Particle.news

Download on the App Store

‘Angry Gay Grandpa’ Fined $16,575 After Guilty Plea in Capitol Protest

Facing a $16,575 fine for gluing his hand to a Capitol railing, Lantz has raised more than $40,000 toward a 'Not Losing You' public service announcement for transgender youth.

Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • James Lantz pleaded guilty to criminal mischief and misdemeanor vandalism over his April demonstration in the Pennsylvania State Senate.
  • A Dauphin County judge ordered Lantz to pay $16,575 to cover carpet replacement, glue removal and wood trim repairs.
  • Lantz staged the protest after repeated failed requests to meet Senator Ryan Aument and to highlight five Lancaster County transgender youth suicides.
  • Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, he said his limited time drove his decision to interrupt a Senate session to draw attention to LGBTQ+ youth mental health.
  • His GoFundMe campaign for the “Not Losing You” PSA has raised just over $40,000 of a $75,000 goal to support transgender and LGBTQ+ youth.