Queer Prison Activists - JOIN US!

Friends,

Several people, including myself, will be marching in this year\'s San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade in a \"Support Queer Prisoners\" contingent. In particular, we will be marching to bring awareness to Brian Carmichael\'s legal case in which he faces a third strike. Brian is a gay, HIV positive, former prisoner and AIDS activist who was instrumental in improving medical care for HIV positive prisoners at Vacaville State Prison. We are encouraging folks to attend his court hearing on June 29th to demand that his felony charge be reduced to a misdemeanor and that his 1 year behind bars be considered time served. In addition, we are asking folks, especially from organizations, to endorse a letter we are sending to the judge which lists our requests.

We would be honored if you could march with us. We are asking everyone who deals with LGBT/HIV criminal justice issues and those who are supportive to join our contingent on Sunday, June 24, between 11 and 11:30 am, on Beale Street between Folsom and Bryant. We are contingent 162, Section J and will be marching in collaboration with the International Action Center.

If you are from an organization, please bring your flyers and signs. Or if you want, we will have flyers regarding Brian\'s case that can be handed out. Also, any signs that says \"Support Queer Prisoners\", \"Support LGBT Prisoners\", \"Free Brian Carmichael\", etc. are welcomed and encouraged.

Thank you for your time and I apologize if you\'ve received this email in duplicates.

Sincerely,

Kevin Weaver
HIV In Prison Committee
California Prison Focus

****Information on Brian Carmichael\'s Case:

BRIAN CARMICHAEL, former prisoner AIDS activist and gay political organizer, is facing sentencing on a three-strikes charge (27-to life) in San Jose Superior Court on Friday, June 29, for being HIV-positive and a heavily tattooed former prisoner.
Brian, who was instrumental in fighting for the lives of HIV+ men prisoners at the California Medical Facility at Vacaville in the early 90\'s (even before he found out he was positive), is now facing the fight of his life. Your support can make a difference.
Almost a year ago, Brian was on a plane to San Jose, accompanying his seriously debilitated brother who was in urgent need of medical care. One passenger got into an argument with Brian and tried to take away his seat alongside his brother. Harsh words were exchanged but no one was hurt. Brian was very protective of his brother throughout the trip. When Brian and his brother landed in San Jose, Brian was ordered onto the jetway by the local police. When Brian tried to give his sister, his brother\'s medicine, he was rammed into the wall with his legs kicked out from under him. Despite his assurances that he was not resisting, police roughly arrested him and took him to a nearby hospital for a drug test (which came back negative). He was told by officers that he was facing a misdeanor offense.
Until they found out! Brian told the doctor at the hospital that he was HIV+. An hour later at the police station, police forcibly drew Brian