WJW-TV

Jonathan Simcox and Steven Ondo

In court documents filed by the couple's attorney -- nationally-recognized civil rights attorney David Malik -- Jonathan Simcox and his partner, Steven Ondo, claim they were subjected to “excessive force and undisguised prejudice,” because of their sexual orientation.

Simcox and Ondo alledge they were subjected to derogatory name-calling and then hauled off to jail in their underwear, despite repeated requests to change clothes.

The lawsuit also states that the men were ordered to stand outside in their front lawn for 5-10 minutes while they were publicly humiliated.

“We were called faggots a lot by police, and I consider that a fighting word.” His partner added; “It was more humiliating than I can even explain to you," Simcox told WJW-TV.

The lawsuit stems from last April's arrest of the couple for creating a public disturbance and assault on a police officer.

According to the couple, they were walking home from a bar when they started arguing. They say a neighbor, who happened to be an off-duty Cleveland police officer came outside and confronted them.

“He came out over shouting, saying, ‘Shut up, you`re disturbing the peace’,” said Simcox. “I pushed to get past him, as soon as I did that he knocked me on the ground, and just started beating me, hitting me, standing over top of me, and punching me repeatedly.”

A few minutes later, more officers arrived at their house, they were arrested and hauled off to jail.

“At the time my hands were all cut up, I was covered in blood,” said Simcox. Simcox and Ondo said they were later released from jail and told that no charges were being filed against them.

In the lawsuit filed this week, the men state that a week later, in an early morning raid, “6 or 7 members of the Cleveland Police Warrant Team” woke them, informing them they were wanted on a warrant for “assaulting a peace officer.”

The men state each time they tried asking questions, the officers became increasingly violent. “The officer in the glasses grabbed me by my shirt, and punched me twice in the face, after he punched me, he threw me up against the wall,” said Simcox.

Simcox says at the time of the arrest, he and his partner were wearing only underwear and t-shirts. When Simcox’s brother asked police if he could get them some pants and shoes, one of the officers allegedly responded by saying, “You can go get them shoes, but faggots don`t deserve to wear pants in jail.”

The lawsuit states that the men were ordered to stand outside in their front lawn for five to 10 minutes wearing only their t-shirts and underwear while they were publicly humiliated. The couple were then taken to jail and according to the lawsuit for, “at least one whole day their repeated requests for pants were denied.”

“The City of Cleveland is aware that the lawsuit has been filed and will appropriately address this legal matter in court. At this point, the City has no comment on this pending litigation," Interim Law Director Barbara Langhenry told WJW-TV.

Civil rights attorney Sam Riotte told the station, “Jonathan and Steven’s rights were violated in part of who they are, because they are homosexuals.” As for the assault charge, Riotte said, “They went to trial, it was proven they didn’t do anything wrong, they were found not guilty.”

Yeni Akit printed an article titled "Üskül prefers perverts," regarding Zafer Üskül, the then head of Turkish Parliamentary Human Rights Commission who attended an "International Anti-Homophobism Meeting" organized by KAOS GL, a leading support organization for Turkey’s LGBT community.

The article, written by columnist Serdar Arseven, described Üskül as "an AKP [Justice and Development Party] member who gave assurances to she-males” in reference to his statement during the meeting that the government guaranteed that LGBT would not be segregated due to their sexual orientations. “[Üskül] went on and attended a meeting by sexual perverts! A meeting of [gays],” Arseven wrote.

KAOS GL filed a lawsuit against Yeni Akit and Arseven, seeking compensation for the headline and the related piece. The lawsuits, however, were rejected by two Ankara courts on the grounds that the newspaper was "within the limits of criticism."

The High Court of Appeals overruled the judgements of the two courts, saying, "The freedom of the press does not encompass the freedom to insult the personal freedoms of individuals."

The court stated that Yeni Akit insulted people with different sexual orientations in a way which could not be considered criticism and passed a sentence; the paper has been ordered to pay 4,000 Turkish Liras while Arseven has been sentenced to pay 2,000 liras in damages.

