Harvey's In Peoria, Too

They're marching in Peoria!

They're marching against intolerance!

They're marching against stupidity!

When the sign above was placed outside The Elbo Room, a karaoke bar in Peoria Illinois, it lit a spark in the local gay community.

Dozens of gay rights supporters lined up last weekend outside The Elbo Room to express their outrage. The sign, they said, might as well have read, "Gays are not welcome here."

"The sign was basically a sign of intolerance, and we're not going to stand for it anymore," said Stephanie Worlow, one of the organizers of the protest that drew nearly 40 people. "It's time that we as a community stand up for ourselves. We're not going to stand for intolerance anymore."

With Iowa and Vermont legalizing gay marriage this month the gay community in Peoria—a substantial but previously low-key population—has begun to find its voice and to use it. Three months ago, a website, outandaboutillinois.com, was launched to connect the gay community, and protesters last week formed a group called One World, One Equality and planned to go to Springfield this month along with other gay-rights supporters to lobby for civil unions.

"This is the first time we've mobilized for a situation like that," said Dawn Scally. "Let's finally do something and get together and stop taking everything as it comes. Let's take a stand and try to have a voice for the community."

They are Harvey Milks, y'all. In Peoria!

Enough is enough.

Owner of The Elbo Room, Greg Quast, could not be reached for comment--uh huh--but he did manage to release a statement apologizing for the sign, saying he's taken action to ensure it does not happen again.

It best not Greg, because the gay community is not going to take this kind of hatred and bigotry any more.

Not even in Peoria.