Amazing Race goth couple Kynt and Vyxsin Honor Lawrence King's Memory

I have watched Amazing Race a few times, including a couple of episodes with Kynt and Vyxsin. I will confess that I do not get the goth look, but to each his/her own if it makes them happy and harms no one else. More importantly, these two are demonstrating that their hearts are in the right place and they are taking affirmative steps to highlight the need for tolerance and acceptance of diversity. Among them is the co-sponsoring of a vigil for Lawrence King. Here are highlights from Toweleroad ( http://www.towleroad.com/2008/03/amazing-races-k.html):

Amazing Race goth couple Kynt and Vyxsin are speaking out against anti-gay hate crimes following the murder of 14-year-old Lawrence King in Oxnard last month. The couple are scheduled to meet with parents, teachers, and students from E. O. Green Jr. High School at a park near the campus.

Kynt and Vyxsin, who at heated moments were dismissed as "freaks" and "witches" by fellow competitors on the show, feel they can relate to being targeted for being different: "On the night of September 25th, 2004, Kynt was attacked by three men [in Louisville, KY] who 'didn't like the way he looked.' Kynt was hospitalized and his face required reconstructive surgery of his left oribital bone, which was crushed in the assault."

The couple is also co-sponsoring a candlelight vigil for Lawrence King, which takes place tonight in West Hollywood: "FALLEN ANGEL: A Candle-Light Tribute to Lawrence KingLos Angeles, CaliforniaWednesday, March 26, 2008, 5-9 PM. Kynt also released this statement:

"I would like to express my condolences and support to the family and friends of Lawrence King. It has been documented that Lawrence was subjected to marked negativity from fellow male students for occassionally wearing make-up, jewelry, and feminine clothing.

The seemingly harmless jokes and name-calling escalated toward this horrific act of violence. Lawrence was considered an outcast, and often teased for his appearance, which is a situation I can relate to very well, as I am a male who is proud to enjoy a more effeminate appearance.

I am saddened that Lawrence's creativity, free-thinking, and individuality might have contributed to his murder. Every student deserves to attend school with the assumption that they will be safe, no matter how they choose to express themself aesthetically. This is a tragedy but one I feel can be averted in the future with an increased emphasis on diversity and tolerance education in schools.

Parents need to take charge as well, and be mindful of acceptance as they mold the thoughts, ideas, and outlook of their child. Creating a culture based on an 'acceptance and appreciation of difference,' whether that difference is race, religion, sexuality, gender expression, or aesthetic, is the responsibility of EACH and EVERY American. This must happen."