In St Petersburg, Igor Kochetkov, Chairperson of the Vyhod LGBT Organization and the Russian LGBT-Network, was prevented by the opposition movement from speaking at the demonstration panel, according to reports by Kochetkov via his twitter account, later confirmed by Nikolai Alekseev, Chairperson and founder of Gay Russia and Moscow Pride.

Kochetkov was part of the St Petersburg’s organizing committee of the demonstration and was due to give a speech when he was told minutes before attempting to go on stage that the opposition, “is not supporting your movement and you won’t be allowed to speak.”

In Novasibersik, Russia’s fourth largest city, a protestor holding a rainbow flag was attacked by ultra right wing Russian Nationalists who tore the flag from his hand. In the city of Lipetsk a group of LGBT activists attempting to participate with a banner reading “gays and lesbians for fair elections” were intercepted by the police and told that their slogan is not “in accordance” with the aim of this event and prohibited from using it further.

Alekseev told LGBTQ Nation he was denied permission from speaking publicly in the initial demonstration of the opposition movement held Dec. 10 in Moscow. Alekseev also said that a lesbian speaker named Nadezhda Tolokno was jeered off the panel by Nationalists participants who attempted to attack her physically.

According to a source at the media outlet Russia Today, in a telephone conference call leaked to the press between Boris Nemtsov, leader of the Russian opposition movement and other high ranking anti-government protest organizers, Nemtsov, referred to her as “that dyke whore” adding that the “Nazis, rejects her!”

Nemtsov used homophobic remarks, saying that ‘faggots’ are all AIDS infected, and gays are Nazi swine, according to the source.

“I find it completely outrageous that the incidents happened during the opposition rallies and then not a single high ranking organizer of these events denounced these attacks and harassment of LGBT people,” Alekseev said, adding that organizers should be happy with the participation of the Russian LGBT community. "They should help and create a secure participation and atmosphere for LGBT people in such demonstrations.”

“I agree that the elections were not fair and new elections should be held. At the same time Gay Russia, the Organizing Committee of Moscow Pride and myself have decided that we are not going to officially endorse such demonstrations because the people who are organizing them are not any better than the current Russian government with regards to LGBT Rights," said Alekseev.

Peter Tatchell, a leading LGBTQ activist in Europe with deep ties to Russia's nascent LGBTQ activist community, told LGBTQ Nation that "the censorship and ejection of LGBT campaigners from the democracy demonstrations is shameful."

"It shows that many of the so-called democracy leaders are not committed to universal human rights. They are Putin-lite. They want to moderate the Kremlin regime, rather than change it. If they came to power, LGBT Russians would gain little," said Tatchell.

TROY, Mich. -- Reports claiming Troy Mayor Janice Daniels was fired from her job at Century 21 Town & Country are not true, according to the manager of the real estate office where Daniels worked.

Janice Daniels

On Wednesday, the online LGBT publication Get Out and Live and The Oakland Press both reported that Troy Mayor Janice Daniels, who has been under fire since Friday for an anti-gay remark she made on her Facebook page, had been "let go" from her job at Century 21.

"That is absolutely false," Dan Kersten, manager of the Century 21 Town & Country office in Troy, said Wednesday evening.

"She has not been let go. She voluntarily put her license in escrow, so she’s not able to practice real estate.”

Kersten's statement matches the statement Daniels made Monday when she showed up to a student-led protest at City Hall, where she added, "I have suffered consequences, too."

“I’ve only met Janice a couple times, and I don’t know her very well," Kersten said. "She’s pretty much part time. She doesn’t even have a desk.”

Kersten said he did not know if or when Daniels would return, and chose not to make a statement regarding Daniels on behalf of Century 21 Town & Country.

The overflow crowd packed both council chambers and the adjacent meeting room with dozens of citizens lined up for public comment. Speaker after speaker took Daniels to task, while residents outside protested and called for her resignation.

The controversy stems from a June 25 Facebook post unearthed last week by the blog “Keep Troy Strong” -- in the post, Daniels wrote: "I think I am going to throw away my ‘I Love New York’ carrying bag now that queers can get married there."

"How can any citizen of Troy ever look at this mayor the same way?" asked resident Jeff Williams.

Williams, 26, went on to address the mayor directly, telling her “You don’t represent my values. I’m ashamed to have you represent the city.”

