Hudson Valley Vigil for Lawrence King

Mar 20, 2008

On February 12 of this year, 15 year-old Lawrence, was shot in the head by a classmate in an Oxnard, California classroom, simply because he was gay.

GLSEN-Hudson Valley volunteer, Alisha Bell, was among the speakers at the vigil. "We need a future where it doesn't take tragedies to occur to realize how important we all are to each other. We need people to realize how much better a world this could be if we'd only just become a little kinder, tolerant, respectful and more willing to listen and support our youth," Bell said. Board members from the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center also spoke at the event.

Kingston High School, site of Lawrence King vigil

Following a musical performance, attendees observed a moment of silence in memory of Lawrence.

Signs declaring “Our students deserve the right to be who they are safely” and “Teach Respect” could be seen in the crowd. Gay Straight Alliance Advisors from Rondout Valley High School held a sign with a student-drawn portrait of Lawrence.

Attendees gathered at the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center for refreshments following the event.

To learn more about Lawrence King vist our Remembering Lawrence King page.

Click here to view more images from the Hudson Valley vigil.