The LGBT Community is having a candlelight vigil tomorrow, Friday, 24 April, at 7:15p in front of McGraw Hall to demonstrate against the discrimination by the Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship. I encourage all of you to join us - and them - to express our support for equal rights. The link to the Cornell Daily Sun article is <http://cornellsun.com/section/news/content/2009/04/23/outcry-erupts-alleged-homophobia>

Below is a message from Chris Donohoe '09, at the center of the Chi Alpha incident:

"If you're receiving this email, it's because I need your help, and I believe that you are an important person who should hear this information first hand.

Today (April 23, 2009) an article will run in the Cornell Daily Sun. It will showcase the following information.

At the beginning of this academic year I was asked to step down from my leadership position with a religious organization (Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship) on campus after coming out of the closet. Although the university is taking aggressive action to address this injustice, it is time for the LGBT community and its allies to unite.

This is more than a slap in the face to one individual, this is a slap in the face to the entire LGBT community--especially those of faith. Chi Alpha is basically saying that my sexuality--along with the sexualities of every other LGBT community member--is not legitimate in the eyes of God.

Consequently, we have planned a candlelight demonstration the evening of Friday, April 24. All members of the Cornell and Ithaca community are encouraged to attend this peaceful demonstration. We will gather in front of McGraw Hall on the Arts Quad from 7:15 until 7:45pm as members of Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship gather inside the building for their Friday night meeting. The event will last only 30 minutes.

Who: The LGBT community and its allies

What: A candlelight demonstration

When: Friday, April 24, 7:15pm-7:45pm

Where: On the Arts Quad in front of McGraw Hall

Why: To show that the Cornell and Ithaca Community is unified in its efforts to promote equal rights for all people.

BRING YOURSELF AND 5 FRIENDS!

Also, please forward this email to any relevant list serves. And feel free to involve any campus groups with which you are involved!

Chris"