Hi Thomas,

I don’t even know if you’ll get a chance to read this, but I thought I’d respond so I can provide some facts, and clarify some generalities, insinuations, and outright fabrications in your post.

As the person who was ATTACKED from behind by four men without any provocation or warning, to call the attack a “drunken brawl” would imply several things. First, it implies that the attack was knowingly instigated and engaged by both sides. I became an “unknowing” party the moment the four men followed us four blocks waiting for the perfect opportunity when no one was around and attacked me and Matt from behind. I did not know the men. I only noticed them following us because, contrary to your insinuation, I was not “drunk” and happened to be very aware of my surroundings. It’s unfortunate that my belief in the goodness of people led me to be completely caught off guard by that attack. Second, your assertion implies that the attack was somehow a product of our actions, that we “deserved” to be attacked. I don’t know how I feel about that one, but I’ll get back to it when I’m at a more rational emotional state, rather than one motivated by anger.

Furthermore, your skewed perspective of Oil Can Harry’s participation in organizing the March Against Hate is misplaced and frankly seems to be the product of something personal. The idea of providing Shady Ladies Fans shirts only materialized after the overwhelming demand shown by the community when they heard that we were attacked while wearing our team shirts. For people, wearing the shirt was a symbol of solidarity. It was not a gesture that we pushed, but rather one that we only helped people achieve.

It is also a complete fabrication that “the money has been used to send the team to DC playoffs.” We have never intended to go to a tournament in DC and I am completely unaware of any playoffs in DC. You may be referring to the World Series in Columbus, OH. We have also not traveled outside of Austin for any tournaments this year… You can imagine my confusion regarding your statement. I would check your facts before writing things that could be considered a defamation of character.

Finally, what “truly disgusts” me is that you would have the audacity to write something like this based on half-truths and fabrications. You are no better than the four men who attacked me. Like them, your attacks are based on ignorance and you hide behind the anonymity of being just another person on the internet. The only difference between you and them is that you attack with words, trying to tear down the all the good that has come out of the attack.

My only wish is that I hope to one day meet you face to face, so that I can see the author behind the words and put a face to something that truly disgusts me.

May you live your life safely, and never walk the streets in fear of being attacked.

“Come out and March against hate… Wear your Shady Lady T-Shirts If you don’t have one…You can buy one at Oilcan Harry’s for 10.00 then come out after the march for the after party” (Taken from staff members facebook page”

Then to find out the money has been used to send the Shady lady softball team to DC for playoffs vs. going to a worthy charity that can do good with it.

The event was nothing more than a shameless ploy to get Oilcan Harry’s in the media as they have been struggling, and a fundraiser and sad campaign forum for several local politicians. The true message of ANTI-Hate was lost somewhere in the money collection.

Then to later hear that this may have not been a hate crime at all, rather a drunk night out that ended in a brawl.

TRULY DISGUSTED!!!

I posted the story to my facebook page along with the video survelience.

Hope they catch these low life criminals.

ANYWAY… there is a march from Oil Can’s to City Hall Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 2:00pm if anyone is interested.

http://www.facebook.com/Oilcan.....038;ref=nf

But there is not to say that we have several universities here, many religious based, we have University of Texas which is athletic based, and we have tons of small-town Texas kids flocking into our city, some of which have never seen an out homosexual before. There are a few that pop up and are literally horrified at out gay people. These are the same ‘kids’ that get drunk and go shooting small ‘critters’ for fun…

Mostly, if they spend their 4 or whatever years here, everything calms down (I say “usually”) because that comes with growth and education, but during those first two years the stupidity is still in existence.

That is my theory, at least.

Thank you for your kind words of support.

I am certain that it will mean a lot to Emmanuel and his family.

This shit sucks. Big time.

the city of austin (mainly valets) has taken all the parking off the steets and forced people into garages all over downtown without giving real protection to anyone who uses these facilities. this is not the first occurrence, one group even stupidly attacked a gay policeman.

there are cameras all over this city. this can be solved.

i hope this instance doesn’t silence because i’m tired of hearing these fucking stories – so please contact me and let me know where i can be of assistance if need be.