Light Up the Night...

A little background for those who aren't "with it" LOL

Light Up the Night is/was a night where people all over the country gathered to hold nonviolent, peaceful candlelight vigil to help bring attention to the issue of the lack of equality for the Gay and Lesbian community. It is way past time that every human being have the same basic right of marriage. Its that simple.

I went to the one held in Winter Park for the Orlando area. Its always amazing to see people with a common purpose gather together for said purpose. We filled in the lawn at a church. Brought together in unity of purpose, charity, holiday spirit and love.

Lynn and Pat Mulder were with us. Their son Ryan was murdered in March only because he was gay. The trial for the murder will commence early next year. It was an amazing thing to have them there. They are a lovely couple who in spite of dealing with this increadible loss, come out in support of the community. Having them there made me think of my HS friend Billy Hembry who was murdered in Clarksville, TN by a brainless redneck who went to Billy's house to kill anyone of the 4 gay men who lived there and answered the door. Billy answered the door. His killer was brought to justice. I thought about Billy last night for the first time in a while and it was a good thing!

I met an amazing young man and his amazing family. Josh. He's 16. He's gay. Turns out, he's a good friend of my son and my son's girlfriend. I sat and had a long conversation about a lot of things. He has such a wonderful outlook on things. He is what I call an old soul. He made me think. Gay teenagers have to grow up so fast. Especially if they are open about it. He has had to put up with so much crap in school. He has had a few really good friends that have supported him at school but it may not have been enough. He is now home schooled except for two classes a day. But he is AMAZINGLY happy. His parents COMPLETELY support him. They come to rallys with him as does his sister. His mother has been an integral voice speaking to the school board about Teen LGBT issues and has helped in the wording of new policies dealing with those issues. The school board members KNOW who she is!

As for the vigil itself, we lit our candles as we listened to speakers from PFLAG, different local LGBT organizations and pastors from at least 5 different churches. We heard about never being quiet until EVERYONE has equal rights. We heard about love. We sang some Christmas songs. We were a group gathered in a common voice and the voice was melodious!!!