Photo: Dean Trantalis (l to r), George Castrataro and Mikey Verdugo at Protest March on Hollywood City Hall 

By JAMES MICHAELS  

Approximately 60 people turned out to support former openly-gay Hollywood Police officer Michael “Mikey” Verdugo in front of the Hollywood City Hall on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. The protesters were there to support not only Verdugo but passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), a Federal law that would make workplace discrimination illegal nationwide.

“We were in front of city hall,” said Verdugo’s attorney, George Castrataro, “then they moved us off to the northeast side of the property near the library behind the air conditioner ventilation. They claimed it was for the group’s safety and welfare.” Castrataro admitted that he got into a yelling match with the police that may have been caught by a videographer. “I hope the video didn’t come out,” joked Castrataro.

The protesters themselves were mostly dressed in purple in recognition of national day of protest against gay bullying and in memory of the youths that had recently committed suicide. In addition to Castrataro was attorney Dean Trantalis and a Nova Law School professor with several of his students.

Eventually the protesters were permitted to enter the Commission Chambers of City Hall while the commission meeting was in progress but the protesters were not allowed to protest or even carry their signs.

Verdugo felt the protest was a success. I’m still trying to get my message out there,” said Verdugo. “one of my supporters said that discrimination is the adult version of bullying.” Verdugo was also pleased that one of the Hollywood city commissioners spoke, off the agenda, when seeing the large group wearing the purple shirts, that she felt that discrimination in any form was wrong.