Petrelis Files

S.F. Unites for Gay Ugandans Feb 3;
Trans, Srs of Indulgence, Gays w/o Borders

A coalition of grassroots human rights organizations in San Francisco will honor murdered gay Ugandan David Kato with a boisterous solidarity action tomorrow in an historical public community space in the heart of the Castro.

WHAT: Rally to honor David Kato
WHERE: Harvey Milk Plaza, Castro Street
THEME: Stop killing queers
DATE: Thursday, February 3
TIME: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Last week David Kato was hammered to death in Kampala, his funeral was racked with chaos and religious bias, and a suspect has been arrested and made a confession. Activists remain wary of the Ugandan police force and their investigation.

The rally's focus is on demanding justice for the murder victim, an end to American reverends meddling in Uganda's internal politics, and the pending death-penalty-for-gays bill in the parliament to be soundly rejected.

Three volunteer groups are the key organizers of San Francisco rally, starting with Gays Without Borders/SF, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Trans Thrive.

"We have a loud, unified message to Uganda's clerics and politicians: Stop the violence, social demonizing and killing against our brothers and sisters. Period.," said Sister PatnLeather, an event speaker.

"The word will go out clear and proud on February 3 from Harvey Milk Plaza: LGBT people under attack. What do we do? Act up! Fight back!," said Michael Petrelis, one of the organizers.

Contact:
Michael Petrelis
Ph: 415-621-6267

(A coalition of human rights organizations in Uganda today circulated this joint statement about Kato's killing. It was written before the police announced an arrest and confession in the matter.)