Hundreds of New Yorkers of every color and creed gathered in Harlem last night to remember Islan Nettles, the 21-year-old transgender woman who was taken off of life support after being beaten in an apparent hate crime.
The event wasn't simply a moment to remember Nettles, but also to stand strong against anti-trans hate. And leading the way was Nettles's supportive mother, Delores Nettles. "For someone to beat your child down. That's a tragedy," Ms. Nettles told local New York City ABC News affiliate. "My baby can't come back, my baby can't go to school or to work like she wanted to, and it's not fair."
Mayoral candidate Christine Quinn was also on hand, and told reporters that she doesn't give a hoot if you hate LGBT people; you just need to keep that hate to yourself. "I don't know what is wrong with people, why who I am or who transgender people are is offensive. Keep your feelings to yourself. It is not OK to act out in a violent way," said the openly gay Democrat.
Here, via ABC 7, is video from the vigil.
