Invest in Moscow? Queer Nation NY says that’s madness. “Divest!" http://on.fb.me/1aZc9HV
Queer Nation’s protest last week of the “Invest In Moscow” seminar was a huge success! Russian government officials are back and begging for more American dollars. And we’ll be back too, saying “Nyet!” They know we’re coming so we need all hands on deck to make an awesome show of queer power.
WHEN: Monday, Nov. 18, 9 am.
WHERE: New York Times Building at 620 Eighth Ave. (bet. 40th & 41st).
Russia is fighting hard to lure businesses and global leaders to invest capital in its flagging economy. But until Russia ends its brutal and harsh crackdown on LGBT people, Russia must to be challenged, not financially supported.
This event is important. The keynote speaker is the president of the American Bar Association James Silkenat. In addition to his standing in the legal profession, Silkenat sits on the boards of two international human rights organizations: Human Rights First and the World Justice Project. It is incomprehensible that this man is encouraging American investors to reward the Russian government’s crimes. The call to Americans of conscience is to divest, not invest.
This event was originally presented by Russia Forum NY as sponsored by the Office of the Mayor of New York City. The mayor’s press secretary, Marc La Vorgna, confirmed to Queer Nation that the mayor’s office was never a sponsor of this event. The mayor’s sponsorship role has been dropped from the site (left screenshot above taken on Oct. 31., right on Nov. 1.)
For more information and to RSVP, please see our Facebook event, Protest: Don’t Invest, DIVEST in Moscow! Please share the event with your network and invite your friends.
Also, Russia Forum NY promises on their website: “Events will take place on November 18th, 2013 contemporaneously with Russia Day at the New York Stock Exchange.” This is an opportunity to strongly object to “Russia Day” at the New York Stock Exchange.
Investors at The Princeton Club of New York shout homophobic taunts as activists confront Moscow city officials on Human Rights abuses toward LGBT people. Oct. 28, 2013.
Oct 28, 2013, 10 pm. Queer Nation protestor interrupts Princeton Club NY’s “Invest in Moscow” Seminar, sponsored by Moscow City Government, The Concorde Group, Russia Forum NY, and Russia Center NY.
Transcript and video of first of three protestors.
Protestor Duncan Osborne: “Why don’t you gentleman talk about rule of law in Russia? Are investments in Russia protected by the law? Come on gentleman, don’t sit there silently, talk about rule of law in Russia.”
Boris Epshteyn, Managing Director of Business and Legal Affairs at TGP Securities Inc: "That’s not actually…“.
Osborne: "You’re a collection of bigots gentleman.”
Epshteyn: Sir, sir, stop, stop, sir, please stop. It’s a discussion… we’re going to be asking question.
Osborne: “Gentleman, this is your opportunity to confront an issue that is very serious in your country. I certainly heard people talk about this before. Rule of law and corruption. Talk about rule of law.”
Epshteyn: Sir, we’re going to have a time for a Q&A later in the session.
[Security begins to escort Osborne out…]
Osborne: "Talk about rule of law gentleman. Tell these investors that their investments will be protected in Russia, that there is rule of law in Russia. Talk about rule of law. Talk about corruption. You’re a collection of anti-gay bigots. You’re dishonest. Talk about rule of law.“
Queer Nation has a full agenda this week and needs you to turn out to take action on behalf of Russia’s LGBT community.
Monday: Help us demonstrate against the Moscow City government’s efforts to entice Americans into investing in Russian market. We want to send a message to the investor community that LGBT hostile = business hostile. 9 am, Princeton Club, 15 W. 43rd St. http://on.fb.me/17qt48G
Tuesday: The United States Olympic Committee and Olympic Sponsors are hosting a press event in Times Square. Queer Nation will arrive with the 50-foot “Support Russian Gays” banner to send a message that “The Road To Sochi” is paved with blood. Noon, Times Square. http://on.fb.me/1carhof
Wednesday: We will be holding a town Hall Meeting. Arrive to hear news of the previous and upcoming actions. Please bring your own ideas and enthusiam. 7 pm, NYC’s LGBT community Center. http://on.fb.me/HkWOdm
Please share and reblog this to spread the word.
For more details and to invite your firends, see our Facebook events page:
https://www.facebook.com/qn.newyork/events
Say Nyet to Russian Government Officials & Say Yes to More Queer Nation
On Monday, October 28th, we will confront Russian government officials starting a 9:00 AM at the Princeton Club at 15 W. 43rd St. These officials in the Moscow city government have come to New York City to promote investment in Moscow projects. Read more here.
On Wednesday, October 30, Queer Nation will gather at 7:00 PM at the LGBT Community Center at 208 W. 13th St. to discuss and plan future actions. First among these is a November 18 forum promoting US investment in Russia that is sponsored by the Bloomberg administration. Bring your ideas and your friends.
The Sochi-Soda brand is becoming a sticky mess of homophobia for Coca-Cola corporation.
BBC News covers the brutal anti-gay violence in Russia.
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