EQUALITY FLORIDA HOSTS TOWN HALL MEETING SATURDAY JAN 9TH AT 5:00
Due to the dozens of inquiries received over the past week, Equality Florida will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting in their offices at 3708 Swann Ave., tomorrow January 10th at 5:00.
Representatives from Tampa's Police Department will attend including the Missing Persons Detective Deblock, who is in charge of the investigation into Jason Galehouse's disappearance.
Department representatives will discuss what is currently being done to find Jason and what individuals and businesses in the community can do to help. A question and answer session will address the fears and concerns community members have.
Equality Florida has been in contact with Attorney General Charlie Christ's office to request their leadership in responding to Tampa Bay's recent rash of violence and murder targeted at the lesbian, gay bisexual, and transgender community. We will provide information on how you can help with that effort at the meeting as well.
from Equality Florida ACTION ALERTS
Friday, January 09, 2004
Equality Florida Calls on State Law Enforcement to Respond to Increase in Anti-Gay Hate Violence: Local Murder Feared Latest Assault on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community
(Tampa) The apparent murder of Michael Wachholtz, who’s body was found Tuesday in the Town & Country Section of Tampa Bay, has rekindled fear that the rise in hate violence against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community has claimed another victim.
This tragic news coupled with the rash of hate crimes and an increase in anti-LGBT hate violence across the state, has prompted Equality Florida to demand a strong response from state law enforcement officials and Attorney General Charlie Crist, whose office tracks hate motivated attacks.
In the last 16 months Tampa Bay has seen dozens of reports of anti-LBGT harassment, at least three serious physical attacks on gay men and at least two (and possibly as many as five) murders of LGBT people. In similar instances targeting other communities, the Attorney General’s office and other government agencies have launched public education campaigns and have worked to reduce hate and bias-related crimes.
Both national and statewide statistics indicate that antigay violence is at an all time high. The FBI recently reported that antigay violence crimes committed during 2002 represent 17 percent of all hate crime, the highest level ever.
Florida reports an even worse record. While overall hate crime is down, anti-gay violence jumped 33% in 2002 and race based violence jumped 24%.
“The state’s own statistics show that hate crimes that target the LGBT community have increased dramatically in Florida,” said Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida. “While we wait for the facts of the case to come to light, we should not have to wait for law enforcement and the government to respond to what is clearly a problem of our community being targeted.”
Both Michael and another missing person, Jason Galehouse, disappeared within 24 hours of each other around December 20th. Equality Florida is highly concerned at the similarities of the two cases men and rumors of additional missing gay. Both young men were white gay males, both age 26, and both were last reported seen in the same general area, although not together. Both men had close friends and family who were not contacted through the holidays.
We are asking the community to provide any information as to the whereabouts of Jason Galehouse to the Tampa Police Department at (813) 276-3507.
Equality Florida is further concerned at the similarities between the circumstances under which Michael’s body was found and that of another murder victim found in November in a Starbucks’ parking lot at Westshore and Kennedy. It is not know if that victim was an openly gay male.
Equality Florida is also encouraging everyone to be more vigilant about their personal safety and that of their loved ones, especially those that are members of the LGBT community, said Brian Winfield, Communications Director for Equality Florida.
“Do not leave public places with unknown individuals. If you do, be sure to introduce them to a friend or an employee of the establishment. If you have friends that live alone, call them regularly to check in,” Winfield said.
from Brian Winfield at Equlity Florida
(Tampa) The apparent murder of Michael Wachholtz, who’s body was found Tuesday in the Town & Country Section of Tampa Bay, has rekindled fear that the rise in hate violence against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community has claimed another victim.
This tragic news coupled with the rash of hate crimes and an increase in anti-LGBT hate violence across the state, has prompted Equality Florida to demand a strong response from state law enforcement officials and Attorney General Charlie Crist, whose office tracks hate motivated attacks.
