Queer Liberation Teach-In Draws Crowd

Sunday at noon a group of about 40 supporters of the Queer Liberation teach-in at Javapalooza marched down the Main Street sidewalk to assemble at the coffeeshop.

"Bigotry go away.  No more mister nice gay," the group chanted. 

Several members of the group carried signs reading "Homophobia Kills," and "I'm Sorry Just Doesn't Cut It," among other slogans along with rainbow flags and walked in a peaceful picket in front of Javapalooza.

The group was assembled to show support from a young Portland resident who was forced by Javapalooza owner Neil Dinerman to leave the shop after carrying in a competitor's coffee. 
The young man claims Dinerman lifted him from his seat by his coat, and used a derogatory anti-gay slur.

Dinerman admitted Saturday that he used the anti-gay insult, but was not aware of the young man's sexual orientation.  Saturday he said that he did not put his hands on the young man in ejecting him from the cafe.  Dinerman claimed he used the insult as he might have used many others.  In any case, Dinerman regretted his choice of words, and losing his temper.  Dinerman apologized to representatives of Queer Liberation at a meeting Saturday, but would not relinquish his right, as a business owner, to ask customers who carried competitor's products, to leave.

Dinerman was not at the restaurant on Sunday during the teach-in because, store representatives said, he was away on family business.

"The apology was worth a lot," Queer Liberation spokesperson Aaron McAuliffe said.  "But it wasn't enough.  We hear apologies all the time.  We wanted Mr. Dinerman to make amends in a more substantial way."

The group asked Dinerman to deliver a written apology, in which he promises to make the coffeeshop a welcome and safe place for all individuals, and they asked him to make a $1,000 donation to gay support group True Colors.

A restaurant spokesperson, who would only identify himself as "Charlie," a silent partner and close friend of Dinerman's, said Dinerman would deliver the apology via email to the group on Monday, and would make a contribution to True Colors.

While some members of the group picketed, others stood behind parked cars and held flags up for those passing by.  Occasionally a horn would sound to signal support.

Tim Driscoll is a frequent Javapalooza customer who often brings his daughter to the shop to hang out with friends.

"Knowing Neil, I'm not completely surprised," Driscoll said.  "He sometimes has an agressive edge with customers, and it's not exactly the best way for a shop owner to be.  Young kids like to hang out here, and this is not acceptable to them, and he's got to know that."

By the time the teach-in began, about sixty-five supporters sat at table sipping coffee drinks and water as several speakers talked about rights of customers, individuals and workers.

McAuliffe accused Dinerman of having a history of agressive behavior.  She based her accusations on anonymous comments on the Queer Liberation blog, and a verbal report from Middletown Police that they had "several complaints," about Dinerman.

"We brought our business here today," McAuliffe said.  "But we can use our organization skills to shut this place down if the owner does not meet our demands."

Charlie, the store representative, was the final speaker, telling the assembled group that Dinerman regretted his actions, that he would deliver the written apology and would make the contribution to True Colors.

"I support what you're doing here today," Charlie said.  "And I want you to know that you are welcome here, and can feel safe here."

McAuliffe said the group would not be satisfied until the written apology and the donation.  She ended the meeting with a poem she wrote.