Incidents during a police inspection of a gay bar in Fort Worth last weekend, weirdly on the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, have caused many to question whether officials used excessive force in their dealings with patrons. However, many gay rights activists say the answer is obvious and hosted a "Milk Box" forum (named in honor of Harvey Milk) to allow witnesses and advocates to speak out on what happened that night.
The event is an engaging means of encouraging dialogue regarding homophobia and the civil rights which are denied to GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) people.
“The claims that sexual advances were made to the police are outrageous. Placing the blame on a member of the GLBT community is this way is the oldest and most vile trick in the book,” Gay Liberaction, the organization that hosts the forums, said in a statement.
Police have argued that they were simply responding to calls complaining of excessive alcohol serving, and were also investigating two other clubs that night. They also claim that patrons made sexual advances toward a Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission officer, although many witnesses decry these accusations as false and as obvious gay stereotyping.
Chad Gibson, the victim in question, said he went to the hospital as a result of the force used.
"Particularly disturbing is the violence used by the police department while arresting Chad Gibson, a man who has been described as a small man that would weigh 150 pounds soaking wet," Gay Liberaction said.
Gibson has said he doesn't recall the arrest due to his head injury, and denies groping a police officer -- saying that he definitely did not make such an action.
"It's not very good what happened. It's unfortunate what happened to me and I hope it doesn't happen to anybody else," he said.
The GLBT community will also be holding another rally at the Tarrant County Courthouse July 12. Investigations by the TABC and the Fort Worth police into the allegations and raid are ongoing. Until those investigations are complete, the Fort Worth police has suspended all operations with the TABC.
Holly LaFon has written and worked for various local publications including D Magazine and Examiner.
