Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado, 19
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"When my son told me he was gay, I told him, 'Now, I love you more'. I want to tell the world that hatred is not born with human beings, it is a seed that is planted by adults and is fostered creating a climate of intolerance and violence. We must change our ways and understand that anyone... could have been my son. And I want everybody to know that Jorge Steven was a very much loved son."Mercado's body was found burned and decapitated last week. Juan Martinez Matos, 25, has confessed to the murder and appears to be planning a "gay panic" defense. Memorial vigils in Mercado's honor have been taking place around the nation. New Yorkers will gather today at 5PM at the Christopher Street Pier.
BELOW: Clip 1 -Puerto Rico-based activist and National Gay & Lesbian Task Force staffer Pedro Julio Serrano speaks at a rally in San Juan. (Subtitles by Andres Duque.) Clip 2 - A photo tribute created by Mercado's friends, who knew him as Steven.
Labels: gay panic, gay youth, hate crimes, Jorge Mercado, memorial, murder, Puerto Rico