Come Out against War: Help Build LGBT/QUEER Anti-war Contingents

Come Out against War: Help Build LGBT/QUEER Anti-war Contingents for
Oct 25^th Marches in Washington DC & SF

Issued by Queers for Peace and Justice NY/NJ, Out Against the War Coalition,
& Queers for Peace and Justice, Bay Area

Demand an End to the Occupation of Iraq - Bring the Troops Home Now!
Money for Jobs, AIDS & Housing, Not for War and Occupation!
Free Asian & Gay War Resister, Stephen Eagle Funk!
Help Us Build “Freedom For Stephen Funk LGBT Contingents!”

Worldwide, the anti-war movement is gearing up for Saturday, Oct 25^th. Hundreds of thousands of protestors are expected in Washington DC, San Francisco and other major cities around the world to demand an end to the occupation of Iraq and the slashing of social services. The demonstrations will connect the decline in money for housing; AIDS and heath care with the increasing cost of the occupation.

As with all previous national marches, lesbian, gay, bi and trans activists from across the country are mobilizing to build contingents, feeder marches and providing leadership for October 25^th.

Now more than ever, the anti-war movement has the opportunity to make a powerful link between the oppression and discrimination faced by LGBT communities and the struggle to end war and racism.

Stephen Eagle Funk, a 21-year-old, gay Filipino US Marine Reservist has taken a heroic stand against the most powerful military force in the world. Stephen refused to deploy when his unit was called to active duty. Instead, he engaged in anti-war work, including speaking at several anti-war rallies. For saying, "I refuse to kill," he was court-martialed and sentenced to six months in jail. Stephen’s case is under appeal but it will take an outpouring of support to free him from the military brig.

Stephen’s determination is an example to the 49 other war resisters and thousands of potential war resisters in the U.S. military who see the occupation for what it is and experience the racism and homophobia of the armed forces first hand. It is for this reason that Stephen received a draconian sentence and for this reason that we call on LGBT activists to unite on October 25^th to call for an end to the occupation and freedom for Stephen Eagle Funk. The military anticipates that Stephen will be alienated from society because he is gay and Asian. We will not let this happen.

As the military seeks to use Stephen as an example to potential deserters, let us use our struggle to free Stephen as an example to the U.S. government. Let us unite in resistance and in a struggle for freedom in response to racism and an illegal, brutal occupation.

As Stephen Funk said "I refuse to surrender my dignity... the military demands obedience, but I will not obey." We also must not obey.For more information about “The Freedom for Stephen Funk LGBT Contingents”

In DC: Gather at 11am on 17th Street SW near Constitution AVE -- Look for the “Free Stephen Funk” banner --- for NYC LGBT bus tickets - Come to 39 West 14th Street Room 206 212 633-6646 ext 35

In SF: Meet at 10:30am at the steps of San Francisco Public Library at Fulton & Larkin (facing the Asian Arts Museum) -- Look for the “Queers for Peace and Justice” banner

Come Out against War: Help Build LGBT/QUEER Anti-war Contingents for Oct 25th Marches in Washington DC & SF

Issued by Queers for Peace and Justice NY/NJ, Out Against the War Coalition, & Queers for Peace and Justice, Bay Area

Demand an End to the Occupation of Iraq - Bring the Troops Home Now! Money for Jobs, AIDS & Housing, Not for War and Occupation! Free Asian & Gay War Resister, Stephen Eagle Funk! Help Us Build “Freedom For Stephen Funk LGBT Contingents!”

For more information about “The Freedom for Stephen Funk LGBT Contingents” For DC Contingent: 212 633-6646, ext 35 or email noprideinwar@yahoo.com For SF Contingent: 415 821-6545 or email leilani_dowell@yahoo.com or mecca44@aol.com To connect with thousands of LGBT anti-war activists join the national QPJ listserve at: QueersForPeaceAndJustice-subscribe@yahoogroups.com . For updates on Stephen Funk’s case and how you can help go to: http://www.join-snafu.org/enlisted/funk.htm

For DC Contingent: 212 633-6646, ext 35 or email noprideinwar@yahoo.com.

For SF Contingent: 415 821-6545 or email leilani_dowell@yahoo.com or mecca44@aol.com

To connect with thousands of LGBT anti-war activists join the national QPJ listserve at:

QueersForPeaceAndJustice-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

For updates on Stephen Funk’s case and how you can help go to:

http://www.join-snafu.org/enlisted/funk.htm

NO PRIDE IN WAR/ NO PRIDE IN OCCUPATION