On Tuesday and Thursday, Twin Cities residents will gather to remember those who have been a victim of anti-LGBT bullying. Tuesday’s event will be held at Coffman Union at the University of Minnesota and will begin at 8pm. Thursday’s event will be held at Loring Park and will begin at 7pm. Here are the details:

University of Minnesota Candlelight Vigil
Tomorrow: Tues, Oct 12, 2010
8:00 PM
Front lawn in front of Coffman Union
Candles provided
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149634498411492

A message from the Queer Student Cultural Center:

“Amidst our planning and celebrating of National Coming Out Week, we are reminded of the hate and intolerance against our community. From the suicide of Tyler Clementi at Rutger’s University in New Jersey, to the recent physical assaults on the Augsburg campus on the West Bank in Minneapolis, we need to remember the lives lost and the lives affected by these injustices. As a Queer community at large it’s important for us to band together and show love and respect for one another, and anyone who’s ever been a victim of bullying, verbal or physical harassment, or worse.

The QSCC will be open at 7:15 PM Tuesday night for people to come inside and get situated. You’re welcome to leave any belongings in the room, it will be locked during the event, we are located in room 205 in Coffman Memorial Union. We will walk down to the Front Plaza as a group to begin the Vigil. If you have any questions about parking or directions, please email the QSCC at [email protected].

It’s very important for the Twin Cities to come together in a time of crisis, such as this. We are urging everyone to attend this event. This is not a student event, this is for everyone regardless of age or University affiliation; so please bring friends and family.”

**Stand Up Against Bullying!**

What: A Candlelight Vigil! We will stand together to demonstrate we are allies for those who have been bullied and vow to create safe
schools for all.

When: Thursday, October 14. 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Where: Loring Park, Minneapolis

Who: Over 450 LGBT activists and allies!

Why: Because every student deserves a hate-free school!

Facebook event info is here

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**Have You Seen The News?**

Recent suicides of youth in Minnesota, Texas, Indiana, and California
have shocked a nation. These suicides of Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Transgender or
questioning youth did not occur in a vacuum. Many of these teens
reported being bullied for being, or presumed to be, GLBT. Visible and
vocal allies play a vital role in making schools safer for all
students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We will
stand together to demonstrate we are allies for those who have been
bullied and vow to create safe school environs for all.

**Our Students Deserve Safe Schools!**

A safe atmosphere allows for a positive sense of self, which is the
basis of educational achievement and personal growth. Homophobia and
heterosexism undermine a healthy school climate. We understand the
damaging effects these forces have on youth and adults alike. We will
hold vigil for those already lost, those enduring taunts and bullying,
and we will vow to be allies for GLBT/questioning youth. We stand
against anti-GLBT name-calling, gender slurs, bullying and harassment
in our schools. All students, regardless of sexual orientation or
gender identity/expression deserve to feel safe and supported to
develop a positive self identity.

**Join Us In Support of LGBT Youth!**

Being a young person and discovering who you are is hard
enough—without someone attacking you. There are messages everyday in
our society that validate bullying, and we need to make it stop.
Intolerance and ignorance cannot be allowed to take another life. We
will hold vigil to remember, and more importantly instill hope among
our youth, and each other.

Parking available in Minneapolis Community & Technical College Ramp,
(note: pay-as-you-enter facility, $5 all)