Tomorrow, (October 30) at 9pm in Trafalgar Square there will be a silent vigil calling upon people from all over the world to join and show that hate crime is unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated.
 
Pride London and 17-24-30 - the anti hate-crime group - ask that people light candles of hope and observe the two minutes' silence 9pm GMT both in the UK and throughout the world. People are invited to post a photo on facebook with their candle in front of a monument from their city. 17-24-30 wants to make this a worldwide day of remembrance, hope and action.
 
Sandi Toksvig will be introducing the speakers at the vigil, The Gay Men's Chorus and many friends will be singing and the London Gay Wind Symphony Band will be playing. The evening is supported by PrideLondon who will be providing stewards, T-Shirts and experience in managing public events. Over 10,000 people are expected to attend in Trafalgar Square alone.
 
Planned after the incident on September 25 2009 when Ian Baynham, 62, and his friend were victims of a suspected homophobic assault in Trafalgar Square. Ian was assaulted by three youths, two women and a man and later died from his injuries on October 13. Ian is not alone, he is one of thousands of people who have been victims of hate crime.
 
Paul Birrell, Chair of PrideLondon commented:
"I am sickened and saddened by this needless death. This is the fourth homophobic murder in London in the last 12 months and this has to stop! I am confident the Metropolitan Police will bring Ian's killers to justice and we will offer them any and all assistance in doing so. I urge Londoners to join us in Trafalgar Square on Friday, 30th October to remember Ian.
 
"As we prepare for WorldPride 2012 this is a timely reminder that even in a city as progressive as London LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people still suffer abuse and even murder. The situation in some parts of the world such as Iran, and even countries in Europe such as Serbia which recently saw a homophobic murder at its Pride event, remains even more stark. WorldPride 2012 will throw a spotlight on this".

For more info:
facebook group 17-24-30 and look for the event 'Silent Candle-lit Vigil'.
 
Bank details for donations to 17-24-30:
A/C Name = 17-24-30, HSBC Bank 41446843 Sort Code 40-03-22.