In the last 16 months Tampa Bay has seen dozens of reports of anti-LBGT harassment, at least three serious physical attacks on gay men and at least two (and possibly as many as five) murders of LGBT people. In similar instances targeting other communities, the Attorney General’s office and other government agencies have launched public education campaigns and have worked to reduce hate and bias-related crimes.
Both national and statewide statistics indicate that antigay violence is at an all time high. The FBI recently reported that antigay violence crimes committed during 2002 represent 17 percent of all hate crime, the highest level ever.
Florida reports an even worse record. While overall hate crime is down, anti-gay violence jumped 33% in 2002 and race based violence jumped 24%.
“The state’s own statistics show that hate crimes that target the LGBT community have increased dramatically in Florida,” said Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida. “While we wait for the facts of the case to come to light, we should not have to wait for law enforcement and the government to respond to what is clearly a problem of our community being targeted.”
Both Michael and another missing person, Jason Galehouse, disappeared within 24 hours of each other around December 20th. Equality Florida is highly concerned at the similarities of the two cases men and rumors of additional missing gay. Both young men were white gay males, both age 26, and both were last reported seen in the same general area, although not together. Both men had close friends and family who were not contacted through the holidays.
We are asking the community to provide any information as to the whereabouts of Jason Galehouse to the Tampa Police Department at (813) 276-3507.
Equality Florida is further concerned at the similarities between the circumstances under which Michael’s body was found and that of another murder victim found in November in a Starbucks’ parking lot at Westshore and Kennedy. It is not know if that victim was an openly gay male.
Equality Florida is also encouraging everyone to be more vigilant about their personal safety and that of their loved ones, especially those that are members of the LGBT community, said Brian Winfield, Communications Director for Equality Florida.
“Do not leave public places with unknown individuals. If you do, be sure to introduce them to a friend or an employee of the establishment. If you have friends that live alone, call them regularly to check in,” Winfield said.
from Brian Winfield at Equlity Florida
TAMPA THEATRE MARQUEE RE-LIGHTING CELEBRATION - FREE!
Friday evening, January 16, 2004
5:30 pm -- Outdoor Reception
6:00 pm -- Marquee Lighting
6:30 pm -- Tampa Theatre Open House
7:15 pm -- FREE screening of WEST SIDE STORY
BRING FRIENDS AND FAMILY FOR A NIGHT OF HISTORY, ENCHANTMENT & ENTERTAINMENT. Join us to celebrate Tampa's bright future and glorious past with the return of the city's namesake marquee, along with the restoration of the 7-story high vertical blade sign missing from the downtown landscape for 32 years.
Mayor Pam Iorio will be on hand to illuminate the evening sky with all the glitz & glamour of a bygone era.
Special thanks to TECO Energy for supporting the Tampa Theatre's Marquee Lighting Celebration.
Click here for directions, maps and parking information for Tampa Theatre, 711 North Franklin St, Tampa, FL or call 813-274-8981 (24 hour info line)
Friday evening, January 16, 2004
5:30 pm -- Outdoor Reception
6:00 pm -- Marquee Lighting
6:30 pm -- Tampa Theatre Open House
7:15 pm -- FREE screening of WEST SIDE STORY
BRING FRIENDS AND FAMILY FOR A NIGHT OF HISTORY, ENCHANTMENT & ENTERTAINMENT. Join us to celebrate Tampa's bright future and glorious past with the return of the city's namesake marquee, along with the restoration of the 7-story high vertical blade sign missing from the downtown landscape for 32 years.
Mayor Pam Iorio will be on hand to illuminate the evening sky with all the glitz & glamour of a bygone era.
Special thanks to TECO Energy for supporting the Tampa Theatre's Marquee Lighting Celebration.
Click here for directions, maps and parking information for Tampa Theatre, 711 North Franklin St, Tampa, FL or call 813-274-8981 (24 hour info line)
LEARN AND BUILD COALITIONS WITH ALLIES
from Vonn New at Equality Florida
1. Victory Fund Training Institues - intensive workshp on campaigns and the electoral process, Feb 5-8. Click here for details.
