Paul Day.

Paul Day and his partner, Christopher Robertson, returned to their mobile home in the small, conservative central Florida town of Lakeland on July 25 to find the place torched and the words DIE FAG spray-painted on the front steps. The crime, which is still being investigated, has rallied gays and their allies across the country.

So how do you feel about all the attention this has generated?

It's been overwhelming. We had no idea people would respond like they have. We've had assistance in the way of furniture and people sending donations. People e-mailed from all over. An artist from Oregon contacted us about using us in a series of paintings on victims of hate crimes.

How has this changed Lakeland?

A lot of people are bent out of shape, and a lot of people I have talked to who weren't very active in the community are reconsidering their roles and positions.

What's the condition of your mobile home?

The house itself is still standing there. It's not livable. Someone broke into it again, pretty well cleaning out anything else that was usable. Unfortunately, we're still responsible for where it sits; we still have to pay rent on our lease obligation for the land.

Do you plan to stay in the area?

At this point, we'll probably stay long enough that the issue gets resolved. After that, though, we'll probably move somewhere else. If this is going to be how things are here, we probably won't stay.