Newspapers / Community Connections (Asheville, N.C.) / Oct. 1, 1996, edition 1 / Page 1
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SERVING WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA’S LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDERED COMMUNITY HARVEY GANTT CAMPAIGN RALLIES IN ASHEVILLE LGBT SUPPORTERS QUESTION CANDIDATE ON COMMUNITY ISSUES LAKE LURE HOSTS LGBT PEACE MARCH by Tandy Solomon . Harvey Gantt came to Asheville, Friday, September 13, to an afternoon rally in his honor, to support local Democratic candidates, and to launch the beginning of his cam paign in Western North Carolina. More grey-haired in 1990, but still hale, hearty, and in top form, Gantt easily won the applause and the apparent devotion of the approxi mately 400 supporters who sur rounded him on the stone steps of Asheville High School. Returning often to themes of mutual respect and community responsibility, he also spoke forcefully in support of the gay community, if at times in the strategically-couched language that has evolved to contend with these 'queer' political times. LGBT SUPPORTERS COME OUT FOR GANTT. The assembled crowd, from high school students to senior citizens, looked mostly straight and almost exclusively white. In contrast to Gantt rallies of six years ago, one could not fail to note its more conser vative tenor - even the bumper stick ers seemed more tame: "Are you rich enough to be a Republican?" and "Pro-Choice" stickers were among the most clearly partisan. And yet, the mostly sedate crowd broke into several bursts of prolonged yelling and hollering when Gantt expressed support of stronger environ mental regulations, fiilhncial equality for women in the work force, and the "diversity" of our communities. But, by far, .the loudest and longest eruptions of screaming applause were reserved for Gantt's champi oning of diversity, and an end to divi sive hatemongering based on fear. Michael Harney and Marty Prarie were among those from the LGBT community who came to support Gantt. Both men are members of RALLY continued on page 32 On October 27, the L.GBT com munity and their supporters will march in Lake Lure to protest the Anti-Gay Resolution passed in Rutherford County. The march, which is being orgr Charles Merrill, begins at 2pm at Lake Lure City Hall. "It is of the utmost importance that all people who believe that hate and discrimination are not 'family values', come out and stand together, strong in the beauty of a diverse, just, and inclusive community." Please help by being there. For further information call 704. LAST DAY TO REGISTER IS OCTOBER 11, 1996 VOTE NOVEMBER STH
Community Connections (Asheville, N.C.)
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