Whilst I was on holiday in Berlin, the GLBT Network at work was formed. Having put my name down for it, I was invited to our first "event" which was to go as a group to the vigil in Trafalgar Square in honour of the life of the recently murdered Ian Baynham and all other recent victims of hate crime. There was only 4 of us (Stephanie, Paul, Cosimo and I) plus Stephanie's partner, so after gathering ourselves at First Out Cafe, we headed down to Trafalgar Square where a very large crowded had gathered.Sandi Toksvig led the events with various friends of Ian Baynham, Sue Perkins and many different representatives of organisations including the only politicians, Labour ministers, Chris Bryant and Maria Eagle.
It was deeply moving and the musical tributes by both the Gay Men's Chorus' of various cities and the London Gay Symphony Orchestra were touching. We did our part by distributing candle's (and card to protect one's hands!) around the little part of the crowd we'd found ourselves in. This blogger works for nothing but the joy of writing but always appreciates things bought from his wishlist
Glad you were able to be there :)
ReplyDeleteI am really very sorry not to have been able to make the vigil. I'm a regular at Halfway II Heaven in Duncannon Street where Ian was murdered and it is shocking to think that someone could have been so casually and fatally attacked in the heart of London's West End - what is more with one of London's largest and busiest police stations around the corner.
ReplyDeleteNot just Ian's life ruined but that of his partner, his family and friends.
And we call ourselves civilised. Oh really?!
It's a bit worrying the rise in attacks.
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