I just got a call – before 9 a.m. on Sunday, June 28 – that at some point last night, on the 40th anniversary of Stonewall, Fort Worth police raided The Rainbow Lounge on South Jennings Street and made numerous arrests.
I have no other details right now and can’t say what did happen, if anything. But the person with whom the news originated is pretty trustworthy.
Anyway – no details yet but I am working on getting them. Stay tuned for more.
I don’t know what went down once the police got inside, I was lucky that I was leaving at the exact moment that the first agent was walking in the door, but they already had the outside door person up against the wall in cuffs, and the building surrounded with cars. It was like a scene in a movie. What century is Fort Worth living in? Being from Fort Worth, Im sad to say, that I’m not surprised that they raided the bar. I’m so glad that I don’t live in that city anymore.
thanks for the initial report, tammye.
hope all patrons and bar employees are okay.
keep us posted of any news details.
the enormous pink triangle display on Twin Pinks was burned this morning, an investigation
is underway, and photos show the damage:
https://mpetrelis.blogspot.com/2009/06/sf-pink-triangle-burned-on-pride-sunday.html
the struggle for LGBT lib and pride goes on in TX and SF
I was really confused last night when suddenly, from all directions I see people being led out with zip ties on their hands looking very frightened. It seemed like the officers were provoking their victims as well. One man that had been arrested was standing on the side walk while an officer was being very aggressive and kept pushing the man around and trying to argue with him. The man finally asked him to stop touching him because he was just trying to stand still. It was really bizarre! None of the men that I saw arrested were visibly intoxicated and they all cooperated considering the way they were treated.
This will not deter me from going back. I hope all that were arrested are giving them hell now. An injustice was done.
There is a protest at the rainbow lounge at 5 and then another one at the court house at 7 this evening.
ATTENTION: For anyone who feels their civil liberties were violated in any way by the Fort Worth police officers in the Rainbow Bar, the Fort Worth chapter of the ACLU requests you fill out their online form with your complaint so that your intake can be handled quickly. Here is the information to their page:
We request that you submit your civil liberty complaint on our state website, https://www.aclutx.org/ , which includes an online complaint form. Processing complaints through the website will improve our intake system, and generate a more timely response to you.
Being from Ft Worth and just moving back from Dallas to Ft Worth this situation is very disturbing. I knew moving back that most of the gay bars and clubs were gone but this is just sad. I mean really, do police really raid a bar or club for this anymore? I am also embarrased. Embarrased because I love Ft Worth and for the Ft Worth police department to act in this manner is completely out of control and in my opinion disturbing. I went to Rainbow Lounge opening weekend and remembered the days of The 651 back in the 90’s when it was a country western bar and The Magnolia Station. We cannot stop going just because the city of Ft Worth has a problem with a gay establishment. We all as a community need to stick together in times like this and not be intimidated by those who are insecure about what they feel is right. I will definately be up there this weekend. Just to show my support.
Todd Harper
living 3 blocks from Rainbow lounge I can tell you that they were open for a week and according to the Evil TABC and FW police the records clearly show Rainbow checked out OK and there was a reason for police to enter this bar. The Police have been a big problem in this gay community and are THE TRUE EVIL of this world. They are trying to take away the citizens rights and if we let them , then they will keep stealing our freedoms. Theres a protest Aug. 3, sunday eve. and if you want to keep your freedom regardless, then we need your support.
Power to the Power to the People.
It sound like the COPS are in denile that the Good Lord gave the gentiles some of his power
Remember Evil cops ,
don’t hate cause GOD us GOOD, Amen
Joel Lisius FW
Texas liquor board fires 3 over raid on gay bar
By ANGELA K. BROWN –(AP) 3 hours ago
FORT WORTH, Texas — Texas’ liquor board has fired two agents and a supervisor over a raid at a gay bar in Fort Worth that left a customer with a serious head injury.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission says agent Christopher Aller and agent trainee Jason Chapman were fired Friday. Both participated in the June 28 raid at the Rainbow Lounge.
Their supervisor, Sgt. Terry Parsons, wasn’t at the bar that night but also was fired, effective Sept. 2.
Two other commission officials also were disciplined.
Fort Worth District Lt. Gene Anderson will be suspended without pay for three days and be on probation for six months.
Capt. Robert “Charlie” Cloud received a written reprimand.