RubberBuzz || Akron Unleashed: Out in the 'Kron

10.12.2005

Out in the 'Kron

Last night at Cascade Community Church there was a Hate Crimes Vigil as part of the Out in Akron celebration. The vigil also coincided with National Coming Out Day which is celebrated on the anniversary of the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. A 17 year-old sums up the event and meaning pretty well.

Mary Forfia had just entered the fifth grade at the time of Matthew Shepard's murder.

She understood homosexuality; a relative had come out to the family years earlier.

But Forfia couldn't comprehend why Shepard had been killed for being gay.

``I don't think you can understand hate unless you're taught it,'' she said. ``You also can't fight something you don't understand.''

``Prevention is more about everyday action -- just stopping it when you hear it and being there for people who are affected by it,'' said the 17-year-old. ``There's nothing worse than feeling alone.

``It's important to show that people still remember.''

The next Out in Akron event will be the "Religious Faith Exploration and Celebration" discussion at First Grace Chruch on Thursday the thirteenth at 6 pm. The church is located at 330 W. Exchange Street (at the corner of Exchange and Portage).

The BJ :: Vigil stresses fatal hate crimes

(joe :: Out in the 'Kron)

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