Last week, we began to hear the devastating news that a navy seaman, on guard at Camp Pendleton, was brutally murdered. Regardless of the individual’s background, this was a horrific act to be committed against one of our servicemembers who works every day for our freedom. But what sent even deeper chills through our community was the news that this may have been a hate-motivated attack. Seaman August Provost was a 29-year old African-American gay male, who had, we are told, complained to his family and friends of anti-gay and racist harrassment for over a year. The Navy has dismissed claims that this murder was based on hate, but some community leaders and activists are calling upon a full, wide-scale investigation to determine this.

Regardless, Provost was a victim of the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy”. He was unable to live his life in a completely open manner, was unable to seek help when he was harrassed, and his partner was only notified of his Provost’s death when contacted by a reporter.

To honor the life of Seaman Provost, DOD FED GLOBE and North County LGBT Coalition will host a vigil this Friday, July 10 in Oceanside at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to take the time to make the trip up and honor Provost’s life, and show support for all of our gay and lesbian servicemembers. If you would like to drive up in a ceremonial “funeral procession”, caravaning with other participants, meet at the parking lot of the San Diego LGBT Community Center at 5:30 p.m.

Event information is posted on DOD FED GLOBE’s website.

Seaman August Provost