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by Javier Otárola, Public Relations Director for Afirmación Gran Valparaíso September 5, 2005 On September 4 we gathered in Quilpué, 75 miles northwest of Santiago, to hold a vigil in memory of gay and lesbian victims of suicide. Several civic organizations supported the event. We met with Rolando Jiménez, president of Movimiento de Integración y Liberación Homosexual, Movilh; three representatives of a political party, Pacto Juntos Podemos; and Danilo Ahumada, who is running for Representative in District 12. The vigil was held across the street from the Aníbal Pinto chapel, which is the stake center for Quilpué. People inside the chapel turned off the lights on that side of the building, closed the main entrance, and asked members to enter the edifice from another street. We had a chance to talk with some members, though, and we gave them copies of the essay "A Witness Sealed with Blood," by Hugo Salinas, which the PR Department for the City of Quilpué has printed for distribution. Elias Valenzuela, from Affirmation Santiago gave the opening prayer. The speakers were Rolando Jiménez from Movilh, Danilo Ahumada, Marcelo Leiva, Elías Valenzuela, and a representative of Pacto Juntos Podemos. Marcelo Leiva gave the closing prayer. Friday evening, when it was too late to contact any government officials, we were told we didn't have permission to hold the event. However we had a letter signed by the highest-ranking official in the city, with explicit information about how public spaces can be used by citizens, and on Saturday morning we presented a copy to the police. Some of our brothers and sisters could not attend because they were told by their local LDS leaders that if they did they would be excommunicated. We focused on the issue of homophobia in the church, and the importance of raising awareness so that these tragedies will not happen again. We also talked about God's unconditional love. We are all our brother's and sister's keeper. We are responsible. By assuming our responsability, we can help save lives. See also: 
Affirmation Suicide Memorial
Reports
of Past Vigils
Raising Awareness about Suicide & Suicide Prevention: A Message by the Executive Director
Suicide Information & Awareness
Salt Lake City, Portland to Hold Suicide Vigils
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www.affirmation.org