2. Conference: Progressive Action in Regressive Times, Humanists of Florida, January 23-25. Click here for details.
Please consider taking advantage of these opportunities to get educated on how to make our voices stronger and more effective.
from Vonn New at Equality Florida
1. Victory Fund Training Institues - intensive workshp on campaigns and the electoral process, Feb 5-8. Click here for details.
2. Conference: Progressive Action in Regressive Times, Humanists of Florida, January 23-25. Click here for details.
Please consider taking advantage of these opportunities to get educated on how to make our voices stronger and more effective.
Tuesday, January 06, 2004
Freedom To Marry Week
From Rev. Troy D. Perry, MCC Founder and Moderator
I am writing to you today to ask you to mark your calendar for Freedom To Marry Week, during February 9-15 -- Valentine's Week.
Last year, thousands of same-sex couples went to courthouses and municipal offices during Valentine's Week to apply for marriage licenses. We drew strength from our actions... we shared our message of equality with our communities... and we built bridges of understanding as our struggle for equal marriage rights was carried to millions of people on CNN, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the New York Times and hundreds of newspapers and TV stations.
This year, your participation is more important than ever!
There is a powerful momentum taking place! Since last year's Freedom To Marry Week, same-sex marriage has become the law in Canada. And recently, the Massachusetts Supreme Court sanctioned legal marriage for same-sex couples.
I'll be sharing more information in the near future, but for now I'm asking you to join me in three important ways:
1. Go to your local marriage bureau during Valentine's Week and apply for a marriage license. Take a public stand. Inform the local press know and invite them to cover your event. Invite your friends to join you. Let's keep the same-sex marriage issue on the front burner.
2. Organize a public rally in your area for Valentine's Day, Saturday, February 14, 2004. This year, MCC is joining hands with veteran GLBT activist Robin Tyler and DontAmend.com (an organization working to stop a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage) to sponsor Freedom To Marry Week -- and to hold public rallies in cities and towns everywhere.
3. Address the same-sex marriage issue during worship services on Sunday, February 15. Let's use sermons -- or testimonies of the week's events -- to call our community to action.
During this one week, international media attention will be focused on equality in the marriage laws. An amazing array of GLBT and GLBT-friendly groups are now working on this issue, including Human Rights Campaign, NGLTF, PFLAG, the ACLU, NOW, LLEGO, Soulforce, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Marriage Equality, and the Freedom To Marry Coalition.
In the next few days, we'll be sending an MCC Action Kit to help you organize your events. It's filled with action ideas, sample press releases, information on organizing a community rally, and on-line resources to help you make your plans.
Be on the lookout for this MCC Action Kit for Freedom To Marry Week -- and mark you calendar now for this annual event during Valentines Week's, February 9-15, 2004.
Together we're making a difference!
From Rev. Troy D. Perry, MCC Founder and Moderator
I am writing to you today to ask you to mark your calendar for Freedom To Marry Week, during February 9-15 -- Valentine's Week.
Last year, thousands of same-sex couples went to courthouses and municipal offices during Valentine's Week to apply for marriage licenses. We drew strength from our actions... we shared our message of equality with our communities... and we built bridges of understanding as our struggle for equal marriage rights was carried to millions of people on CNN, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the New York Times and hundreds of newspapers and TV stations.
This year, your participation is more important than ever!
There is a powerful momentum taking place! Since last year's Freedom To Marry Week, same-sex marriage has become the law in Canada. And recently, the Massachusetts Supreme Court sanctioned legal marriage for same-sex couples.
I'll be sharing more information in the near future, but for now I'm asking you to join me in three important ways:
1. Go to your local marriage bureau during Valentine's Week and apply for a marriage license. Take a public stand. Inform the local press know and invite them to cover your event. Invite your friends to join you. Let's keep the same-sex marriage issue on the front burner.
2. Organize a public rally in your area for Valentine's Day, Saturday, February 14, 2004. This year, MCC is joining hands with veteran GLBT activist Robin Tyler and DontAmend.com (an organization working to stop a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage) to sponsor Freedom To Marry Week -- and to hold public rallies in cities and towns everywhere.
