Following a string of anti-gay assaults in NYC in recent weeks, and today’s shocking revelation of an anti-gay hate murder, one New Yorker has a novel suggestion for how to cope: free hugs!

Miss Stonewall 2013, Frostie Flakes, today announced on facebook the free hug session which will start at 2pm in Times Square, NYC, Sunday 5/19. After providing a powerful and moving presence at Thursday’s ‘Take Back the Night’ rally in NYC, Frostie Flokes today posted the following in response to Saturday’s murder:

So it has come down to this. After hearing about the death of a gay man in the village I became very depressed and unsure what to do next. Deep in thought about the root of the problem, a man very kindly opened and held a door for me. A rare thing in this city for sure. I was so uplifted by this small gesture that it put me back in the frame of mind that there is still hope. I call a peaceful rally to be held in Times Square where you come dressed just how you are comfortable on a daily basis. There will be poster board for you to write “Free hug from a (gay man, lesbian, transgender, bisexual, etc.)” – cross that out and write HUMAN BEING! There will also be flowers and flyers with an uplifting message and information about what has been happening in our community.