Earlier, as Daniels entered the Troy municipal building, a crowd of about 40 persons chanted for her removal.

The mayor paused and lectured the crowd on the meaning of forgiveness by saying, "True forgiveness means that you wipe the slate clean and allow the person to improve themselves from that point forward, so this is a very good lesson for all of us!"

After numerous persons pointed out that her demeanor appeared to indicate she wasn't truly sorry for her actions, the mayor responded with, "I'm a good person, I really am. I said one word that you don't like. One word."

After the Facebook post became public, Daniels told MLive.com, "I may have said something like that ... I probably shouldn’t have used that kind of language, but I do believe marriage should be between one man and one woman.”

Daniels added that while she’s opposed to gay marriage, and has moral issues with homosexuality, she doesn’t hate gay people.

“I love all people. I am human. That was probably a poor choice of words.”

Before the public comment session began, Daniels reiterated her apology, calling the incident "a poor choice of words."

But several residents told her that apology was insufficient and insincere.

One of the mayor's colleagues, City Councilman Dane Slater, said, "I'm gonna be the first to let you know that you are not the victim here. You sent me a memo apologizing but it gave me the sense that you think you're the victim here, and you are not the victim. The city is the victim."

Denise Brogan-Kator, the executive director of Equality Michigan, said in an open letter published in Troy Patch.com prior to the city council meeting:

When I saw that Troy Mayor Janice Daniels had posted on her Facebook page this summer that she was going to throw away her I Love NY bag “now that queers can get married there,” I was shocked and offended. Her choice of the slur “queers” was evidence that a person who is now an elected official harbors deep animosity toward the gay community, and had no qualms posting about it.

She may not have been mayor at the time, but I doubt that winning the election has done anything other than reinforce her obvious belief that she is better than the people she serves.

Now, having heard her excuse, I am even more deeply concerned, because it is a familiar and dangerous one. Ms. Daniels claims she was “expressing her personal belief that marriage is between one man and one woman.” Meaning, it is okay to degrade and dehumanize people if you are doing it based on a sincerely held moral conviction.

Does that sound familiar to you, too? Just a month ago, our state senate tried to protect school bullies based on the same justification. They passed a bill that exempted not just students, but also school employees and others, from any responsibility for bullying if it was based on a “sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction.” It was, in essence, a license to bully. It was a national embarrassment and a shameful day for our state.

And now Ms. Daniels has shamed the City of Troy by attempting to hide behind the same excuse.

Michael Gregor, Director of Communications for Equality Michigan, told LGBTQ Nation on Tuesday, "This is an example of people holding their elected officials accountable and also making a statement that homophobia, particularly by those same officials is completely unacceptable."

Gregor said that his organization is frustrated with the mayor's lukewarm apology and seemingly insincere efforts, and hopes she will take a lead role in passage of an anti-discrimination bill to help protect Troy's LGBTQ citizens as a means to affirm her support for equality for all of Troy's citizens.

Daniels said she has no intention of resigning.

Janice Daniels

In an interview with MLive.com, Daniels acknowledged that she was responsible for the entry.

“I may have said something like that,” she said. “I probably shouldn’t have used that kind of language, but I do believe marriage should be between one man and one woman.”

[...]

Daniels added that while she’s opposed to gay marriage, and has moral issues with homosexuality, she doesn’t hate gay people.

“I love all people. I am human. That was probably a poor choice of words.”

MLive.com

Linda Kajma, 60, a 37-year Troy resident who said she voted for Daniels' opponent in the Nov. 8 election, said she was upset by the comment, reported the Detroit Free Press.

"She passed herself off as a Christian and a person of integrity during the campaign, and now the real Janice is showing her colors," Kajma said.

The Facebook entry was posted prior to Daniels entering the race for mayor; she won the election and her term commenced last month.

Equality Michigan noted that while the mayor is entitled to her opinion on same-sex marriage, allowing that also Daniels' message on Facebook was posted prior to her election as Troy mayor, Daniels' use of the word queer was inappropriate.

“When we start attacking each other with slurs, and degrading others as human beings, it crosses it line,” said Denise Brogan-Kator, Executive Director of Equality Michigan.

