I have always been, at my core, a sensitive creature. As a child it was more evident. I hid from loud noises. I was shy and reserved. I cried outwardly when things made me sad. I did not know how to stand up for myself. As I grew I developed a thick skin. I learned how to protect my heart, even when wearing it on my sleeve. Slowly, but surely I grew harder. To the point that my now partner Drew was surprised when I broke down a couple weeks ago crying. No. Sobbing.
It was early in the morning. The coffee was brewing. The house was quiet and dark. I came out of the bathroom, looked him square in the face and said, “There’s something we need to discuss”. And then through tears I relayed the story of Dane Hall, a gay man in Salt Lake City who had been viciously and cruelly attacked by four men a few days prior. His jaw was shattered when they put his face down on the curb and then stomped on his head. A chip of his bone was lodged in his brain. He was so very lucky to be alive. And all he had done to provoke the attack was leave a downtown club on gay night.
And so Shoot Out Hate was born. I’ve never done anything like this before. I’ve volunteered. I’ve fundraised. I’ve donated. But I’ve never took the onus on myself and made something happen. So today I present to you my first fundraiser. My first attempt at quietly making the world a better place. One person at a time. And I hope you’ll help.
SHOOT OUT HATE: A VOW FOR EQUALITY FUNDRAISER
Somewhere on the other side of the internet is a website that I’ve been brewing up with my awesome friends Jessica & Sarah (who are blessedly also helping organize this fundraiser). It’s called A Vote & A Vow. We want it to be the most comprehensively awesome place on the internet to find vendors who are lgbt allies and community members.
As what happened to Dane shows, there are people in the world who are a**holes. I don’t know how else to phrase it. Because frankly it makes me sick that lgbt couples are not safe in our communities. They face persecution, misunderstanding, violence and things I can’t comprehend. And it’s so freaking unfair. So I imagine a better world. A future in which my gay friends don’t have to go to a special website to find a vendor that will embrace them with open arms and love them the same as straight couples. Until then, A Vote & A Vow is providing a safe haven. And because we’re serious about changing perceptions and making the world a better place… We’re raising money for Dane Hall, the man I mentioned above who is stuck with a $40,000 medical bill after what happened to him.
You can help. Simply click here to sign up for a photo session on October 2, 2011. One of Denver’s top photographers will be there to photograph your lovely face. Or your dog’s face. Or kids face. Or whatever you want photographed. Then we’ll send you 5 high res photos for your personal use. Not only do you get stellar photos, but you help someone in need. And you stand with the community against hate and violence. Together we can change perceptions, one person, one step, one day at a time.
Spread the word. It’s also Drag Queen Brunch on Sunday at X Bar. In case you needed more incentive to participate. Gather up your friends and I’ll see you there!
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