, they provoke responses – like kissing in the stockyards. If a gay couple kissed (innocently) and there was a problem – we should all respond. But, to stage that event is counterproductive. It is also dishonest.
We certainly do not suffer from a lack of awareness and with stunts like this we actually appear to suffer from a lack of intelligence. It’s just plain stupid.
@ John & Brian
NO, I think i sufficiently explained it without going all Buffy on you boyz.
How about you explain how “sitting on your butts” not making demands and attracting media coverage could possibly motivate anyone to become generous to our cause?!
@ KR (& before him JW Richard)
I wondered the same thing why Fort Worth Police would allow such no margin confrontation?
Given the intolerant status quo that seems to be in the FWPD, they probably hoped all heck would break loose so they could kick some queer ass…but that is not allowed to be said out loud.
They actually did us and QL a tremendous service by creating some awesome photo opportunities and arouse even more controversy in the media.
I was totally embarrassed by what happened last night at the rally. Several members of our organization decided to attend the rally to show our outrage over the City’s punishment of the FWPD officers involved in the Rainbow Lounge debacle. We also planned to show our support for the proposed ordinance and recommendations by the Diversity Task Force by attending the City Council meeting afterwards. We were well aware that there would be a significant number of very vocal counter-protesters at the rally. We made a collective decision to NOT engage with them. We decided to wear duct tape over our mouths and carry signs of peace to show our dedication to peaceful demonstration and to not get caught in arguing with people who will never understand and never accept us. It would be quite pointless to go there. Unfortunately, Rick did not get the memo and he began thumping his chest at the Bible thumpers. His aggression added fuel to the fire and other protesters began to engage with the religious folks. I helped diffuse the situation by getting those protesters back on our side and to remain silent and in control. I also tried to grab Rick out of the melee with no success. So what you didn’t see in pictures was the majority of the group holding signs and standing in silence. That is the picture that we wanted to show to media. We wanted to show us being peaceful and not engaging while these Christian loons were verbally attacking us. That would have been a great picture. Instead, we have pics of menacing facing on both sides and of course, that is what the media is gonna focus on. Peace doesn’t increase readership.
I would also like to point out that Rick was the ONLY representative from QL Dallas at the rally. There were members of the newly formed QL Denton but NONE of the original organizers bothered showing up. I am still waiting for that explanation.
but besides that…great pics indeed 🙂
First we yell there was too much police presence, now we cry there wasnt enough? Not a blow was thrown and folks excercised free speech with out interference from the police. The police were there to prevent violence. Thats the process folks…
@ Amanda:
Don’t assume because some of us choose to NOT make fools of ourselves, that we are not working on our equality.
The EASIEST thing to do is form a small group and “complain.” THAT is NOT productive. Being productive actually requires using your head – not just to scream, but to create positive efforts and actual solution.
@ Tisha:
Thank-you for telling the truth: Rick Vanderslice is a complete ass.
Is it just me, or does the “anti-gay protestor” in the photo with Rick Vanderslice look like a nice gay man? Methinks the pretty-boy doth protest too much!
In seriousness, the FW council action seems like a lame attempt to placate the gay community. Not to belittle the progress, but the “T” in GLBT is a very small portion of that community, and this looks like they are trying to ignore the greater issue at stake here.
Still, progress happens in small steps.
Thanks for your clarifications, Tisha. I am relieved it didn’t erupt into violence.
Aggressive is not the same as violence. And I think “peaceful” protests are construed to mean a lack of emotion inspiring only detachment in viewers.
Photos I’ve seen appear to paint a clear picture that GLBT human rights advocates are NOT HIDING in fear of “God’s wrath” or something ludicrous. IMHO it is the hands of the single book men that have to be watched the closest.
I agree Sara! The police handled it the way it should have been handled.
Tisha, What I noticed about the pictures and news coverage is this: There were three transgendered people that spoke to the council and this was about protection for transgendered individuals. Have you seen ANY of us in pictures yet? This effort for transgender inclusion in the ordinances and policies of FW started nearly four years ago for me when I was told that “sexual orientation” covered my transition…long before the Rainbow Lounge incident. The DTF (and I was a member) only ENDORSED the resolution. The Human Relations Commission (an arm of the City Council) penned it…not the DTF.
I can only hope that QL Dallas kept the opposition busy long enough that some of them did not get a chance to fill out speaker cards. :~)
I wish we could have spoken after they did since many of their facts were wrong.
@Brian Says: “The EASIEST thing to do is form a small group and “complain.” THAT is NOT productive.”
Actually, Brian, it might be easy for gay men to organize small groups to “complain” but if you ever tried to organize a small group of T’s it is TOTALLY like pushing rope…up hill! I appreciate the support from the GLB portion since T’s are the visible ones and almost always singled out and discriminated against. (Not to say the “nellie” gay men aren’t picked on but they are usually considered to be T just like we are seen to be like them by unsophisticated straights.)
