Petrelis Files

Tehran Gays Light Candles on July 19; Sacramento Vigil Announced

The following statement was issued today by Mr. Arsham Parsi, spokesperson for the Persian Gay and Lesbian Organization, after I requested he work with me to find a way for gay and lesbian Iranians, and their allies to participate in the July 19 day of global actions, that does not jeopardize the lives and liberties of gays and lesbians in Iran, and we agreed on a simple idea: the lighting of candles.

"Individual gays and lesbians in Iran, in the privacy and safety of their homes, on July 19, will light candles in solidarity with the global vigils for the two gay teenagers hanged in Mashad," Parsi commented. "Even though they can't gather in public to demand respect of their human rights, gay and lesbian Iranians will participate in the worldwide action by lighting candles, symbolizing freedom and democracy."

Mr. Arsham Parsi, an Iranian gay man now living in Toronto, where he will stage a vigil on July 19, place and time to be announced, said on behalf of his group PGLO:

“We enthusiastically support the call for demonstrations on July 19, and we are very grateful to our brothers and sisters around the world for organizing these demonstrations for beleaguered Iranian gay people, who retain hope for change."

Tehran now becomes the eighth city participating in the July 19 action.

And thanks to veteran observer of the right wing fundamentalist network and gay activist Jerry Sloan, an event will take place in Sacramento, at the Lambda Community Center, 1927 L Street. If you live near Sacramento, the ninth city to participate, please join Sloan for his vigil.

The following listings have been added to the updated list posted here.

Sacramento
Location: Lambda Community Center, 1927 L Street
Time: To be announced
Contact: Jerry Sloan, projtocsin@yahoo.com

Tehran
Location: Not to be announced
Time: All day and evening
Contact: arsham@pglo.net