We didn’t make it to Queer LiberAction’s kiss-in at the Fort Worth Stockyards yesterday. But according to news reports I’ve seen, the kiss-in became more of a shouting match than anything after a group of counterdemonstrators showed up. Above is video from The 33. See coverage from WFAA by going here and the Star-Telegram by going here.
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According to CBS11: “The group originally wanted to establish a kissing booth in the Stockyards, but had to abandon that idea after learning they didn’t have a proper permit to do so.”
https://cbs11tv.com/local/kiss.in.stockyards.2.1255261.html
Seems more like a publicity stunt to get in front of the media knowing it would set off the religious community and create protest. At least that would explain the handheld signs at an event meant to breed tolerance.
This event proves “THE Fort Worth Way” is a way of hate, discrimination, and intolerance against LGBT citizens.
It’s ridiculous that the kissing event had to be stopped due to threats of violence from supposed Christian groups. Did Jesus teach his followers to make threats of violence?
Shame on the Fort Worth Police for not providing the protection so this kissing event could have continued. I’m beginning to suspect that the Fort Worth Police enjoy the threats made against the LGBT community because all they have to do is withhold protection and hope the LGBT community will cave into the threats.
Maybe next year instead of a March on Washington, we need a March on Fort Worth and need to ask all LGBT people all over the US to come to Fort Worth for a huge rally. The 1st anniversary of the Rainbow Lounge Raid would be a good time to do this.
Point made.
“The group keeps most events sparse and focussed on First Amendment Free Speech issues which typically do not require permitting.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queer_Liberaction
Curious, how accurate are statements in the Wiki article?
If Lord Jesus Christ were to walk on earth today at the Stockyard, would he try to physically harm those people at the “kiss-in”? Or would he accept them as his children? The answers are clear.
Ask yourself, whenever you are experiencing indecision, what Jesus would do in the same situation. To me, Lord Jesus Christ has always been of tolerance and peace.
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So, while it doesn’t help the LGBT Community, it does get QL what they want – time on television. Offending people doesn’t accomplish anything. It just embarrasses us.
I am curious, John, why you did not feel the need to attend the event. As a gay publication, it seems that your bias against a group is getting in the way of your journalism. Shame on you.
Jim you are incorrect. Direct action does piss people off. Anger is the first part of social change. The community needs to be angry before it will change.
Having gay people on television acting like ass holes – in a deliberate attempt to ‘offend’ people does NOT help us.
Yeah Marcus, anger, well-placed anger, is appropriate. It should “inspire” us to inform, enlighten and educate people – not offend them. This is an embarrassment and a waste of time.
I did not attend because the one I did attend in Dallas was a total flop. From the news reports it appears they (QL) did the right thing. On our side a group about 40 strong bringing attention to the hate in the community. The church clearly comes across as bigoted and full of hate. It was not the QL group that was threatening violence. Also the Ft. Worth PD where was this so called liaison? I thought they were suppose to be reaching out. Charges should be filed against the ones issuing/inciting threats of violence.
Don’t ever worry about skipping a LGBT protest in Fort Worth because it might be a flop!
Even a handful of people with rainbow flags in Sundance Square on a Sunday afternoon is enough to cause a uproar. Or a Pride Parade hidden away in the gayborhood that is next to impossible to find the first time can bring out the counter-protestors.
I would encourage every LGBT person to try to attend (even if you don’t want to participate) a QL event in Fort Worth. It’s really somewhat shocking to see such public displays of hatred. The people don’t seem to even realize how backwards they look, and they don’t even try to hide it.
I think the Kiss-In is a good litmus test of how open a community is to LGBT people. As Bob pointed out, the Kiss-In in dowtown Dallas was almost a non-issue, while in Fort Worth is was a major uproar.
It would be interesting to see QL take it’s Kiss-In to various communities, like Denton, Plano, Grapevine, Arlington, etc. just to litmus test those areas for tolerance. That would let the LGBT community know where they are welcome and where they should try to spend their money.
Pathetic. Just plain pathetic.
I wonder how this is supposed to be helpful. It’s a waste of time and attention. It makes us look small and offensive. I wish it would stop.
It amazes me how hateful some people are.
Protest and confrontation are the only ways to effect change.
Do you think those bars on Cedar Springs would exist if people hadn’t confronted cops and haters? Bars were routinely raided and patrons arrested in the past. Some drag queens got fed up and fought back. We now have a parade every year to celebrate that.
It’s been, and continues to be, a long. hard fight for the right to live openly and honestly.
Unfortunately, too many are ashamed or afraid of who they are.
Why should anyone have to hide who they are?
If the rednecks and bible beaters are “offended” they can go home and pray to jeebus, as if that
ll have any effect on anything. Might as well pray to my cat.
The only thing I find offensive is the hate.
Thank you Montemalone for your comments. It makes me curious why so many people within our own community, including the Dallas Voice, fail to recognize the importance of direct action. Is direct action the be all and end all? NO. It is vital in that it stirs the pot, causes commotion and brings the issues to the front of the line. All social movements need well organized direct action groups.