(below) SOUP, the Students Organized to Unite People, held their annual Candlelight Vigil at the beginning of November to commemorate the members of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) community who have been harassed, bullied, and assaulted as a result of their sexual orientation or gender identity, including those who were driven to end their own lives.
Upon arriving at the vigil, audience members were given a candle and then asked to adorn either a white knot, a purple ribbon, or both. The white knot symbolized the wearer’s belief in marriage equality. The purple ribbon was to promote awareness of the violence and bullying towards those in the LGBT community.
Brittany Smith, Davis hall director and faculty adviser for SOUP, played the piano eloquently as guests arrived to the event.
Julia Goodmann (’11) conversed with dean of students, Tim Phillips, a proud supporter and ally of the LGBT community, after her musical finale at the vigil.
Two SOUP members embrace after the Candlelight Vigil. This event proved to be moving not only for the audience members, but also for those who worked hard to put it together.