Protesters assail anti-gay candidate

Protesters from lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer communities — joined by supporters including union members and progressive activists — gathered at Carl Paladino’s campaign headquarters in downtown Buffalo on two successive afternoons the week of Oct. 11. They were there to speak out against the New York State gubernatorial candidate’s latest anti-gay rantings. More than 100 protestors assembled each day.

Speakers denounced the effect that Paladino’s encouragement of bigotry, including homophobia and racism, has on everyone’s struggles.

People who were there from the labor unions also addressed the threat that Paladino represents to all workers and oppressed people, especially in the fight for jobs. Several spoke to the fact that these protests were against a common enemy and that they were there together to support each other.