A San Francisco Muni train dedicated to the late Harvey Milk has been taken out of service due to anti-gay graffiti discovered inside the trolly. Muni officials believe the defacing took place near the end of Pride Month in June. From the Bay Area Reporter:

Muni officials did not learn of the homophobic graffiti, however, until this week. The news came just days prior to President Barack Obama posthumously awarding Milk the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a White House ceremony Wednesday, August 12.

Following calls by the Bay Area Reporter inquiring about the graffiti, Muni officials removed trolley car #1051 from the F-line late in the afternoon of Monday, August 10. Transportation officials said they had ordered the car to return to a storage yard so it could be inspected.

“It is disturbing to see that the panels had the slurs for some time without us removing it. We will do what we can to see what happened to try to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” said Judson True, spokesman for the SFMTA. “Especially in this historic week we want to be sure to honor Milk’s legacy on this streetcar so we will do everything we can to remove any graffiti and get the dedication panels back in place as quickly as possible.”
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Openly gay Supervisor Bevan Dufty, who chairs the countywide San Francisco Transportation Authority, also expressed disappointment this week at learning the placards had been left aboard the trolley car.

“I will certainly pursue it with Muni. It shouldn’t be that difficult to get something removed, repaired, and replaced. You don’t leave this stuff up or leave it unaddressed,” said Dufty, who joined a delegation of San Franciscans that traveled to Washington D.C. this week to see Stuart Milk, the former supervisor’s openly gay nephew, accept the presidential honor on behalf of his family.

Thanks to Jamison Wieser for drawing attention to the graffiti by posting photographs online. It’s really sad that no one in our community reported the defacing sooner.

Over the weekend 70,000 strong gathered on the streets of Tel Aviv for the victims of a violent attack at an LGBT youth center last week which left two dead and several injured.

President Shimon Peres was among speakers at the meeting on Yitzhak Rabin Square outside the city hall.

“The shots which struck this proud community affected us all as human beings, as Jews and as Israelis. The man who targeted the two victims targeted all of us,” Peres said.

Two people died when a masked, black-clad gunman opened fire on the group of young gays and lesbians at the entrance to the community centre in the heart of Israel’s commercial capital late on Saturday August 1.

“Everyone has the right to be different and proud. No one has the right to interfere in other people’s lives so long as everyone respects law and order,” Peres said.

“I came to share your tears after the death of two young innocents. Be strong and courageous,” he said.

While the perpetrator remains at large, authorities are holding Shmuel Preimark, an Israel soldier who made threats toward those attending the rally.

The threats were made shortly before Saturday evening’s rally in Tel Aviv in memory of the victims of a shooting attack on a gay and lesbian youth club in the city one week earlier.

Several hours before the start of the rally, the suspect allegedly posted a message on a gay Web forum, threatening to hurt the rally’s participants.

The soldier is suspected of writing, “Expect more victims among the gays, this time something bigger” and “a second attack on the community soon. Be ready. Don’t say we didn’t know.”

Video from the rally below:

Daniel Radcliffe, the popular young actor who plays the title character in the Harry Potter films, gave a generous donation to the Trevor Project, which focuses on crisis and suicide prevention for LGBT youth.

“I am very pleased to begin my support of The Trevor Project, which saves lives every day through its critical work,” said Daniel Radcliffe. “It’s extremely distressing to consider that in 2009 suicide is a top three killer of young people, and it’s truly devastating to learn that LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. I deeply hope my support can raise the organization’s visibility so even more despondent youth become aware of The Trevor Helpline’s highly trained counselors and Trevor’s many other resources. It’s vitally important that young people understand they are not alone and, perhaps even more important, that their young lives have real value.”

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“We’re incredibly grateful to Daniel for his truly inspiring and historic generosity and support,” said Charles Robbins, executive director and chief executive officer, The Trevor Project. “He is setting a meaningful example for millions of young people around the world by embracing diversity and demonstrating that he cares deeply about the well-being of LGBTQ youth.”

After becoming aware of The Trevor Project and its mission, Radcliffe decided to become involved with the organization. His involvement began with financial support to assist The Trevor Project’s programmatic efforts. Moving forward, Radcliffe anticipates taking additional steps to help further broaden awareness of the organization.

The Trevor Project was founded by three filmmakers whose film, “Trevor,” which told the story of a gay teenager who tries to commit suicide, received the 1994 Academy Award for Best Short Film (Live Action). Trailer below:

Right-wing mob mentality kicks into overdrive in Tampa, where nearly a thousand showed up to attend a townhall meeting on healthcare reform. From 10Connects.com in Tampa:

Angry protesters and strong supporters are clashing inside and all around a health care reform town hall meeting in Downtown Tampa. The meeting which was scheduled to begin at 6:00 at the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County drew hundreds of people who quickly began to overwhelm staff and event organizers at the front entrance.

As the building filled to capacity, angry protesters stuck outside began to scream, yell, and chant. At one point, those trying to get inside began banging on windows as Tampa Police officers quickly spread out guarding all entrances.

10 Connects photojournalist Kevin Carlson, currently inside the meeting reports at least one fist fight breaking out inside. Some other journalists remain outside.

Democratic Congresswoman Kathy Castor and State Representative Betty Reed were hosting the event.

Video outside the townhall below.