Roanoke7's commitment and dedication in healing their community,
after the tragic shooting at Backstreet Cafe, is an inspiration to us all.
A Day that will live in Infamy in Gay History
September 22, 2000 Roanoke Virginia: A man clad in a trench coat walks into Backstreet Cafe, a local Gay bar. He orders a beer, walks
to a table that's occupied by a group of patrons, he sits and takes a sip
of his beer. Then at 11:49 p.m., as he stands, pulls a 9 Millimeter hand gun out from a pocket inside of his trench coat. Without a word, opens fire, spraying bullets at unsuspecting patrons. Then, just as calm as he was when he entered the Backstreet Cafe, he turns walks out the door into the night. Leaving in his wake of hate, Danny Lee Overstreet, is lying dead and six others were severely wounded. The name, Ronald Edward Gay, will go down in our Gay History as having commited the most horrendous of all Hate Crimes ever committed upon Gays and Lesbians. This Tragic Day Will Live in Imfamy, in the thoughts and in the hearts of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender People forever.
This most horrific and devasting act of hatred rocked the world of Gay Communities across the entire country. With many of us are left in total disbelief and shock. And are left thinking, aren't we safe any where? We are again left asking the same question every time Gays are the target of such murderous acts, WHY?
The local newspaper, The Roanoke Times, series of articles on Gay members of the community. In an attempt to help the community understand, Gays are just people, we're the same as everyone else. I want to share those articles and several letters sent to the newspaper regarding the series. They are posted below at bottom of page.
Lana Whited
Lana Whited is a professor of English
and journalism at Ferrum College. Her column about media issues runs every other week in the campus newspaper, The Iron Blade, whose staff she advises. She is a graduate of the Hollins creative writing program and earned her Ph.D.
at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her B.A. is from Emory & Henry and M.A. from William and Mary. She has completed a book on true-crime novels, is editing a collection of essays about "Harry Potter," and lives on a farm called "Sojourners' Roost" in western Franklin County with goats, chickens, dogs, cats, and a human.
"Gay in Roanoke"
Many Gays and Lesbians say the Star City
is a relatively tolerant place in which to live and play.
Julie and Crystal join other members of the gay community for the annual fall celebration"Pride in the Park"
[1.]
"Family Maters"
Gay couples share joys and anxieties
of raising a teenage girl.
"Looking for Mr. Right"
Freddy St Clair no stranger to the Gay single scene in Roanoke, but, holding out for romance.
"Everyday People"
Gays and lesbians in Southwest Virginia raise childern, go to church, pay taxes, vote, work, own businesses, play and even bowl.
Dale asks Randy's opinion "Is this shirt just a tad bit to bright , ya think? Randy pleads the fifth. [Sorry about dig Dale]
[2.]
"Telling the World"
For Gays, coming out means facing their fears - forthe moment and for the rest of their lives. It's a step many never take.
Lisa revisits North Cross School stage where during her senior speech, she came out to the student body.
[3.]
"Keeping a low profile"
Families, Careers and personal belifs lead most Southwest Virginia gays and lesbians to remain in the closet.
"I'm a loved person"
Blacksburg teenager has come-out, and with the help of her supportive family, she's going
on confidently.
"The Moral Opposition"
Most Americans believe gay sex is wrong.
Yet majority believe gays should be free of government interference or discrimination on the job.
John embracing his son, Duffy's high school graduation picture. Knowing about his son homosexuality for 25 years, the last two their relationship has been estranged. He shares
his feelings, and bless him for this.
[ 4.]
"Blessings and Bonds"
After years of trying to reconcile their love
and their religion, lesbian couple find that
faith has drawn them closer than ever.
"Letters to the Editor"
These are some of the topics of letters sent to The Roanoke Times, regarding articles they published and are posted above.
"Gays not welcome, with good reason."
"Story highlighted true family values."
"To some, the Bible is irrelevant."
"Series didn't belong in 'family' paper."
"No one 'chooses' to be gay."
