Skies were threatening. Jerks in trucks shouted rude comments. Other people leaned out of car windows and yelled, “we love you, good luck.” The third annual ‘We Are Not Bashful’ march to raise awareness of gay bashing and other violent acts stepped off from Tod’s Tasties on Montford Avenue.
March organizer Sam Soper led the march to Pack Square, and along the edge of Downtown After Five. “It always looks like it is going to rain,” Soper said, “but it hasn’t yet.”
In the square, supporters heard speakers ranging from victims of violence, poets, and workers from Our Voice about a variety of topics of interest to the crowd. A common theme was the lack of respect they feel from the “straight” community, which they say leads to violence against LBGT people.
Unlike last year, there were no city officials on hand to make speeches. Of course this is not an election year for city offices, as one woman pointed out. City council member Gordon Smith was on hand at the march starting point, but was unable to make the march or rally.
A woman and her adorned dog listen to the speakers at the rally at the Vance Monument.
Marchers file past the Basilica of St. Lawrence on their way to Pack Square.
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