Images and text © Linda Dawn Hammond 1990 / 2015.

The Love-In at Station 25

Tara Comforts Wendy Stephens at the Love-in ©Linda Dawn Hammond 1990

On the morning of Monday, July 16th, I awoke to a phone call from a French radio station, who asked me for an on-air interview about the events of the 14th and the impending love-in. I explained all, and even suggested that the cops wouldn't dare behave similarly in broad daylight, in front of witnesses and the media. My (again) unedited rant was followed by that of a police representative, who refuted the testimony of Madame Hammond and offered a completely different version of events. It aired at noon, just as we arrived at Station 25. Having expected only a handful of protesters, I was surprised and relieved by the turn-out of over 250 people!

At 12 am, three representatives from the community held a meeting in Station 25 with Capt. Yvan Goyette to discuss the demands, which were refused. With this, the love-in commenced.

Kiss on MUC Flag ©Linda Dawn Hammond 1990

Things began on a playful note. We blocked the intersection, people made out, and chants such as, "We're here, we're queer, we're FABULOUS!" and (directed at the cops and on-lookers), "We're here, we're queer, and so are some of YOU!" were heard. Cops perched on the roof of Station 25 photographed us. Uniformed firemen came out to watch from the fire station next door, which provoked a more enthusiastic response from the guys in the crowd!

Love-in ©Linda Dawn Hammond 1990

Leder Guys ©Linda Dawn Hammond 1990

It's entirely possible that the police had asked us to disperse- who could hear them? Besides, no-one was really into obeying their directives as a point had to be made. A rumour began to filter through the crowd- someone had been informed as to the strategy the police were going to take, to arrest and beat us! They would operate in pairs- the first would attempt to move us- if we didn't immediately co-operate, the other would lay into us with their matraque. It was a very cold and methodical plan, obviously calculated to instill fear in us, and it began to hit home that they were really intending another beating- witnesses or no! They surrounded us in a square formation- more than 70 police clad in riot gear and some with latex gloves to protect themselves from Aids... their identification badges again illegally removed or hidden from view by their vests.

Face-Off ©Linda Dawn Hammond 1990

A palpable fear overcame the protesters- we linked arms and began to chant,"Brisez le silence, pas de violence", and then only, "Pas de violence- pas de violence..." over and over, each time sounding more progressively plaintive. I handed my Nikon to a friend in the crowd and stopped shooting. There are times when one must cease to be a journalist and commit to the events unfolding as a participant. Besides, my Nikon deserved a future. I felt as if I were an animal awaiting slaughter. One could smell fear within our circle and sense the anticipation of the crowd without as they contemplated our fate- some in sympathy, others egging on the police to act against us. A political refugee friend of mine from Chile got my attention and let me know he would pick up my 4 year old son from the daycare, should I need it. We watched and waited, not moving.

Latex Gloves ©Linda Dawn Hammond 1990

To the Arrests and Station 25 Jail Stories- Still Under Construction!

OR

Back to Sexgarage Contents

OR

Whirrled Newz