Undoubtedly, you've noticed the recent spate of violence and hate crimes targeting LGBT youth, especially those of color. Unfortunately, there has also been a number of recent suicides among LGBT youth. At least ten LGBT teens committed suicide in the past six weeks. Two Black LGBT teens also took their own lives in three weeks. New York City-based Black gay youth activist Joseph Jefferson committed suicide on Oct. 23.
If you are in New York City, there will be two events over the next two days to raise awareness around anti-LGBT violence and LGBT youth suicide. On Thursday at 5PM in New York City's Washington Square Park , rally to "Stop the BS"—the bullying and suicides. The rally is being organized by a number of groups, including GMAD, GMHC, The Ali Forney Center, the Anti-Violence Project, the Audre Lorde Project and Queers for Economic Justice.
On Friday at 6PM at the LGBT Center on West 13th Street, "Celebrate Life - Stop the Madness." The service will celebrate the lives of those recently killed by anti-LGBT violence, remember LGBT youth who have taken their own lives, and offer support for our youth. Organizers will remember Joseph Jefferson, Mosey Viaze, Aiyisha Hassan, Raymond Chase, Arthur Downey, Victoria Carmen White and Tyler Clementi. Please share the Facebook e-vite.
Finally: Joseph Jefferson's funeral service will be Sunday. Joseph's longtime friend and mentor Tony Shelton is collecting donations for the family to go toward the services. The Paypal link is HERE.
Sadly, this only shows that there is so much more work that needs to be done.Those in the LGBT community need to have the insight and strength to fight on against homophobia and whatever external or internal influences that need to be dealt with. We have to keep getting the message out: being LGBT is not a sin, immoral, or an abomination. We have one life to live, and we are the ones who should live it. Each life is too precious to let it be taken away.
Posted by: Stone | 27 October 2010 at 14:53
The Celebrate Life - Stop the Madness event on Friday will be a celebration. Guests artists include: ButtaFly Soul, The Genesis Project, Tyra Allure, Jesse O, Renir Amin, Lester Greene, Chinaza Hope and others. Spiritual comfort by: Minister Nakia Alford-Saunders. Grief counselors & Suicide Prevention advisers available.
Event Free
Raffle sold with excellent prizes
Posted by: Laurence Pinckney | 27 October 2010 at 15:27