The rainbow flag icon is perfect. We all have some roles to play in this drama of human injustice. Mine today has been from the sidelines in appreciation of Rick Vanderslice looking like an “embarrassing ass”…but I am in tears with gratitude he did it.
It might not have been the most civilized way to address GLB & T!!! issues. But, I (maybe the only one in the nation), am grateful he showed the emotion I keep bottled up inside every day when another door is shut in my face because I am GenderQueer.
@ Amanda:
So, then Rick Vanderslice acts the fool so that you might feel better. I guess that makes sense.
Just don’t suggest that it helps the LGBT Community – It doesn’t.
Do you have a job Brian? WAY TO GO RICK!
@ Brian:
Yeah, I’m sure Rick had me in mind…NOT! But I am getting sore from being the last queer to have a job all the time. But on the bright side, I have lots of free time to go Buffy on stupid opinions.
How exactly has it NOT HELPED the LGBT Community? By causing some embarrassment when somebody actually showed emotion and reacted (non-violently) by getting back in their face? If that’s it, get over it. We are human, Rick is human and religious wing-nuts are human…we deserve rights as much as they do.
Brian and Josh still haven’t answered my question: How does avoiding sensational press via putting it out there risking “embarrassment” of a few “civilized” queers gain attention to our lack of human rights?
Brian
Why do you allow yourself to get so upset over the actions of Blake and Rick?
You are relentless in your judgement of them. Does it make you feel better about yourself?
@BRIAN and JOSH- one hundred percent agreement on your take on events- not productive, silly and potentially assault when you try to molest someone in the streets.
@TISHA- you sound a very reasonable and intelligent organizer and I’m glad to see effective strategy, tactical thinking and discipline within the organization finally. The Dallas QL folks didn’t show up at all? WTF?
@AMNADA- I had to take exception to your saying people have been “sitting on their butts” over here. The Stonewall Dems, Joel Burns, and the Diversity Task Force worked for a year on the recommended amendment. Well before Rainbow Lounge, etc…
Our community has got to better educate itself about politics, process, and government. We each have to realize that it’s the tedious and focused application of pressure, as well as having a presence on boards and commissions, that creates the change that we saw in the city’s anti-discrimination Ordinance last night. With all due deference to Tisha and her colleagues and what they attempted to do, which I respect, it didn’t have anything to do with the protest on the curb downstairs. To miss that truth is to perpetually arrive too late. It’s like beginning to load your gun when the fights already started.
@ Amanda:
You asked: “How does avoiding sensational press via putting it out there risking “embarrassment” of a few “civilized” queers gain attention to our lack of human rights?”
Hmmm. “Sensational press?” Are you kidding?
The media doesn’t need to see us stoop to the same level as the Christian nut-jobs. It would have been better only the NUT JOBS made press, instead of our little band of misfits joining them. But, I guess misery loves company. They deserve each other.
@ Stave Friday:
Thanks for being the voice of reason. People need to get smarter, not louder.
@ Steve Friday:
Sorry you interpreted it that way, but it wasn’t what I said or meant. Re-read my exact words in response what others said.
Admittedly, I am not in your GLBT activist community and never felt welcome. The harsh reality is I have enough on my workbench and can’t emotionally deal with “GLBT community” snickering that I am just “along for the ride”.
My thanks go to the Stonewall Dems, Joel Burns and the Diversity Task Force for their efforts and gains. I don’t have a clue of how much work you have put into it.
Still I can’t deny that one photo of Rick being an “ass” moved me emotionally and it looked like good press to me.
In the first picture are they arguing or are they about to kiss?
Amanda you always have a place with QL. We fight for the rights of all!
Jack E. Jett,
I’m not upset about Rick and Blake. I am embarrassed by them. When the laughter dies down, many of us try to figure out if their stunts are helpful. If they should receive our support.
I think it’s very clear from the thoughtful comments posted here that most people find their actions counterproductive and embarrassing. The only ones who post differently are members of their little group.
The bigger point is whether or not this type of behavior actually helps the LGBT Community. Many have asked the question, but there has never been a reasonable answer. There is NO evidence that “angry demands” produce positive results. None.
QL has gone way beyond “responding” to a situation – which I think most of us are in favor of – they try to create situations by “baiting” people. This action goes beyond ineffective – it offends people. It mirrors the juvenile behavior of the Fred Phelps of the world. Remember, even Christians have disowned Fred Phelps. We can disown QL, too.
It’s a lot easier to offend, than it is to educate and enlighten. QL takes the easy route and that harms us as a community. Smarter is better than louder.
(I responded without resorting to ALL CAPS).
Bob,
If you watch the video, you will see Rick Vanderslice try to force himself upon the Christian on at least two occasions.
In the photos above, I don’t seen Xtians. I see two closet cases and one out gay man.
My G.O.D., have your gaydars gone on the blink?
Thank you, Jack. I was walking around the office all day saying, “Am I the only one whose gaydar is going off looking at those pictures?”
I agree with Jack E. Jett and his Gaydar. These guys are creating their soon-to-be-used Social Networks. Make-up sex included.
