I just got an email from Dan Choi asking to get the word out about a fundraising action he's doing today in Topeka, KS to raise funds for LBGT homeless youth. This will be a short and sweet diary and I'll post updates about what happens as I learn. He's asking for a $1 pledge for each "hater" that shows up. His words below the fold.
UPDATE #1: This is being organized by Kansas Equality.
UPDATE: We are hearing rumors that the Governor's office is ordering a heightened law enforcement presence for our rally tomorrow.
WHILE IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE HAVE A PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION, WE WILL INSIST THAT OUR FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS BE RESPECTED.
On June 1, two Kansas State Troopers assigned to the Capitol Police harassed and disrupted the Kansas National Organization For Women's press conference. Spokespeople for Kansas NOW, who had secured all the required permits for use of the outdoor podium, were repeatedly interrupted by Capitol Police as they tried to deliver remarks protesting anti-woman laws passed by the Legislature. Don't be surprised if we are given the same treatment - after all, the people in charge at the Capitol don't like LGBT Kansans any more than they like the women's rights movement.
When: June 24th, 2011, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: Kansas State Capitol (300 SW 10th, Topeka, KS)
This is what he emailed me:
Also, I'm in Topeka, joining with Pro Choice and Gay rights Activists protesting today.
Would you be able to spread the word? The most hated groups here are NOW, Equality KS and Teachers unions!
@KansasEquality will tweet
330p CST at state Capitol. We are risking arrest. Tw of us in uniform.
So, I went to check out his twitter stream:
@ltdanchoi Dan Choi
Our goal is $10,000 for LGBT Homeless Youth. I wil match funds at total to make this happen. @DearShirley @govsambrownback @kansasequality
2 hours ago via web
ltdanchoi Dan Choi
Help the haters help our homeless! Pledge $1.00 per "God Hates Fags" bigot who shows up today, 3:30p Topeka Capitol. Reply to pledge!
2 hours ago
ltdanchoi Dan Choi
Yes. Please find a carpool and bring the young folks in your community to witness Kansas History, as we honor Brown v. Board! @jeynu1
7 hours ago
danm23 Dan Manning
by ltdanchoi
wonder if @govsambrownback will be in his office tomorrow when @KansasEquality is there with @ltdanchoi to rally for #fullequality
8 hours ago
Please pledge. If you do so here, rather than tweeting Dan directly, I will post where to send the money as soon as I get the info.