I commend the Roanoke Time for these positive articles about the members of local Roanoke's gay community. Sadly suffered the loss of 250 newspaper subscription cancellations.
PTB~TBC sent them a message thanking them for doing an excellent series portraying us in a positive light. Showing their readers we are
just people, and deserving the same respect
all those who are law bidding and contributing members of their community. Should you wish to send them a message, via email @ this: livinggay@roanoke.com.
Simply click on their banner above and you'll magicly be beamed to their web site.
The Roanoke Times has paid dearly for
running their series Gay in Roanoke. Spotted Advocate article figures on lost subscribbers.
If you read the articles and believe they were much more positive than negitive. Their effort to help the Gay Community heal and for their creating this series which surely they knew could come back to haunt them and it did.. Please, Drop them a line, let them know their efforts were appreciated. They deserve our thanks. Here is the article from the Advocate.
Articles and Pictures copyright 2001 The Roanoke Times. They were reproduced and posted soley for educational and research purposes. No Fees or Profits are received
for any materials posted on our web site. Questions or Comments should be directed
Comprehensive List News Articles on Backstreet Cafe Shooting from 9/24/00 to 7/24/01 by the Roanoke Time. [Read Articles] [Close Browser Window to Return to PTB~TBC Website]
Series "Gay Living in Roanoke" Roanoke Times [Articles].
Letters to the Editor "Gay Living in Roanoke" [Letters]
Danny Lee Overstreet
His loss is shared in
Roanoke and Across
America. He is in our thoughts, prayers and
he so greatly missed.
R.I.P.
Roanoke 7 News
Roanoke 7 continues to be a voice against anti-gay violence and in keeping victims memories alive. Roanoke was once again holding a vigil for victims
of hate crimes. With the memory still fresh in their minds of Danny Overstreet, they gathered again in
his and two men who recently were killed in anti-
gay hate crmes. Fred Martinez, Jr., a 16 year old
high school student beaten to death, his body was
not found until a week later. Willie Huston, after a night out a stop to use restrooms ended tragicly. While holding his fiansee's purse and assisting a
blind friend to the restroom, Wllie was called anti-
gay slurs and then shot and killed. Willie, who was not gay and Fred who was openly gay, both were killed because of their actual or precieved sexual orientation. Roanoke joined other cities holding
vigils for Fred and or Willie. Message Eddie Ratliff Tribute Letter Fred Martinez, Jr. [Read Message]. Coverage by Roanoke 7 Website. [Click Here].
May 20: Koppel interviews residents of a gay and lesbian retirement community in Florida. Some had been in traditional marriages, but say they denied their true selves until they realized they were attracted to members of the same sex.
May 21: Backstreet Cafe shootings, which killed Danny Overstreet
and wounded six others. Anna Sparks tearfully recalls Ronald Gay's rampage: Mayor Ralph Smith complains that the newspaper series attempted to "paint us a San Francisco-like city." Four mostly conservative clergymen about their views on homosexuality.
May 22: A conservative Christian tells of feeling under siege from
gays and lesbians: A lesbian couple raising a baby together describes their domestic life: "I think it is so normal," one of the women says, "it's boring."
May 23: Rhonda Chattin, who runs a support group for young gays and lesbians, tells of her own coming-out experience: " Two young gays tell of being rejected by their families. One says he quit school after being "outed" against his wishes.
May 24: A live, 90-minute town meeting in Shaftman Performance Hall at Roanoke's Jefferson Center.
Charlotte Haas and Pam Wilson, married, children, grandchildren, but, found new lesbian partners .
(ABCNews)
Roanoke Times Article
"A Matter of Choice"
Click Logo.
Roanoke Times Series
"Living Gay"
Click Logo.
Memorial Marks 2nd Anniversary of Backstreet Shooting
"In Tribute & Memoriam to Danny Lee Overstreet"
Danny, His Family, Loved Ones and Friends remain in our thoughts and prayers. Danny's death was mourned by his Family, the Roanoke Community and by Gay Communites Nationwide. The world is a much sadder place without Danny's wonderful smile and his presence.
