GAY

Golde 2000

COLUMBUS

A I D S T A S K FORCE

THE BATTLE CONTINUES...

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America

Continued from page C-7

and the foundations of fairness and equality that theoretically define us as a people. Those who drive official policy are operating under the influence of rhetoric and toxic thinking that can only lead to a fatal collision of our ideals as freedom-loving people and the restrictive, anti-family fractiousness of radical extremism.

Is it any wonder that those who attack us feel they have a license to do so? A license to kill? Police won't investigate. Juries won't convict. The public still thinks our lives are a political issue, defined by the mythic "Gay Agenda."

us.

America, you kill me! America kills all of

Do we choose to be willing lambs, led to slaughter? Or do we claim our citizenship, at any cost?

Our call to people of goodwill and justice, and especially to all gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender people, and those who support and love usour allies in the fight for liberty and justice for all-is to take action.

Become involved at every level of possibility. Here, at Brown, in your workplace, your county and city government, and, especially, in being vigilant and forceful in shaping your communities, however they are defined, into an honest and true reflections of what we all know they can be.

We can meet the challenge posed as the year 2000 begins and for many years to come. As new generations of activists come forward with new ideas and sensibilities; as the political landscape evolves and changes; as new technologies are born and developed; and as the mercurial focus of issues present new concerns and dangers... Our strength, creativity, harnessed rage and effective activism will remain constant and be the root source of our salvation in the future.

Matthew Shepard became a poster boy. He became a poster boy for hate crimes; he became a poster boy for tolerance. He didn't volunteer for the job. His image was appropriated; the story of his sickening death has become a great legend.

Matthew Shepard should be a symbol. But it misses the point if it ends with legislation. It misses the point if it's about mere toler-

ance.

Matt's murder is a parable for our times. It tells of what happens to the conscience of the country when it fails to be free for all and accord every person dignity. How we consume and destroy our children...our future.

America has killed Matt, Alex Charles, Bryan Nisenfeld and thousands of our other gay, trans, bi and lesbian brothers and sisters. It is up to us the witnesses for the prosecution to bring justice to the land.

Jeffrey Montgomery is executive director of the Triangle Foundation, Michigan's statewide gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender anti-violence, civil rights and advocacy organization.

Christopher J. Amato, Ph.D., LPCC CCDC3-E

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