I came across this column by Susan Ager in the Detroit Free Press from April 8, 2001, page 1K. To summarize, it’s a great response to gaybashing.
The Aut Bar in Ann Arbor is a gay friendly place. The owners, Keith Orr and Martin Contreras, learned they were going to be picketed by Fred Phelps, described as a gay-hating baptist preacher from Topeka. Instead of organizing a counter-protest, the owners contacted friends and patrons, asking for a pledge for donations to a local gay advocacy group for every minute that Phelps spent picketing. In all, they raised $6000 in two days.
The idea is spreading. $5000 was raised from one of Phelps’ appearance at the University of Wisconsin, and the Topeka Symphony, which Phelps pickets at every performance, has started a new pledge campaign: “Every Minute Counts”. Orr is now acting as an unpaid consultant to other groups around the country who want to use this technique.
I love it. that is such a great idea. ::hmmmm, imagining the red faced organizer of the protest when he realizes that he personally was responsible for raising funds for a cause he hates::
Wow, Phreedom Phrom Phelps martini’s? This guy raised oodles of money for a good cause AND boosted his own business revenue! I REALLY hope this catches on like wildfire! Non-confrontational, a party even, letting the bigot be a bigot, but dampening his impact like squashing a bug. This guy needs an award of some sort!
We were “discussing” Fred over in the Lake of Fire at friedo’s message board God Hates Fundies. There’s some links over there to further educate yourself on this dufus.