“She is entitled to her own free speech. Her use of the word queer in the context she used it is extremely offensive. I’m outraged that someone in a position of public authority would have those views, and would express them. I think it’s important that it doesn't go unnoticed," Brogan-Kator said.

Billy Canu (right) and his partner.

Billy Canu, speaking on behalf of himself and his partner, said they had approached the United Airlines customer service area seeking access to the Gold and United Club members lounge at Denver International Airport and eventually complained that the attitude of the staff was indifferent and patronizing.

Canu, a Denver native, posted the following account on his Facebook page Sunday, after the couple returned to their home in San Diego:

We went to customer service and the line was empty. My partner and walked to the front of the rope and stood there waiting, there were four staff behind the desk (1 male, 3 female) and one male stood beside them.

We were initially ignored as all five were chatting to each other. One was reading a magazine on hair and nails. The gentleman at the side of the desk beckoned us over, yet still we were ignored. The four staff started laughing with each other as to who was going to help, pointing to each other. One woman said 'I can't help as I'm pregnant' and laughed at us. A lady (whose name we did not take) then proceeded to 'help' We asked what the difference was with the Gold access to the lounges, but she could not help.

She simply told us that Gold access was for international only as 'those tickets cost more' in a very condescending tone.

Eventually the gentleman to the side of the desk explained the difference, that there are open wide access Gold lounges and United members clubs. What we had tried to enter was a members club. The lady who served us went back to reading her magazine and I apologized for interrupting her magazine reading and explained she was rude. She looked up, again with a condescending attitude and said 'Im soooo sorry'

My partner then backed up my cause explaining how rude she was, again we were met with 'Im so sorry' This wasn't an apology, but a mere attempt at belittling us. The conversation got heated and then Rodney Hill, the 'manager' appeared.

According to the couple, Hill showed up during the conversation with the agent, did not ask any questions to assess the situation, and simply told the men they had to leave or they will be removed from the airport.

Rodney Hill

Canu acknowledged that the situation had become very confrontational at this point.

Rather than escalate the incident, Canu said, he and his partner walked away from the airline's service desk, but claimed that Hill followed them a short distance down the concourse continuing to threaten the couple with removal from the airport.

According to Canu, Hill also shouted at them, calling them idiots at which point, Canu's partner, angered at the ongoing tirade turned on Hill and shouted back 'what was that?'

Canu said that Hill responded with "What faggots?" in what Canu described as a threatening posture.

Shortly after, Hill returned to the service desk.

Canu told LGBTQ Nation that both he and his partner felt bullied and scared by the incident and felt that Hill's reaction was inappropriate.

Canu said he did return alone to the service desk to get Hill's full name and a way to contact Hill's supervisor, and that Hill snapped that he could contact whomever he wished on the airline's website to make a complaint.

Canu said he contacted United Airlines on Sunday to make a complaint, but told LGBTQ Nation that as of Monday morning, he had not been contacted by the airline.

Reached by LGBTQ Nation late Monday, United spokesperson Christen David, Senior Manager for Corporate Communications, wrote in an email, "United does not tolerate discrimination of any kind and we take this customer’s complaint very seriously. We immediately initiated a review of the alleged incident and are contacting the customer to follow-up."

"However, we have not been able to corroborate the customer’s version of what was said," wrote David. "Our Customer Care team has been in contact with Mr. Canu."

Brett Ratner

The slur came in during a question and answer period following the screening last weekend of his new film, “Tower Heist.” He later appeared on the Howard Stern Show on Sirius XM and discussed masturbation, cunnilingus, pubic hair, the size of his testicles, and his sexual encounter with Lindsay Lohan.

The drumbeat of criticism continued Tuesday, culminating in Ratner's resignation, reported the Los Angeles Times.

It was not immediately clear whether Ratner's handpicked host, Eddie Murphy, would also leave the Academy Award broadcast, scheduled for late February.

The Academy's president Tom Sherak told reporters Tuesday afternoon, "He did the right thing for the academy and for himself. Words have meaning, and they have consequences. Brett is a good person, but his comments were unacceptable. We all hope this will be an opportunity to raise awareness about the harm that is caused by reckless and insensitive remarks, regardless of the intent."

