WEB EXTRA: Vigil held in memory of slain gay teen
by Jeffrey Ricker
02-29-2008

Photos by Philip Deitch
The Rev. Jeff Bert leads participants on a candlelight walk along South Grand following the vigil for Lawrence King.

Between 75 and 100 people turned out at Mokabe's Coffeehouse on Tuesday, Feb. 26, for a vigil and candlelight walk in memory of Lawrence King. The 15-year-old was shot by a classmate Feb. 12 at a junior high school in suburban Oxnard, Calif. Brandon McInerney, 14, has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder in the incident, which has been labeled a hate crime. According to the Los Angeles Times, classmates said King "recently had started to wear makeup and jewelry and had proclaimed himself gay."

The vigil was organized by Garden Light United Church of Christ and Mokabe's. Other organizations that participated included Growing American Youth and PROMO.

Speakers at the event included the Rev. Jonathon Edwards, pastor of Garden Light United Church of Christ; the Rev. Jeff Bert, a member of the pastoral team at Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis; Scott Emanuel, Public Education Manager for the ACLU of Eastern Missouri and adviser with Growing American Youth; and Meghan Hickerson, a senior and GSA organizer at Kirkwood High School.

"It's easy for those of us who are active in the GLBT communities to forget what the reality is for most GLBT folks, especially kids," said Edwards, adding that he hopes people who attended the vigil will be moved to action. "Wherever you remain closeted, come out. When you hear anti-gay slurs, challenge them. Support GLBT community organizations and events. When your grief turns to anger — which it will — use it to tear down walls. And do it now, for God's sake."

Following the vigil, participants went on a candlelight walk along South Grand.

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