(September 4, 2011, Salt Lake City) On Friday, September 2 openly gay Salt Lake City resident, Dane Hall was brutally attacked by a group of four men after he left Club Sound’s gay-themed night. Hall recalls hearing an anti-gay slur shouted in his direction right before one of the men punched him in the back of the head. The attack escalated to the point where one of the men bashed Hall’s teeth into the curb causing his jaw to be broken in three places.
In response to this hate crime, the following educational opportunity and actions are being planned by City of Hope. All are welcome to attend and help shine the brightest light possible on this hate crime while we as a community help empower each other to walk into our own light and true potential.
“We are extremely saddened but not surprised at the recent bashing of Dane Hall. This attack,
motivated by hate because Mr. Hall is gay is not an isolated incident here in Salt Lake. As
followers of Jesus, the people of City of Hope stand with Dane Hall and all victims of oppression
and hatred. Violence against people simply for being different for whatever reason must not be
tolerated in this city," said City of Hope Pastor, Julie Watson.
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Wednesday, September 7, 7-10 PM – Social Movement Workshop facilitated by Alan Bounville, who is currently in Salt Lake City as he walks across the country for gender and sexual orientation equality. Location: 526 East Cleveland Ave (1440 So.) Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Friday, September 9, 8-10 PM – Fireside Vigil and Glowlight March to raise awareness for the recent queer bashing of Dane Hall. At 8 PM, members of the community of all faiths are invited to build a fire in Liberty Park. This act is designed to fill people’s spirit with hope for a transformed world – a world where all persons are fully liberated from violence and hate. Then, at 9 PM, the group will take glow sticks and walk the sidewalks through Salt Lake City, bearing images that promote love. While the group walks, songs will be sung, prayers will be prayed and images of Dane Hall’s injuries will be shown to make the public aware of why we, as a community desperately we need to walk into the light of a world free from hate. Location: Liberty Park and surrounding area.
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CITY OF HOPE – Formerly Cathedral of Hope, this new inclusive faith community is now renamed, reflecting its commitment to work in Salt Lake City, helping the hurting, speaking truth to power, and proclaiming Godʼs inclusive love for ALL persons.
Into the Light Walk – Beginning on May 31st Alan Bounville began a 6,000 mile walk across the USA to end gender discrimination in all its forms. An overarching goal of the Into the Light Walk is to grow social movements that are working towards full social and legislative equality. www.intothelightwalk.com
Rev. Marian Edmonds
