Hi My Valley Friends,

In case you hear rumors about this, let me confirm that Rev. Fred Phelps is
coming to Bakersfield this Saturday, to picket at the funeral of a fallen
soldier, who died in a bomb blast in Iraq. If you want to read the convoluted
reason why, you can download the flier I attached herewith. (It is an awful
flier. Only open it if you have a strong stomach.)

In case you get incorrect info from another source, we want to announce that
Bako LGBTQ is NOT staging a rally or counterprotest. Then man deserves a
dignified service, and we will not participate in any circus that takes away
from that. We are working behind the scenes to make sure that local
authorities are aware of some of Phelps tactics, so that attendees can be safe. In
addition, we are talking with the media about how this is an example of how
tolerated homophobia eventually hurts everyone, not just the gay community.
Still, the focus should be on the soldier, his commitment to the country, and
his family's needs, not on us.

If you were thinking of coming here to join a protest, please reconsider.
There may come a time when we plead for Valley folks to come to our aid, but
this is just not that time. Save your gas, and make a donation to the local
LGBTQ organization of your choice instead.

Sincerely,

Whitney Douglas-Weddell
_http://www.gayrights.meetup.com/4/_ (http://www.gayrights.meetup.com/4/)

Bakersfield LGBTQ
P. O. Box 21032
Bakersfield, CA 93390 <------this is not a typo!