FAST FACTS:
"We had the idea to celebrate National Coming Out Day which is October 11th. It's a time that around the nation people say I'm proud to be gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender," said Heidi Williams, Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center.
The MGLCC wanted to get Memphis' attention but they didn't expect this. The vandalized billboard was located downtown on Poplar and was ripped to shreds. It featured a Marine wearing his uniform and the words "I'm gay and I protected your freedom". He is a Mid-south man who was kicked out of the military under the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
Williams said, "I believe that tearing down the billboard was a clear message and it was a hateful message."
Williams believes its more than just vandalism. She and others are asking for a full investigation by Memphis police to find out who's responsible.
"We have heightened security. It's not that we're going to retreat in fear. Our community is going to unite and stand strong and have our voices be heard louder," said Williams.
Among those speaking out will be the Marine featured on the vandalized billboard.
Williams says, "He's as proud as he was when he served his country and he is as proud to be gay as he was when he was a model for the billboard."
Next weekend the GLCC plans a rally to protest what's happened. The Marine who so proudly posed for his billboard picture will be one of the speakers.
All of the models featured in the 5 billboards across the city are local people.
- Billboard with gay message vandalized
- Gay and Lesbian Community Center says it's a sign of hate
- Gay Marine featured in ad plans to speak out
"We had the idea to celebrate National Coming Out Day which is October 11th. It's a time that around the nation people say I'm proud to be gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender," said Heidi Williams, Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center.
The MGLCC wanted to get Memphis' attention but they didn't expect this. The vandalized billboard was located downtown on Poplar and was ripped to shreds. It featured a Marine wearing his uniform and the words "I'm gay and I protected your freedom". He is a Mid-south man who was kicked out of the military under the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
Williams said, "I believe that tearing down the billboard was a clear message and it was a hateful message."
Williams believes its more than just vandalism. She and others are asking for a full investigation by Memphis police to find out who's responsible.
"We have heightened security. It's not that we're going to retreat in fear. Our community is going to unite and stand strong and have our voices be heard louder," said Williams.
Among those speaking out will be the Marine featured on the vandalized billboard.
Williams says, "He's as proud as he was when he served his country and he is as proud to be gay as he was when he was a model for the billboard."
Next weekend the GLCC plans a rally to protest what's happened. The Marine who so proudly posed for his billboard picture will be one of the speakers.
All of the models featured in the 5 billboards across the city are local people.
