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Compiled by GayToday
A coalition of local and national community organizations honored the life of slain Navajo gay Two-Spirit youth Fred C. Martinez, Jr. earlier this month through a vigil and community forum in Cortez, Colorado. In addition, Martinez's family and supporters are awaiting a court announcement regarding the upgrading of charges against Shaun Murphy to first-degree murder and the new date for a preliminary hearing.
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 Pauline Mitchell, mother of slain Navajo gay Two-Spirit youth Fred Martinez, Jr., with PFLAG National Vice President Carolyn Wagner at the vigil for Fred |
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), PFLAG Durango/Four Corners, the Four Corners Gay & Lesbian Alliance for Diversity (4cGLAD), the Colorado Anti-Violence Project and the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) joined Pauline Mitchell, Martinez's mother, Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard, and more than 200 others at the Saturday, August 11 vigil at Parque de Vida in Cortez.
In response to this vigil, other cities across the nation are planning similar events to honor the life of Fred C. Martinez.
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"Pauline Mitchell no longer feels alone and isolated in her community," said Carolyn Wagner, PFLAG National Vice President. "She knows that she has an extensive and diverse support system that will help her cope with the loss of her son, the upcoming trial of Shaun Murphy and the many challenges she will face in the coming months," Wagner concluded.
"I was thrilled at both the turnout and the tenor of the community forum," said John Peters-Campbell, Cortez Board Member for 4cGLAD. "Montezuma County residents are genuinely committed to creating an environment where diversity is respected and finding ways to prevent another tragedy like Fred's death. 4cGLAD is committed to playing a role in making sure that positive change happens."
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Related Stories from the GayToday Archive:
Murdered Colorado Teen's Mom Ignored
Mother of Murdered 16-Year Old Navajo Youth Speaks Out
Teen Gets Anti-Gay Slur Carved into Stomach
Related Sites:
4CGLAD
GLAAD
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"This weekend was a success on many levels," said Kathy Keyes, president of 4cGLAD.
A mourner overlooks the site where Fred Martinez was murdered
"It allowed the community to honor Fred's life, provided the necessary of support for Fred's family and friends, and started a dialogue in Montezuma County about diversity issues which will surely continue."
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