Man On Hunger Strike For Gay Rights

Richard Noble is spending a lot more time than usual on Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.

For 36 hours, he says he’s planning not to eat. He’s setting up his strike for the public to watch and learn from on the corner of Tahquitz and Palm Canyon Drive in Downtown Palm Springs. He says he’s doing it in an effort to bring attention to gay rights issues.

“This is a way for me to express my feelings. Gays deserve to marry,” Noble said. “[Gays] should be allowed to give blood and shouldn’t be targeted by Palm Springs Police officers.”

Noble is referring to the arrest made last June during a Warm Sands neighborhood sex sting targeting gay men. The Palm Springs Police Chief David Dominguez says his officers treat everyone with respect, and use compassionate policing.

During his hunger strike, Noble will consume only water to keep hydrated. He said he wanted it to be healthy, so rather than a 9 days strike, he’s elected for 36 hours. He will finish up the hunger strike around 10pm Tuesday evening.