Candlelight
Vigils Honor Lawrence King, February 20 in California

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)