3. Address the same-sex marriage issue during worship services on Sunday, February 15. Let's use sermons -- or testimonies of the week's events -- to call our community to action.
During this one week, international media attention will be focused on equality in the marriage laws. An amazing array of GLBT and GLBT-friendly groups are now working on this issue, including Human Rights Campaign, NGLTF, PFLAG, the ACLU, NOW, LLEGO, Soulforce, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Marriage Equality, and the Freedom To Marry Coalition.
In the next few days, we'll be sending an MCC Action Kit to help you organize your events. It's filled with action ideas, sample press releases, information on organizing a community rally, and on-line resources to help you make your plans.
Be on the lookout for this MCC Action Kit for Freedom To Marry Week -- and mark you calendar now for this annual event during Valentines Week's, February 9-15, 2004.
Together we're making a difference!
Two Tampa Gay Men Missing Since December 20th Community’s Caution and Assistance is Requested
(Tampa, FL), Equality Florida 1/5/04 advised caution and requestd the community’s assistance as two local gay men are reported missing through the Holidays.
Jason Gellhouse (26) and Michael Wayne Wachholtz (also 26) both disappeared within 24 hours of each other around December 20th, 2003. Neither of the missing persons’ roommates nor family members have heard from them since that date.
Very little is currently known regarding the disappearances. Jason was last seen by a close friend at 2606, a gay bar in north Tampa, late Friday evening / Saturday morning December 20th. It is believed Jason may have left with two other men when the bar closed.
Michael worked at Bahama Breeze on the Courtney Campbell Causeway and was last seen by his roommate on Saturday evening at their home in Rocky Point, also on the Causeway. An eye witness reported talking to Michael late Saturday evening / Sunday morning when he requested a jump for his maroon Jeep Cherokee. The witness reported seeing Michael and a “couple of other guys” working on his vehicle around 3:30.
As these disappearances may have occurred only a mile or two apart, and both men may have been last seen with two unknown male individuals.
Equality Florida requests that anyone with information regarding these disappearances contact the Tampa Police Department Missing Persons Division’s Detective Deblock (813-276-356) or Detective Keith (813-276-3507).
As we gather reliable information, we will provide you with updates. In the mean time, please be particularly cautious about yourselves, your friends, and your surroundings. Be sure to introduce any new friends or acquaintances to your friends or the bartenders, before leaving any establishment with them. Do not allow your friends to leave with unknown individuals, especially without your knowing who they are leaving with and where they are going.
(Tampa, FL), Equality Florida 1/5/04 advised caution and requestd the community’s assistance as two local gay men are reported missing through the Holidays.
Jason Gellhouse (26) and Michael Wayne Wachholtz (also 26) both disappeared within 24 hours of each other around December 20th, 2003. Neither of the missing persons’ roommates nor family members have heard from them since that date.
Very little is currently known regarding the disappearances. Jason was last seen by a close friend at 2606, a gay bar in north Tampa, late Friday evening / Saturday morning December 20th. It is believed Jason may have left with two other men when the bar closed.
Michael worked at Bahama Breeze on the Courtney Campbell Causeway and was last seen by his roommate on Saturday evening at their home in Rocky Point, also on the Causeway. An eye witness reported talking to Michael late Saturday evening / Sunday morning when he requested a jump for his maroon Jeep Cherokee. The witness reported seeing Michael and a “couple of other guys” working on his vehicle around 3:30.
As these disappearances may have occurred only a mile or two apart, and both men may have been last seen with two unknown male individuals.
Equality Florida requests that anyone with information regarding these disappearances contact the Tampa Police Department Missing Persons Division’s Detective Deblock (813-276-356) or Detective Keith (813-276-3507).
As we gather reliable information, we will provide you with updates. In the mean time, please be particularly cautious about yourselves, your friends, and your surroundings. Be sure to introduce any new friends or acquaintances to your friends or the bartenders, before leaving any establishment with them. Do not allow your friends to leave with unknown individuals, especially without your knowing who they are leaving with and where they are going.
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