- This is one of the photos Keith Kimmel posted on a blog showing injuries allegedly caused by police.
A gay Oklahoma man was found dead in a Norman apartment on Wednesday, two days after he filed a complaint alleging that police roughed him up outside a gay club in Tulsa.
Keith Kimmel, 28, made headlines a few months ago when he sued the Oklahoma Tax Commission for denying his application for a personalized license plate saying, “IMGAY.”
Authorities say Kimmel’s death is under investigation. The Tulsa World has the full story.
Shameful that Bible Belt police are totally out of control with how they treat LGBT people and other minorities. Now they can get away with murder of LGBT people without any fear of being brought to justice. Odds are they will walk with a 1 or 2 day suspension for a murder.
Are we finally ready to stand up as an LGBT community united?
KR- is there an attorney with the guts to take this case? If so, let’s organize and get folks to stand up by donating to the fund. If this is all connected, someone needs to pay. They need to be exposed. Murder is unacceptable, period. I’m in. Let’s stand up.
Hello,
I am from Southern New Hampshire, and wish to let you all know that news of this event is spreading rapidly throughout the LGBT communities in the country.
I have already emailed your local political caucus (OGLPC) and implored them to reach out to the “friend” whose apartment Keith was in, and provide humanitarian support to him, as he probably badly needs it.
I also asked them to establish a representative “spokesperson” to interact with your local media as they cover this developing story, to make sure that we (our LGBT community) are properly represented by media in terms of image, dignity, etc., and also hopefully someone who has media training and experience with public speaking may undertake this task.
At times like this, a strong, well-versed voice is an imperative, as this comes at a time when a “season of hate” appears to be falling upon Oklahoma, politically.
This incident has all the components of both the Matthew Sheppard incident, as well as the “Rodney King” beating.
Your local LGBT activists and supporters need to meet, join together and plan and strategize. This is an “Action-Alert”. A phone line, website, and/or other contact points should be established as a central focal point for supporters (like me).
You may wish to contact people from surrounding states to bring as much experience and support to this initiative as possible. Someone could contact LOGO.com and have them raise visibility of the issues, etc.
Keith’s death should not be forgotten, nor taken for granted or “sluffed-off” by authorities, as “the world is watching”.
Fund-raising efforts should not be limited to the disposition of Mr. Kimmel’s remains, but also raised for the purpose of a strong and sustained lobby for LGBT protection under the law.
Best of Luck,
We are all watching, caring, and loving.
Godspeed,
Bill in NH