On Friday I was one of the speakers at the NYC Day of Silence/Vigil for Lawrence King that was held at the very packed Christopher Street Park. It was a truly incredible experience to be surrounded by so many youth and adults who are committed to making the world a better place for queer folks, and especially youth. There was not a person in attendance who had not been touched by the tragic death of Lawrence King. His death has rekindled the spirits of students and activists working to end the unique bullying culture which has been permitted to continue within American classrooms. The thing that first stuck out to me when I heard of the murder of Lawrence King, and wht has continued to haunt me is that he lived in a group home for abused and neglected children. Lawrence was part of the estimated 40% of homeless youth in the United States who are LGBTQ identified. Despite the broad attention Lawrence’s death has received (particularly in light of Day of Silence being dedicated to his memory this year) there has continued to be a media and community silence about Lawrence’s homelessness, this is what I spoke about on Friday evening, and the need for this death to be seen as a community call to action to end the epidemic of queer youth homelessness. A few moments after I spoke a pastor was brought to the stage, and the park became awash with the light from glowsticks. I am sure that the choice to use glowsticks was brought on by a lack of ability to get a permit for candles, and yet it seemed somehow fitting. <br><br>
A video of me speaking can be viewed here
or at youtube.com