More photos of the bench action against sit/lie and the policing of public space.

Look around you!
Some new benches have appeared on the streets of San Francisco!

These benches are more than places to sit.
They are a visible resistance to the privatization of public space.

We built these benches because:

• We believe that public space should be for everyone, and right now it is being taken away from those of us who need it most. Those of us whose presence in San Francisco has made our city the radical and creative haven it has been for decades. Those of us who have the least access to private spaces (which continue to get more and more unaffordable) and whose safety nets (like our shrinking public services) are being continuously destroyed.

• We think it shouldn't be a crime to sit on the sidewalk.

• We oppose laws like Prop L/ Sit/Lie, gang injunctions, S-Comm and other attacks on our Sanctuary Ordinance, and any other laws that criminalize people for being poor, brown, black, queer, trans, disabled, or who otherwise exist on the margins or resist mainstream culture.

• We care about this city and we want there to be places to gather, talk to our neighbors, and create connections.

• We think sidewalks full of people make for a safer and more vibrant San Francisco.

• Sometimes we need a place to sit down.


Build your own benches! Find ways to take back public space! This city is for all of us!

Original video documentation of this week's direct action by some angry queers against Sit/Lie and the privatization of public space.

Also look for follow-up video "Benches Sent to Jail"
http://vimeo.com/buzzkill/benchesinjail/