On the 6th anniversary of the murder of Wyoming gay college student Matthew Shepard, march organizers note an increasing link between the attempt to negate equal marriage rights and rising violence against gay people. ‘Within the past few weeks both Rev. Jimmy Swaggert and the publisher of the Washington Times newspaper, Rev. Sun Myung Moon, have called for the death of gay people. ‘Kill gays’ reggae performers Capleton and Beenie Man have attempted to perform at major venues across the nation,’ organizers said. [The House of Blues has cancelled further Capleton concerts after his recent show at HOB Chicago was picketed.]
This year’s march was co-sponsored by the Chicago Anti-Bashing Network and the Equal Marriage NOW! coalition.
Photo #3 is author Wayne Besen (Anything But Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth). Center on Halsted hosts an anti-violence vigil Oct. 6. Photos by Mel Ferrand