MEDIA ADVISORY
May 29, 2009
Contact:
Matt Comer, 336-391-9528, matt.hill.comer@gmail.com
Charlotte Rainbow Action Network for Equality (CRANE), www.rainbowaction.org
Gay grassroots group holds rally, march in wake of California Prop. 8 Supreme Court decision
Group will attend June 1 City Council Citizens’ Forum in support of pro-gay resolution
CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Rainbow Action Network for Equality (CRANE) will hold a Friday rally at Marshall Park and march through Uptown to the Government Center, to raise awareness on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) equality issues. The event is a direct response to the May 26, 2009, California Supreme Court ruling upholding the anti-gay Proposition 8. The rally and march will feature several local speakers, including a lesbian couple married in California prior to Proposition 8’s passage in November.
During the Friday event, CRANE will urge supporters to sign a petition in support of a resolution to be presented at the June 1, 2009 City Council Citizens’ Forum. The resolution asks Charlotte leaders to go on record supporting the right of same-sex couples to enter into legally-recognized, civil marriages. Similar resolutions have already been approved by the Chapel Hill and Carrboro Town Councils.
CRANE members will be present to show their support of the resolution at the Citizens’ Forum. Supporters will wear red shirts or other articles of clothing to signify their support. The full text of the proposed resolution can be read at www.rainbowaction.org/taking-a-stand-bringing-it-home/
FRIDAY RALLY & MARCH SCHEDULE
5:30 p.m. — Rally at Marshall Park. Speakers include CRANE members, local LGBTQI and straight ally leaders.
6:15 p.m. — March through Uptown. Route: West on 3rd St. from Marshall Park, North on Tryon St., West on Trade St., South on Davidson St., ending at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center at 600 E. 4th St.
After march — Rally and picket at Government Center and plaza (4th St. side). Includes speakers.
The Charlotte Rainbow Action Network for Equality (CRANE), www.rainbowaction.org, is a grassroots coalition of activists and community members working toward civil and social equality for Charlotte’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) community. In the past, members of the group were responsible for organizing the highly successful and visible Nov. 15, 2008 post-Prop. 8 protest and a series of events countering the anti-gay, ex-gay Exodus International, Love Won Out conference in February 2009.
CORRECTION: Durham has not passed a resolution similar to that already passed by Chapel Hill and Carrboro. The City of Durham is still considering the resolution.
