Equality Project Announces Saturday ‘Light Up the Night’ Vigil in Bricktown

December 18, 2008

Oklahoma City’s newly organized LGBT civil rights group the Equality Project will be leading a candlelight vigil in Bricktown at the intersection of E Reno Ave & Mickey Mantle Dr. on Saturday, December 20^th, beginning at 5 pm. The gathering will be one of many across the nation.

The OKC effort is part of a nationwide event called ‘Light Up the Night’ sponsored by the national group Join the Impact, who launched a number of LGBT civil rights actions after the passage of Prop 8 in California that made gay marriage illegal.

According to that group, “On December 20th, we ask that you join us again for a nation-wide demonstration that will make an impact on the private sector. Candlelight vigils will be held at commercial centers in cities across the country in remembrance of the rights that once were for 18,000 marriages, and in honor of the rights that one day will be again - for EVERYONE.”

T-shirts saying ‘Oklahoman For Equal Marriage’ will be distributed to the first 50 people. Also, planners will have 150 candles available to hand out. Attendees are asked to bring their friends and additional candles – battery operated if possible. Organizers Trey Dill and Chuck Longacre encourage those wanting to participate and receive t-shirts be there at 4:30 pm.    

Participants are asked to gather early to join in a peaceful action that will be kept in the spirit of the holidays. Singing and silence are encouraged. Discouraged are signs, chanting, yelling, or fighting. The Equality Project wishes this to remain a controlled protest where the candles convey respect and the t-shirts bear the message.    

The Equality Project formed after successful rally at OKC City Hall in November where nearly 300 people protested in a  demand for marriage equality and civil rights for LGBTs.

For additional information contact Trey Dill at okcimpact@yahoo.com or Chuck Longacre at cblong2002@yahoo.com