Vigil, march held for George Zander and all victims of hate crimes

Dozens of people attended a vigil and march on Tuesday night to remember prominent LGBT activist George Zander and all victims of hate crimes.

This was an emotional event for Chris Zander. His husband George passed away almost a year ago.

“It’s hard not to be angry, but the truth is, anger is not going to help anything. Anger is what provoked the situation we are in right now,” said Zander.

George Zander died last December at the age of 71, a month after he and his husband were attacked. The accused, Christopher Carr and Keith Terranova, allegedly assaulted the men because the Zanders are gay and were leaving a gay night club.

Tuesday’s candlelight vigil was held not just to remember a man who worked to fight social injustice and for LGBT rights for several years but for all victims of hate.

“We have to fight until we achieve true equality, but the word fight can easily be misunderstood. We don’t want to fight with anger, we want to fight with love, fire against fire never works,” Zander said.

Some of the people who attended tonight’s vigil have been victims of discrimination and hate.

“People need to be aware of their surroundings all the time. No matter where you are whether that’s a parking lot or grocery stores, whereever,” said Jimmy Hicks, a victim of a hate crime.

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“It’s not all grand and good now, there is still hate out there, and we all have to fight against that hate,” said Jane Rascal who protested with George Zander more than 20 years ago.

The vigil continued with a march. People walking in procession with candles through downtown Palm Springs. It ended at the corner where George and Chris were attacked. A wreath will remain at the corner of Tahquitz Canyon Way and Calle Encilia until Monday for mourners to pay respects.

Christopher Carr and Keith Terranova who are accused in the assault are awaiting trial. The Riverside County Coroners Office said Zander died of natural causes.