Somebody please tell Rick Vanderslice, Daniel Cates and the rest of QL that there are plenty of Christian rednecks in Alabama. Go have fun. Please.
# Brian Said:
[blah blah B.S.] …I think it’s very clear from the thoughtful comments posted here that most people find their actions counterproductive and embarrassing. The only ones who post differently are members of their little group. […more Vulcan unemotional threats about how QL may be marginalized]
I’m not a member of anyone’s little group and offered my own opinion based on what I felt and saw. I’m not involved in your community (aside from hearing Jack E. on the radio) because TG’s seemed to be marginalized for the past 10 years I’ve been out. I think Brian must do so much work with those pre-aligned to specific viewpoints that he couldn’t hear an original opinion even if blew out his ear drums.
IMHO aggressive protests and being controversial seemed to finalize the prior year’s worth of smart work very nicely. It certainly got my attention and I suspect there are others like me on the sidelines that have waited long enough for diplomatic avenues to fail at securing our human rights.
Since I am being marginalized as being in with Queer LibAction’s little band of “misfits” where do I sign up? Sitting on my butt hasn’t worked in 10 years, maybe it is time to try something else!
<<< NOT a member of QL, thanks .
Go onto our website queerliberaction.org. My number is on there…..give me a call amanda. We have some great things planned!
@ Daniel
It seems your other postings dangerously showed understanding about the problems with smartly waiting for slow progress toward GLBT equality. (Someone else’s comment about living in a hillbilly nation cracked me up. If that isn’t true, then why do I see hillbillies everywhere? Are they the same ones?)
@ Joe
Thanks Joe. Appreciate the info. Sorry I made you plug it here (but maybe Rufus might actually do what Jesus would have done and practice his love for the downtrodden Lepers-of-Society.)
@ Jack E. Jett and the Gaydar operators
I saw an openly gay macho male and 2 panty wearing crossdressers in the photos and videos. But you were close! The definition of Sissies was a big tip-off.
My straight friend saw the video and called Vanderslice a “predator.” Thanks Rick.
@Brian- AMEN!
If a seventyish year old man had tried to kiss a young woman on the street it’s, as I wrote in an earlier post, “assault” under the law. As it should be. This is not civil conduct and can’t be defended by apologists for this failed strategy and irrelevant Dallas organization.
I am pleased to see Tisha McDaniel and the Denton chapter of QL stepping into the leadership/strategy/planning of these kinds of actions, based on her story above!
I heard that Blake has somehow been connected to the murder of Anna Nicole and Michael Jackson. I also heard Blake is beating the shit out of old ladies, everyday……I mean every day, not once a week or 3 times a month, but every single freaking day. After he beats them, he touches his nipples and laughs loudly…..HA HA HA HA HA . I hear he frequently has sex with inanimate objects, some of them from foriegn countries.
So I think we need to watch this man’s every move. It is clear he is dangerous.
And don’t even get me started on the criminal past of one….Mr. Rick Vanderslice……
Tisha and the group in Denton might want to consider dropping the Name “Queer Liberaction.” I heard this evening that Blake was leaving Texas and Rick Vanderslice was now in charge. Anyone know?
Jack you are correct! The worst part about Rick is that he has served me a salad once and DID NOT provide a salad fork! BEAST, FILTHY BEAST!
Joe, I’m glad you’re not the only one who has had that experience. We once went out to lunch and he didn’t pull out my chair for me at the restaurant.
Oh David this is bad…..I think that he needs to find the way!
How horrible! People should change their names from Rick or Blake just so there won’t be any association with utter disregard as that.
Only the great Brian intellect will save us now. (Waiting on the ten point plan for gaining real equality for all GLBTs…not that fake legal kind.)
Amanda call me!
I guess I need to be burned at the stake since Blake is one of my best friends!
First, let me say how much I treasure my friendship with Joe Remsik and Blake Wilkinson. They are the true leaders of QL, not me. I am a member, advisor (when asked), listener, talker, activist, citizen, and thinker. I also co-host The Rick and RJ Radio show on Rational Radio, Sundays 11 AM to 1 Pm, with RJ Jackson. If you tune in sometime you will realize I have a wide range of interests, experiences and ideas that I freely share with our listeners each week. Since Joe and Blake know me personally, having shared many meals and other social and work time together, they know I’m not a bully or a nut. I have considered reasons for all of my actions in activism and the development of my personal political philosophy. And, I’m willing to stand up and stand out, if required, for those principals and values. As Joe has suggested, go to our site at http://www.QueerLiberAction.org and read our mission statement. Only then will you be fully informed as to why we exist, what we are working for, and why we use the tactics we do. After that, agree with us and join us or debate us and fight us. Either way it would produce a higher level conversation about the fight for equal rights and protection under law. Again, thanks Joe for the nice words and for your deep commitment to the cause. I love you and Blake so much for that.
Rick Vanderslice: “Stupid” confirmed.