
Candlelight vigils honoring slain California junior high school student Lawrence King are taking place tonight in Sacramento, Fresno, and West Hollywood. Organized by the Gay-Straight Alliance Network, Transgender Law Center, and numerous local agencies, the vigils are being set up to help family and friends express their sorrow regarding the shooting death of 15-year-old King on February 12 at E.O Green Junior High School in Oxnard; King was shot twice in the head. Accused of the crime is 14-year-old Brandon McInerney, a fellow student who had bullied King because of his perceived sexuality and gender-nonconforming behavior. McInerney is being held on hate crime–enhanced murder charges.
"We are deeply saddened by the shooting of Larry King," GSA Network executive director Carolyn Laub said in a press release. "We need time to gather together and grieve as a community. By remembering Larry at these vigils, we hope we will also honor him by raising awareness that young people are coming out at younger ages and our schools -- especially our junior highs and middle schools -- need to be proactive about teaching respect for diversity based on sexual orientation and gender identity."
Sacramento:
Wednesday, February 20, 5:30 p.m.
Sacramento Gay
and Lesbian Center
Fresno:
Wednesday, February 20, 7 p.m.
Corner of Shaw and
Blackstone
West
Hollywood:
Wednesday, February 20, 7 p.m.
West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd. (The Advocate)
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