Gay Bar Raided, Arrests Made in Texas

I grew up in Lufkin. I came out and got out in the late 60's. And it's gotten worse. I have family and friends in Texas. With the exception of the big cities, it is dangerous for gay people. I dare you to put an OBAMA sticker on your car and drive up Highway 59. I want to give to the secession fund. I think Texas should have its own sovereignty. All that good-ole boy, proud-I'm-ignert stuff is no longer amusing or even interesting. Please start your own state, and build that stupid border fence...only make it surround the state. Oh, and thanks a lot for George Bush. He was truly special. Just like the ignorant governor. (the 1846 State Constitution was over-ridden by the laws after the Civil War, dufus). We should start an emigration fund for gay folks that want to escape.

To: I can't stand stupid people::::::::::You're the stupid one..........it's "where", not "were".

Done! Thanks, wewantanswers.

State your outrage to the mayor, city council and FWPD, Demand swift and thorough investigation and Justice! mike.moncrief@fortworthgov.org, fwpdweb@fortworthpd.com, District8@fortworthgov.org, District2@fortworthgov.org, District3@fortworthgov.org, District4@fortworthgov.org, District5@fortworthgov.org, District6@fortworthgov.org, District7@fortworthgov.org, District9@fortworthgov.org, newsroom@star-telegram.com

@Jay Martin I totally agree that the rest of the country wants to write off Texas and don't believe that we will fight for our rights. States such as CA and MA want to believe that southerners are incapable of fighting for equality. I agree that we may have a bigger mountain to climb but it doesn't mean that we're not willing. I live in Dallas and we are not gonna let this event slip through the cracks. What we need is your support, not your snide remarks about the culture (or lack of) in Texas. Please join Rainbow Lounge Raid on Facebook and help support our fight! We need to keep the heat on the FWPD and the City to make sure they're held accountable for their actions.

@Neal: I'm afraid that some of the posters here are not really interested in actually doing anything to change things but would rather perpetuate stereotypes - ironic for a population that has been and continues to be stereotyped. Most of the Texas negativity is from people who've never actually been here and have no clue what it's really like. Yes, the force used was extremely uncalled for and I'm glad it's getting national attention - it will help us get something done about it. It's just unfortunate that not only are we struggling against the conservative right, but it now also appears that we have to struggle against our own community.

This is nothing more than harrassment, PERIOD. It is no coincidence that the raid occurred on the 40th anniversary of Stonewall. President Obama has been waffling on LGBT issues, DADT and DOMA among them. His ambivalence has emboldened the right-wingnuts who are taking his inaction as a tacit acknowledgement that he intends to do nothing about LGBT equality. We need to FORCE our national leaders to address LGBT issues. NO MORE DELAYS. Once the federal government gets behind LGBT equality; the states will have no option but to follow. THAT is how African-Americans got THEIR civil rights and that's what it will take to get US, OURS!

So many comments about how backward Texas is. How all gays should just steer clear and leave the hicks to themselves. Stop running from the hot-bed of anti-gay activity, gays. Don't back away when the fighting gets tough and the skulls get thicker. MLK, Jr. made so much progress because he took his fight to the very center of the most hatred and discrimination. Yes, they were in very real danger, but it made the whole country take notice and do something. When we throw our hands up at the very same discrimination today and back away, we are missing our god-given opportunity for victory. EVERYONE, put pressure on the FWPD. Let those small backward Texas towns know that the world is watching them. That they can no longer distort justice in secret. Email the FWPD and the mayor and tell them your concerns. Help us redeem our homeland. I for one refuse to write it off! I have a dream, too. And it involves rainbows over Texas : )

It is a sad commentary that with all of the violent crime in big cities that tax payer's money is wasted on police who spend their time harassing citizens who are not bothering anyone, rather than working the streets to combat rape, murder, robberies, drugs and other violent crimes. Shame on you, Ft. Worth P.D.!!!

I am sure there has to be many fine people in the state but why do they put up with stuff like this gay bar raid on the anniversary of the stonewall riots? Another great reason to not be found anywhere in Texas: I, for one, wouldn't drive through Texas on my way to any where, wouldn't land there, wouldn't do business there, attend a family reunion there or visit for any reason. Texas "law enforcement" is legend -- deservedly so.