Box Turtle Bulletin
News and commentary about the anti-gay lobby“Now you must raise your children up in a world where that union of man and box turtle is on the same legal footing as man and wife…”
News and commentary about the anti-gay lobbyJuly 2nd, 2009
As many as 250 people attended a vigil for Chad Gibson Wednesday night at the Rainbow Lounge. (Chastity Kirven/Dallas Voice)
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has reassigned two agents involved with the raid on the Rainbow Lounge to desk duty pending an internal investigation. TABC also acknowledges that Chad Gibson’s head trauma occured while he was in their custody:
“I take seriously all allegations concerning inappropriate or illegal behavior by our employees. We have in the past, and we will in the future, take action against any employee found to have violated agency policy or the law,” TABC administrator Alan Steen said in a statement. “We are saddened that this incident occurred and extend our sincere hope that Mr. Gibson recovers quickly.”
Meanwhile, estimates range from 100 to 250 for the size of the crowd that gathered for a vigil for Chad Gibson outside the Rainbow Lounge in Fort Worth last night.
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Cathy Cat
July 2nd, 2009
I was at the vigil, and there were far more than 100 people there (over 200). Please note that the Dallas Voice admits that they were not there. They got their attendance number from the Dallas Morning News, and God only knows how DMN came up with their estimate.
It was still very warm at 8 P.M. and many people were inside the lounge staying cool until the vigil began at 8:30. Also some people were still arriving just before the vigil began. Maybe DMN never bothered to hang around in the heat for the ceremony?
If you don’t believe me, find someone with a picture of the entire crowd while Dr. Sprinkle was standing at the door addressing us.
The Dallas Morning News engaged in sloppy reporting, and the Dallas Voice engaged in sloppy reporting. Please do not let the Box Turtle Bulletin perpetuate and propagate their mistakes.
Timothy Kincaid
July 2nd, 2009
Cathy Cat,
I also noted that the DMM repeated the claims of the police as though they were fact and failed to note that ALL the witnesses dispute their claims.
DFW news placed the estimate at 250
Stephen Sprinkle
July 2nd, 2009
Dear Box Turtle friends,
There were far more than 100 at the Candlelight Vigil at the Rainbow Lounge last night. Fort Worth’s LGBT community is finding its voice in the struggle for justice in the streets. We are solidly in support of Chad Gibson as he recovers, and encouraged by the show of solidarity between the Dallas and Fort Worth LGBT communities. The message for all North Texans is that we are here to share the blessings of life together with all of you. We are not going away. We will resist any and all attempts to demean and dehumanize us, and any other group. The Spirit of Stonewall is being realized in the wake of the Rainbow Lounge Raid.
Stephen Sprinkle
Brite Divinity School
Fort Worth, Texas
Jim Burroway
July 2nd, 2009
It took me a while to find another estimate, but I finally found one. Since I now have two estimates, I’ve updated the post accordingly. If someone can find another estimate, please let me know in the comments.
Cathy Cat
July 2nd, 2009
Jim,
Here’s one I found:
TABC Reassigns Two Agents in Gay Bar Raid
Scott Gordon
About 250 people attended a candlelight vigil for Chad Gibson outside the Rainbow Lounge.
http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/TABC_Reassigns_Two_Agents_in_Gay_Bar_Raid_Dallas-Fort_Worth.html
GreenEyedLilo
July 2nd, 2009
Very positive developments here. While I’m still horrified that this happened, it’s good that the agency is acknowledging responsibility and taking steps to prevent further incidents like this.
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