ACT UP FOUNDER LARRY KRAMER ISSUES COMMUNITY CALL TO ARMS DURING 20TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH

ACT UP FOUNDER LARRY KRAMER ISSUES COMMUNITY CALL TO ARMS DURING 20TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH

Kramer calls for Direct Action Group to Fight for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Equality

In an address marking the 20th Anniversary of his historic speech that launched ACT UP 20 years ago, ACT UP Founder Larry Kramer issued a call to arms to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community to unite in direct action to fight for equality. In a speech filled with examples illustrating how LGBT communities continue to be one of the most hated sub-groups in society, Kramer directed audience attention to the homophobic remarks of General Peter Pace, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chief of Staff.

In an interview with the Chicago Tribune on Monday, Pace was quoted as saying, "I believe homosexual acts between two individuals are immoral and that we should not condone immoral acts. I do not believe the United States is well served by a policy that says it is OK to be immoral in any way."

Kramer called for a militant reaction to Pace's outrageous comment. Immediately following the speech, plans for a demonstration at the military recruiting station on 43rd Street in Times Square began to form.

Who: Members of ACT UP and the newly formed Queer Justice League.
Where: 43rd Street and Broadway, Manhattan.
When: Thursday March 15th, at Noon (12pm).
What: The group will demand General Peter Pace's immediate resignation.
Why: We cannot tolerate top U.S. military officials making public statements of such a homophobic nature; such statements endanger all LGBT citizens currently serving in the military. We will not tolerate people in power whose personal hatred and bigotry make discrimination and prejudice against LGBT people acceptable.

For more information:
Cathy Renna, Renna Communications, 917.757.6123
Eric Sawyer of ACT UP at 917.951.5758
Syd Peterson, Renna Communications, 917.621.6411, syd@rennacommunications.com.