FORT WORTH -
A North Texas gay rights group was supposed to stage a Kiss-In, a quiet but highly visible gay kissing demonstration to promote tolerance.
Instead, it turned into a war of words in the Fort Worth Stockyards. There were some public displays of gay affection in the form of kissing, hugs, and hand-holding.
But the Queer Kiss-In turned into a whole lot of words. "What do we want? Equal rights! When do we want it? Now," gay rights advocates chanted as they marched in a circle in front of The Stockyards Station.
The group, Queer Liberaction backed off of their plans for kissing booths after they say they received threats of violence. They backed off of public kissing even more when counter-protesters from area church groups lined up across the street. Elizabeth Pax, Queer Liberaction, said, "If they're going to spread their message of hatred, we've got to do something. Just kissing isn't going to do it."
Church Pastor Howard Caver says plans for public displays of gay and lesbian kissing at the Stockyards was a direct challenge. The Stockyards is where families enjoy the wholesome western experience of Fort Worth.
Howard Caver, World Missionary Baptist Church Pastor, said , "So we took up the challenge that you won't be unopposed because we know the truth."
When Stockyard visitors heard of the Queer Kiss-In, they have a word or more to express. Millie Fabb, Stockyards visitor, kisses her husband, "This is my kissing booth. It's all I need, you see."
Matt Pope arrived early with his boyfriend, Josh.
Matt says he's all for holding hands in public, but he guessed having a kissing booth demonstration would be too much. Pope said," I just look at it like if you kiss, kiss. But there's no need for over doing it, and you shouldn't have to shove it down somebody's throat."
But the Queer Kiss-In turned into a whole lot of words. "What do we want? Equal rights! When do we want it? Now," gay rights advocates chanted as they marched in a circle in front of The Stockyards Station.
The group, Queer Liberaction backed off of their plans for kissing booths after they say they received threats of violence. They backed off of public kissing even more when counter-protesters from area church groups lined up across the street. Elizabeth Pax, Queer Liberaction, said, "If they're going to spread their message of hatred, we've got to do something. Just kissing isn't going to do it."
Church Pastor Howard Caver says plans for public displays of gay and lesbian kissing at the Stockyards was a direct challenge. The Stockyards is where families enjoy the wholesome western experience of Fort Worth.
Howard Caver, World Missionary Baptist Church Pastor, said , "So we took up the challenge that you won't be unopposed because we know the truth."
When Stockyard visitors heard of the Queer Kiss-In, they have a word or more to express. Millie Fabb, Stockyards visitor, kisses her husband, "This is my kissing booth. It's all I need, you see."
Matt Pope arrived early with his boyfriend, Josh.
Matt says he's all for holding hands in public, but he guessed having a kissing booth demonstration would be too much. Pope said," I just look at it like if you kiss, kiss. But there's no need for over doing it, and you shouldn't have to shove it down somebody's throat."
