Friday, October 05, 2007

Straight Couple Brings National Gay Rights Vigil to Salem, MA

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Straight Couple Brings National Gay Rights Vigil to Salem, MA

SALEM, MA -- Aaron and Susan Toleos, a straight couple from Boxford,
MA, will be spending their ninth wedding anniversary wrapping up plans
for a gay rights vigil they have organized for the following day,
Thursday, October 11 at the historic First Church in Salem from 6 to
8pm. Their event is part of a national campaign called "Seven Straight
Nights for Equal Rights" that has straight people leading similar
vigils in thirty cities and twenty-six states across America during
the second week in October.

"My wife and I have been humbled by the courage of the lgbt community
as they have fought to protect themselves and their children over the
last few years," said Mr. Toleos. "This vigil is a way for the
straight community to show its support as the struggle for full
equality continues."

Although the main audience is straight people, organizers hope that
many members of the lgbt community will attend to stand by their
straight allies as they "come out" in support of equal rights for all
Americans.

As people arrive in the first hour, there will be entertainment, a
video display, and a book signing by the authors of "Courting
Equality: A Documentary History of America's First Legal Same-Sex
Marriages."
The formal part of the program will kick-off at 7pm with
the lighting of candles and remarks by gay rights leaders and state
legislators.

The First Church in Salem is located at 316 Essex Street in Salem, MA.
It is near downtown Salem and a short walk from the train station.
There is usually plenty of on-street parking in this area.

Coffee, juice, and snacks will be available throughout the vigil.
Bring the kids!

More information is available at www.SevenStraightNights.org where you
can also make a donation. If you have questions or would like to
volunteer, contact Aaron Toleos at (978) 821-4620 or aaron@toleos.com.

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