Press Releases

MEDIA ADVISORY
February 19, 2008

Contact:
Ali Bay, Equality California Institute
916.284.9187

Carolyn Laub, Gay Straight Alliance Network
415.235.4556

Masen Davis, Transgender Law Center
415.738.6168

Candlelight Vigils to Honor Jr. High Student Shot at School

What: Candlelight Vigils for Lawrence King

When: Tuesday February 19 and Wednesday February 20

Where: Multiple locations across CA

San Francisco – Equality California Institute, Gay-Straight Alliance Network, Transgender Law Center, and numerous community partners are planning a series of vigils across California and the nation to express their deep sorrow regarding the death of Lawrence “Larry” King, a junior high school student from Oxnard, CA who was shot at school a week ago today. Authorities are prosecuting his murder as a hate crime, as Larry was perceived to be gay and gender non-conforming. The vigils will remember Larry King and carry the message of the need for stronger anti-bullying policies and anti-bias educational programs in schools.

Larry King, the 15-year-old 8th grader, was shot at E.O. Green Junior High School on Tuesday, February 12th, and was taken off life support three days later. Friends have reported that Larry had been bullied and harassed by classmates, including the fellow student, Brandon McInerney, charged with his murder.

EQCAI, GSA Network and Transgender Law Center, working in partnership with many other community organizations, have announced vigils (see below) in San Francisco, Ukiah, and Willits on Tuesday, February 19th and Sacramento, Fresno, and Los Angeles/West Hollywood on Wednesday, February 20th. Other vigils are expected to be announced in San Diego and Santa Barbara. A complete list of vigils nationwide is available at: www.rememberinglawrence.org

“We are deeply saddened by the shooting of Larry King. We need time to gather together and grieve as a community,” said Carolyn Laub, executive director of GSA Network. “By remembering Larry at these vigils, we hope we will also honor him by raising awareness that young people are coming out at younger ages and our schools – especially our junior highs and middle schools – need to be proactive about teaching respect for diversity based on sexual orientation and gender identity.”

Media interviews can be arranged at each location.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2008

• San Francisco, California
  6:00 p.m.—Lawrence King Remembrance Vigil
  Location: Lobby of the SF LGBT Center, 1800 Market at Octavia
  Co-Sponsored By: CUAV, GSA Network, LYRIC, SF LGBT Center, Transgender Law Center, Equality California Institute
• Ukiah, California
  5:15 p.m.—Remembering Lawrence Candle Light Vigil
  Location: State and Perkins Streets
  Co-Sponsored By: GSA, PFLAG, MEUSA, PAN, United For Safe Schools, GLAM
• Willits, California
  5:30 p.m.—Remembering Lawrence Candle Light Vigil
  Location: Parking lot next to 38 S. Main St
  Co-Sponsored By: GSA, PFLAG, Marriage Equality USA, Pride Alliance Network, GLAM and United for Safe Schools
  WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2008
• Sacramento, California
  5:30 p.m.—Sacramento Vigil
  Location: Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center
  Co-Sponsored By: GSA Network, Sac Stonewall, Senator Darrell Steinberg, Sac BOE Member Gretchen Bender, CAPPAC, Respect Sacramento, Mariko Yamada Yolo County BOS, Equality California Institute
• Fresno, California
  7:00 p.m.—Candlelight Vigil
  Location: Corner of Shaw & Blackstone
  Co-Sponsored By: GSA Network, Community Link, Fresno City College Diversity Club
• West Hollywood/Los Angeles, California
  7:00 p.m.—Candlelight Vigil Remembering Lawrence King
  Location: West Hollywood Park, 647 N San Vicente Blvd.
  Co-Sponsored By: GSA Network, Transgender Law Center, Equality California Institute, City of West Hollywood, Hollywood Chapter of NOW

Equality California Institute informs lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and the public at large about issues impacting the LGBT community and our allies, and connects communities working for justice and civil rights. www.eqca.org/institute

GSA Network is a nonprofit organization, governed by youth and adults, that empowers youth activists to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools through Gay-Straight Alliance clubs. There are currently more than 650 GSA clubs in California schools, including more than 45% of the public high schools and 14 middle schools or junior highs in the state. www.gsanetwork.org

The Transgender Law Center is a civil rights organization advocating for transgender communities through direct legal services, education, community organizing, and policy and media advocacy. www.transgenderlawcenter.org

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