In an open letter to the entertainment industry, Ratner wrote:

Dear Colleagues,

Over the last few days, I've gotten a well-deserved earful from many of the people I admire most in this industry expressing their outrage and disappointment over the hurtful and stupid things I said in a number of recent media appearances. To them, and to everyone I've hurt and offended, I’d like to apologize publicly and unreservedly.

As difficult as the last few days have been for me, they cannot compare to the experience of any young man or woman who has been the target of offensive slurs or derogatory comments. And they pale in comparison to what any gay, lesbian, or transgender individual must deal with as they confront the many inequalities that continue to plague our world.

So many artists and craftspeople in our business are members of the LGBT community, and it pains me deeply that I may have hurt them. I should have known this all along, but at least I know it now: words do matter. Having love in your heart doesn't count for much if what comes out of your mouth is ugly and bigoted. With this in mind, and to all those who understandably feel that apologies are not enough, please know that I will be taking real action over the coming weeks and months in an effort to do everything I can both professionally and personally to help stamp out the kind of thoughtless bigotry I’ve so foolishly perpetuated.

As a first step, I called Tom Sherak this morning and resigned as a producer of the 84th Academy Awards telecast. Being asked to help put on the Oscar show was the proudest moment of my career. But as painful as this may be for me, it would be worse if my association with the show were to be a distraction from the Academy and the high ideals it represents.

I am grateful to GLAAD for engaging me in a dialogue about what we can do together to increase awareness of the important and troubling issues this episode has raised and I look forward to working with them. I am incredibly lucky to have a career in this business that I love with all of my heart and to be able to work alongside so many of my heroes. I deeply regret my actions and I am determined to learn from this experience.

Sincerely,
Brett Ratner

Burnett was at a private party at about 1 a.m. Sunday when four men suddenly attacked him, stabbing him at least twice with a broken beer bottle before throwing him onto a lit burn barrel while yelling homophobic epithets.

A spokesperson for the District Attorney said that Micky Joe Smith, 25, Daniel Martin, 33, and James “Tray” Mitchell Laster III, 31, all face charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury. The charges are second-degree felonies, punishable by up 20 years in prison.

The Lamar County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Martin and Laster are each being held on $250,000 bond, a Sheriff's spokesman said that no bond has been set for Smith, who was taken into custody earlier Wednesday.

Lamar County District Attorney Gary Young told reporters that it will be up to a county grand jury to decide whether the three suspects are prosecuted with the state's hate crime enhancement. Under Texas statues, the enhancement could result in the charges being bumped up from second-degree felonies to first-degree felonies — punishable by five to 99 years in prison.

“We’re in the process of receiving all the information as a result of the investigation,” said Young, who declined to further discuss the status of the ongoing investigation.

“We will present all that information to the grand jury, including all the information as to whether it’s a hate crime or not. The grand jury will make a determination whether it [a hate crime] is or isn’t part of the charge. If their actions of committing the aggravated assault are based on race or sexual orientation or whatever it may be, the grand jury can choose to enhance the offense up a level," he added.

Burnett said it took 30 stitches to close stab wounds to his back and forearm, as well as a cut above his left eye. He also sustained second-degree burns and severe bruises.

In an initial report published by the Dallas Voice, Burke Burnett, 26, said he was at a private party at about 1 a.m. Sunday when four men suddenly attacked him, stabbing him at least twice with a broken beer bottle before throwing him onto a lit burn barrel.

Dallas Voice

Burke Burnett

According to Burnett, his assailants were yelling the epithets “pussy-ass faggot,” “gay bitch” and “cock-sucking punk,” during the attack.

“They knew I was gay,” Burnett told the Voice on Monday. “I’m convinced they were trying to kill me.”

But one police official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told LGBTQ Nation on Tuesday that there are two sides to this incident, and that investigators were exploring the possibility that the attack may have been provoked, and not influenced by the victim's sexual orientation.

The official did indicate that police investigators were aware of the identities of the four men involved and were continuing the investigation. The source did emphasize that the Reno police were taking the attack very seriously, but no decision had been made as to possible charges.

