We are gathered here tonight to mourn those of us who have been taken from us by hatred, violence, and ignorance, but in a larger sense, we are here to celebrate their lives. That we might not have known any of them personally, does not lessen our sense of loss or our disgust for the way they were taken.

Regardless of the threats and bigotry they knew they would face as a result of their decision to live as they believed they needed to live, they took those risks and lived their lives the best way they knew how to live. Their courage in the face of ignorance and bigotry should cause us to rejoice in the simple fact that they LIVED and faced their fears head on, knowing that they would likely be persecuted and shunned by so-called “straight” society.

From those of us here gathered here, and from others in many other places in observances like this one our hearts go out to their families, their friends, their loved ones. We feel the loss of those beautiful, courageous lives that will never see the potential they might have acheived.

Yes they were taken from us by violence and ignorance, but their lives, their courage, should show us the way to light the way for others. Our fight need not and should not be one of violence, but one of education and enlightenment. Each of us, in our own way, should strive to show society that we are not a threat, but a way to learn about tolerance and acceptance. WE are the future and it is for US to light the way to understanding.

Yes, we gathered here to mourn, to remember those lost to us, but let us also remember that because they lived, they made a difference, whether large or small. We need to folow their example and strive to make a difference. It doesn't have to be in huge, sweeping changes. If you educate just one person, that one goes on to educate others.

Let the loss of those who were taken from us be a rallying call to ALL of us. Let their example, their courage, be a beacon to light the way to a better future for us all. In that way, their loss can serve as the best kind of example, and their deaths will not have been in vain or obscure and forgotten footnotes on some police blotter.

It is said that living well is the best revenge. Let us all live well and, by our example, show that we are proud of who and what we are, and resolved to seize the opportunity to lead the way to a better life. A life free from persecution, bigotry and violence.

Thank you to all of you who came here tonight. Let us have a moment of silence to honor those who are no longer with us.

Catherine Linda Michel