On Sunday, April 14, 2018, a cowardly act of violence struck deep into the heart of our community. Two gay men were viciously attacked in full view of cameras, witnesses and passers-by who felt posting to Twitter was more important than stopping an assault that left one of them lying in U Street unconscious, and the other bloodied nearby with a busted nose. I’m sure everyone has seen that horrific video.

It is 2018. We will not stand for this. We have had enough.

This candlelit Vigil Against Violence is a visible expression of solidarity with the two members of our community who were viciously attacked near Dirty Goose this weekend, the two others who were similarly assaulted two weeks ago outside Town.

We will assemble at Stead Park Thursday night at 8:30 and the event will begin as soon as the final game has ended, around 9 p.m.

This is the first of a series of events that will, in fact, be what I’m calling a “Muscular Response” to end this violence once and for all. Tonight we’re solemn. Tomorrow, we march.

Candles and ASL interpretation, of course, will be provided.

Kristina Kelly, emcee