Burnett said the officer investigating the case told him the attack will be classified as a hate crime. But Burnett said his attackers, whose identities are known, remain at large, and the officer told him it could be two weeks before they’re arrested.

“I’m scared for my life,” Burnett said, adding that he’s staying with a family friend. “I’m scared to go home. These guys have nothing to lose.”

Burnett said he grew up in Paris and came out as gay when he was 15. He knows at least one of his attackers personally. Two of the suspects have been to prison and may be on parole, he said.

Burnett said he’s attended several parties at the residence and was invited by his straight friend who lives there. He arrived at the party several hours earlier with three gay friends. However, the group left after someone at the party was overheard making anti-gay remarks such as, “These faggots don’t deserve to be here. Somebody needs to get them out of there.”

Burnett said he didn't hear the remarks and wasn't aware of them when he returned to the party later in the evening with one of his girlfriends.

Dallas Voice

In a statement released Monday, police chief Jeffery Sugg said, "The Reno Police Department is currently investigating an aggravated assault that took place last weekend. The investigation is ongoing and additional information will be provided when available.”

Reno Mayor William Heuberger, told LGBTQ Nation on Tuesday that he felt that the police department would do a through and fair job of investigating the incident, and that he would abstain from comment until the police investigation was completed.

The Mayor also said that he didn't feel that the actions of the four men were reflective of the overall values of the community nor of its citizens.

It is the second attack on a gay man this year outside the same club.

Dane Hall, an openly gay man, lost six teeth and his jawbone was broken in three places as a result of the attack, which left him hospitalized for four days.

Hall said he left Club Sound, which is gay-themed on Friday nights, and crossed the street to the corner of 600 West and 200 South in Salt Lake City, when four men approached him and began yelling gay slurs. He was then punched in the back of the head and knocked to the ground. One of the assailants grabbed his shirt and began punching him in the face, he said.

After Hall fell to the ground again, the attacker grabbed him, placed his open mouth over the street curb and stomped on the back of head, knocking out six teeth in a move commonly referred to as ‘curb checking,’ which can result in death in many cases. Two other assailants kicked him repeatedly in the stomach, Hall said. The attackers called him a ‘fag’ and took his identification and $40, he said.

“I could have died. And a piece of bone from my jaw was jammed into my brain, to make things worse,” Hall said in email correspondence because his jaw is still wired shut after the attack.

QSaltLake

Hall said his medical bills could reach $30,000 or more -- he is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of his assialants.

Two accounts have also been set up in Hall's name to help pay for medical treatment, one at Wells Fargo Bank and one at Zions Bank, both under Dane Hall. Part of the proceeds from Club Sound on Friday will also be going to help Hall.

QSaltLake reports that the attack comes just months after a similar attack in April outside of the same club of another gay man.

On April 23, Jordan Corona, 21, left Club Sound and was attacked from behind by several assailants. Corona was treated for a concussion as a result of the attack, he said.

So far, no arrests have been made in either attack.

Gage Skidmore

Terry Branstad

“I think it’s inappropriate to try to link these two,” Branstad added, during his weekly press conference at the state capitol.

Branstad's comment was in response to a Des Moines Register reporter who, noting that Andrews' homicide might have been related to his sexual orientation, asked the Governor what he thought his role should be in controlling the substance and tone for the debate over LGBT rights, given the increasingly vitriolic rhetoric on the issue of same-sex marriage in Iowa.

“I think it’s inappropriate to try to link these two,” Branstad said.

“The fact of the matter is, we need to protect the health, safety and well-being of all the citizens, regardless – if somebody is murdered, it needs to be investigated and prosecuted and people held responsible for it.

"But I see no link whatsoever and I think it’s inappropriate to try to blame people that are not associated with having committed a crime. I think we need to focus on the people who committed the crime and they need to be brought to justice."

Des Moines Register

Andrews, a 19-year-old college student, was brutally beaten in the early morning hours on August 18, and whose attackers, according to witnesses, shouted anti-gay slurs and kicked him in the face.

He died on August 20 in the company of relatives and acquaintances after being removed from life support.

Homicide detectives for the Waterloo police department stressed to reporters that they think Andrews' beating was prompted after a long-running dispute, and not related to his actual or perceived sexual orientation.

