Here are the details for a candlelight vigil to be held Friday evening. Seaman August Provost was murdered up the coast from San Diego at Camp Pendleton, and many individuals in the LGBT community suspect that a cover-up is taking place. It’s also the opinion of many, myself included, that, had Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell not been in place, Provost’s murder might not have occurred, because the sailor would have been able to speak to his superiors about the homophobic harassment his family and friends say Provost was enduring.
Host: North County LGBT Coalition & DOD Fed Globe
Date: Friday, July 10, 2009
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: 1300 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
Street: 1300 N Coast Hwy
City: Oceanside, CA
View MapDescription from Facebook: It is our intent to honor this young man Seaman August Provost whose life was needlessly taken by a horrible violent murder during work at Camp Pendleton. He was tied, gaged, shot 3 times, and burned.
This will be a very somber occasion and the signs need reflect his memory. Preferably with his picture and the words “In the loving memory of Seaman August Provost 1980 – 2009″ or “1 Life Taken is 2 many” Candles will be lit.
Additionally we are encouraging all major cities in Southern California to have pre-coordinated funeral processions and car pools to this memorial vigil. Have in your window a Pink Triangle with Seaman Provost’s picture in the background, underneath the words Silence = Death . This tells all that see this that it is completely unfair that military personnel must risk being fired due to Don’t Ask Don’t Tell if they report being harassed.
For San Diego the meet place for the funeral procession is 5:30PM at the LGBT Center parking lot. Departure at 6PM. We will drive together as a caravan up I-5 to Oceanside Harbor Drive exit.
No matter what the actual charge will be from the investigation; all know that Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) does cause a stereotyping and dehumanizing of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) people within the Department of Defense. Had it not been for DADT Seaman Provost and others could have felt safe enough to complain about harassment without fear of job loss. DADT creates for all LGBT employees of the Dept of Defense a hostile work environment.
Tip: Syd Stevens
Click for Printable Version
