Almost 100 people showed up on the evening of Monday, May 10th for a candlelight vigil held in honor of Courtney Bright, a 24-year-old Polk County lesbian who was allegedly murdered by the father of her girlfriend. The vigil was organized by Scott Hall, founder of the Gay American Heroes Foundation (GAHF), an organization dedicated to educating about, and ending anti-LGBT hate crimes.

The somber ceremony was organized in the parking lot of the Shoppes of Wilton Manors and various members of the community spoke on behalf of those affected by hate crimes in our country. Wilton Manors Mayor Gary Resnick presented Scott Hall with a proclamation declaring Monday, May 10, 2010 “Courtney Bright Day” in Wilton Manors. Also speaking that evening included Wilton Manors Vice Mayor, Justin Flippen, Carol Benowitz of PFLAG, Michael Albetta of the Dolphin Democrats, Dr. Rod Hurt of the GAHF and Rabbi Noah Kitty of Congregation Etz Chaim. In attendance were representatives of the Wilton Manors Police Department and the Broward Sheriffs Office.

Immediately following the speakers, members of the community tearfully read a partial list of names of other members of the LGBT community who had been murdered in hate-based crimes. —BK