His death has triggered an outcry from LGBTQ equality rights advocacy group One Iowa and other gay rights advocates around the nation.

The Register also noted that "gay marriage has been legal in Iowa since an Iowa Supreme Court ruling in 2009, but social conservatives continue to push the split-controlled Iowa Legislature for the right to vote to change the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage."

via: Facebook

Marcellus Andrews

Marcellus Richard Andrews died on Sunday in the company of relatives and acquaintances after being removed from life support.

Andrews, who was slated to start studying interior design at Hawkeye Community College, spent part of Thursday practicing with members of the Crusaders, a drill team sponsored by Union Missionary Baptist Church. He led the step team for the group, which was days away from competing in March Against Darkness.

Night found him at Nakita Wright's home on Cottage Street.

She said the problems started at about 12:45 a.m. Friday when she and Tudia Simpson, her cousin, went for a walk down the street. Andrews opted to stay behind, waiting on the enclosed porch, she said.

The two women hadn't made it as far as Adams Street a block away when they heard yelling back at the house. They ran back and found a truck stopped in the street, and the occupants were taunting Andrews, calling him "faggot" and "Mercedes," a feminization of his first name, Simpson said.

[...]

From there, the fight was on, with Nakita Wright and the others joining in, according to their account.

At some point during the scuffle, Nakita Wright felt her leg brush against something on the ground. She looked down and saw Andrews.

"I tried to help him up, and then this boy ran back and kicked him in his face," Nakita Wright said.

After the brawl ended, she tried helping Andrews to his feet. He appeared dazed. She grabbed one arm and coaxed him as she lifted. He pushed up with his other arm, but then gave up.

Full story: WCF Courier

Police and paramedics were called to the scene, and found Andrews with severe head trauma -- he was airlifted to a local hospital.

Authorities are investigating the assault, and so far no arrests have been made.

A memorial page on Facebook has been established in Andrews' memory.

The lawsuit against the Santa Clara amusement park was filed Monday in Santa Clara County Superior Court by Craig Person and Edmund Yang, both of San Jose.

It is the delayed reaction to an incident on August 17, 2008, that began with a ride on the Psycho Mouse roller coaster.

The two men exited past a counter where park employees were selling photographs taken of patrons during the ride. Person and Yang declined to purchase a shot showing them from overhead, holding hands.

Later in the day, friends discovered the same photograph on display at a different ride's counter -- but with a thought bubble added that contained the phase "Were (sic) Fags!"

via: San Francisco Chronicle

The couple made complaints to the theme park early on, but according to their attorney, Elisa Stewart, eventually Great America became "non-responsive."

Person and Yang said they have suffered ongoing humiliation, and are seeking unspecified damages.

Miami Herald

Harold Strickland

Last week, the city announced it was firing officers Frankly Forte and Eliut Hazzi, who had been under investigation by police Internal Affairs and prosecutors since The Miami Herald reported in February 2010 on the incident.

Strickland, a former Beach resident who moved to Los Angeles, said that about 1 a.m. on March 13, 2009, he was visiting South Florida and wanted to see his old neighborhood. He walked past Flamingo Park near 14th Street and Michigan Avenue and said he saw two guys beating a man and kicking his head like "a football.”

Strickland called 911, realizing as he described the beating that the two assailants — with guns, walkie-talkies and handcuffs — were undercover police officers. For nearly five minutes, Strickland spoke with a 911 dispatcher until he said the two men were “coming after me!” The men, later identified as Forte and Hazzi, approached Strickland and can be heard on the recording asking him why he is there, where he lives and if he has identification. Then the line went dead.

Strickland, who according to state attorney’s office documents said the two officers repeatedly called him “fag and faggot,” was arrested on charges of loitering and prowling.

More: The Miami Herald

The settlement requires the City of Miami Beach to pay Strickland $75,000 which includes attorneys’ fees, as well as enact new policies regarding the reporting of police misconduct.

Among the changes mandated by the settlement is the inclusion of new training language for Miami Beach police officers, including the following: “Improperly prohibiting or punishing a citizen from observing, documenting, or reporting a police officer’s conduct violates the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.”