FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A Call to Arms in Guerneville!

Gay Bashing and Hate Stops Here Event

August 27, 2001 -- At approximately 2:00AM on August 26, three Gay men were verbally harassed and threatened on Main and Church Streets by a man and woman, both residents of Guerneville. The assailant threw an object at the three men and then approached Donald H. Tse and began punching and kicking him. Gary Virginia and several friends intervened the escalating fight as numerous additional assailants joined the melee. Throughout the attack verbal threats from all the assailants left no doubt that this was a hate crime. They shouted "Fuck you, faggots. You should all move back to San Francisco. You faggots are gonna die!"

Mr. Virginia phoned 911 and gave the location of the Gay bashing to the Sonoma County police. He explained that the Gay victims were outnumbered, there was blood shed, and that immediate assistance was needed. At least four Gay men suffered injuries, including cuts, bruises, and black eyes. After a second call to 911, the police arrived on the scene as the assailants fled. Two women and one man were apprehended in an adjacent parking lot and identified by the victims.
At least four written reports were filed with the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office. Later that evening the police escorted two victims to the home of one of the suspects who was positively identified as one of the assailants. Police also escorted the victims to another suspect's residence but no one was found.

All the victims spoke very positively of the support from the Sheriff's office who promised a thorough investigation. The information will be forwarded to the District Attorney's office and at least one victim intends to file formal charges.
Earlier that evening Mr. Virginia and Donna Sachet emceed a fund-raiser for the Sonoma AIDS Emergency Fund at the Triple R, raising over $1600. Mr. Virginia who serves on the San Francisco Human Rights Commission LGBT Advisory Committee stated, "There are specific laws to protect against hate-motivated violence and the victims are to be credited for intervening and submitting written reports."