Gay campground sues neighbors

[kweerwolf]

The owners of a gay men's campground in Douglas County have sued their neighbors for alleged harassment that ranges from shooting at campers to raising hogs in order to oust the campground.

Cactus Canyon Campground owners Charles Franzke and James Thideman's suit further alleges that the harassment violates Missouri's hate crime law, which includes crimes based on sexual orientation.

"That is the whole crux of the harassment: that we are gay and that we run a successful gay business," Thideman said.

<snip>

The court filing states that the defendants shot at, threw rocks at, threatened and circulated petitions against the campground owners. It also states that they vandalized campground property, trespassed and started a hog farm on the property line "with the specific intent of creating an environmental degradation and to create hazardous runoff."

http://www.topix.net/news/gay

[ThomCat]

1. I hope they drive that bigoted neighbor into bankrupsy

and end up taking over that adjoining land. Go get 'em!

[RiverCamper]

2. Support needed, very important case

Hi, y'all. This is my first post, and I really would like to stress that this case is very important. I am one of the people who is testifying in it, and there is a good chance that precedences will be set, at least down there.

These two guys have struggled for 7 years to make a safe haven for rural and urban gay me to enjoy nature, socialize and have fun. Many of the men I know from there, this is the only place they can meet other gay men: truckers, welders, blue collar men who live far from cities, etc.

In the name of Christ, I've had shotguns rammed in my face, very young children threatening my life with rocks and some of the most vile language wishing for my death. What Chaz and Jim have gone through is unbelievable. Although these are only a few people. The community at large is very supportive.

There is much more, but I'm writing to ask for support for them. There's a link on their website that discusses how you can contribute money if you wish (their legal bills are becoming huge) or just to offer moral support, a phone call, an email. Remember, these are just two country guys alone in the middle of the woods doing this. They've literally struggled to get where they are, and have tried for seven years to turn the other cheek and work out solutions. It's finally come to this. I recently drove down from CHicago into that insane weather to give my testimony, and I will be back down there.

We will not be terrorized by Christian zealots. Like Camp Sister Spirit, we're fighting.

If you can help in any way, their site is www.cactuscanyoncampground.com (you can even take a look at the place on the about page which has links to video I did for them). Thanks, Kevin

[slatefish]

3. Cactus Canyon

Well, I thought I'd bump this up. I've tried to get the LGBT community involved in helping these guys, but it doesn't seem to be working too well.

Signorelli had them on his Sirius radio show, and was incredibly outraged. I think The Advocate is doing an interview, too.

But what is surprising to me is that I can't even get a response from the so-called "gay community". Very disheartening; I've sent well over 50 emails, called many people in the press, and have had very few responses; I've talked to fundraisers, and if it isn't big news they can attach themselves to or about AIDS or drug addiction, they don't seem interested. Oh well.

I've put out the word that these guys REALLY need support, financially, emotionally, everything. They are two guys in the middle of the fucking woods fighting this thing alone except for the few gay and lesbian people down there willing to help them. Their legal bill is staggering. I can't help but be kind of disturbed that no one seems willing to help except almost all of my straight friends. More straight Christian people have spread the word, (and contributed or written emails of support) than any of my gay friends or gay people online that I know (from emails to me or to them).

I thought this netroot gay community thing was the second coming of activism and support. I guess I'm just appealing to the wrong people. If anyone knows of online gay activism sites that could help, I'd appreciate it; I don't know many myself out of ignorance of the Internet. Email me at: [e-mail] if you know of any that could help.

[Meldread]

4. Have you guys contacted...

Lambda Legal ( http://www.lambdalegal.org/ ) or the ACLU ( http://www.aclu.org/ )?

Please keep us updated on what happens. I'm not sure what we can do to help (other than send money), but keep us informed of what is going on.

[slatefish]

5. Thanks :)

ThanksLambda is involved, I think, or has contacted the owners. I do believe ACLU is getting involved, but not sure to what extent yet.

I will keep you up to date on this. And any support, financial or moral, from anyone is greatly appreciated. Also, spreading the word is great.

It's weird how much the gay scene has changed since my days with ACT-UP in NYC and other places in the 80s and early 90s. It seems we don't really care that much anymore. Or don't have any energy, or something.