Today the city of Columbus, OH, is turning pink. This special day is being supported by the Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization (BRAVO) in support of three gay men who were attacked last week in alleged hate crimes. One of the men, Christopher Kratavil, was wearing a pink shirt when he was attacked.
The event's Facebook page states that, "After seeing his blood stained pink shirt, the idea was formed to wear pink in a show of unity this Friday." The group is also hosting an evening fundraiser, featuring many of Columbus' favorite entertainers, with all proceeds going to BRAVO.
The website "We Wear Pink Friday" states:
In light of recent events and in support of our friends, Christopher Richard Kratavil, Christopher Allen Ashcraft, and David Conley, all recently attacked in Columbus, please wear pink this Friday.
We all have a responsibility to one another- be it gay, straight, bisexual, transgender. Going into the season of Pride, where we,as a community, fight for equality and inclusion, it is only appropriate that as GLBTQ people, we are equally accepting. I love this greater Columbus community and those, both heterosexual and homosexual, who work towards inclusion.
The Facebook event has over 6,000 members and encourages everyone to send in their "Pink Friday" photos:
The images have come pouring in, not just from Columbus, but from all over the country:
The mayor of Columbus, Mike Coleman, tweeted, "Wearing a pink tie today in support of our LGBT community here in Columbus."
Local businesses have shown their support:
The event poster:
Check out more pink photos from the event here.
