Embrace Portland: A Benefit for Victims of Hate Violence

Sunday, October 12th Portland, Maine

A community event to support the victim of last months anti-gay hate crime will be held on Sunday, October 12th at the North Star Music Café, 225 Congress Street, from 6-9:30pm.

Being held on the 10th Anniversary of the death of Matthew Shepherd in Wyoming, Embrace Portland seeks to increase public attention of hate and bias incidents in our communities. Featured speakers are Steve Wessler from the Center for Prevention of Hate Violence, Sarah Parker-Holmes from USM’s Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity, and Darlene Huntress from Equality Maine. Additionally, the event will present poets from Port Veritas, performance pieces from AddVerb Productions, and a performance by singer-songwriter, Vanessa Torres.

There will be an open forum for those in the community to share their thoughts about the violence that has occurred in Portland. This event will be ASL interpreted.

Due to the immediate and overwhelming response of the community, funds have already been raised to assist with the cost of the victims’ medical expenses and time lost from work. Therefore, any funds raised will be donated to a local charity of the victims’ choice.