On February 8, 2002, Carla Grayson, her partner Adrianne Neff, and their 22-month old son barely escaped from their blazing house through a window. Police immediately suspected arson; investigators found gasoline-soaked rope lain through the house, blocking all exits. It was believed the fire was set in response to the women's involvement in a lawsuit-filed four days before-accusing the Montana University System of discriminating against lesbian and gay employees by not extending benefits to their same-sex partners. When the smoke cleared, Grayson and Neff had to come to terms with the fact that someone had tried to kill them.

But shock and disbelief quickly turned to action, as the community immediately organized to support the victims and send a strong message to all of Missoula that hate would not be tolerated.

Grayson and Neff lost 80% of their belongings in the fire, but with support from the Montana Human Rights Network and PRIDE, the residents of Missoula sprang into action to help them. The community set up a relief fund, and donations quickly poured in. The day after the arson, hundreds of community members packed a local church for a rally and vigil, and the following week, another gathering at the University of Montana drew about 500 people. The community screened NOT IN OUR TOWN I to increase dialogue between Missoula residents about intolerance. Following the Billings Model, residents posted "Hate Hurts" signs around Missoula to express solidarity with the victims and raise public awareness about hate crimes.

Victims Visit the Torched Remains of Their Home

Weeks after the arson, Carla Grayson and Adrianne Neff walk through their gutted home, recalling memories of the night they narrowly escaped death.
[Watch the Video 56k | 220k]

A Community Responds

Sitting in their new rented home, Carla Grayson and Adrianne Neff recall the outpouring of help from their community and share letters of support.
[Watch the Video 56k | 220k]

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