On Wednesday, March 12th at the Gay Community Center here in Richmond, Virginia, people of all walks of life will gather for a memorial to remember and honor Lawrence King. King was the eighth grader gunned down in front of his classmates in Oxnard, California on February 12th, but the tragedy has been overshadowed by other media events that took center stage. Many GLBT organizations across the country, especially GLSEN, have been holding candlit vigils in honor of this young man. King was a youth who was "out" to his friends and family.

I am hoping that mainstream media will re-awaken itself to Lawrence King's story and give it the fair representation it deserves. This type of violence is incredibly tragic and it brings attention to the fact that the GLBT community has many miles to go before we can rest from discrimination. The end to this discrimination HAS to begin with our families and our public school system. The time has come. 

I am reminded of Mathew Shepard with King's death. I am reminded that we all need to open up, connect, and listen to our youth.

Thanks,

Ruth