Williamson never knew that organizations like PFLAG Spartanburg existed, Edwards says, but it helped organize Monday’s vigil with the help of Uplift Outreach Center, another Spartanburg organization that aims to make LGBTQ+ youth feel welcome. She was not invited to Williamson’s funeral, which was held last week in Williamson’s birth name, because she “refused to stop saying ‘Jacob.’” In an interview for an article jointly reported by the Observer and The State, Patterson-Shealy made clear that she only uses Williamson’s birth name and feminine pronouns. “All of the love and support that Jacob is getting right now in his untimely death could have prevented this from ever happening,” Edwards told the crowd. It’s a small distinction with a gulf of understanding in between. His family and friends say that Williamson might not have been killed because he was transgender, but he died because he was transgender. Police say the killing is not being investigated as a hate crime. Williamson had been living as a transgender man for about a month when he went to meet Newton, whom he first connected with online, Edwards said. Police have charged Newton with first-degree murder and obstruction of justice in Williamson’s death, and arrested Newton’s girlfriend, 22-year-old Victoria Smith, in connection with the killing. Williamson’s body was found July 4 on the side of a road in Pageland, South Carolina, roughly 8 miles from where 25-year-old Joshua Newton lived in Monroe, North Carolina. Several never met Williamson, but they had heard his story. Many wore purple T-shirts or had hair streaked with shades of plum, a color symbolizing support for LGBTQ+ youth. In front of her, the seats in Jacob Williamson’s hometown of Laurens, South Carolina, were filled with friends, family and people who never knew the 18-year-old. “If Jacob would have had one single ounce of support and love in his life that he has right now, we would not be standing here today,” Edwards said. ACE and the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs fund this production in part.Promise Edwards looked out at the crowd of about 70 people who gathered at the community center Monday night and for the second time in nearly 20 minutes she offered both gratitude and regret. Tickets are available at or by calling the Box Office at 85. See Legally Blonde July 21 - August 6, 2023, on the PLT Mainstage. "Omigod, you guys!" Prepare to be swept away by a show filled with iconic lines, unforgettable characters, and show-stopping numbers. This upbeat and fast-paced tale follows the spirited girly girl Elle Woods as she follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School, determined to win him back. From the creative team that brought you the record-breaking "Mamma Mia!" in 2019, this summer's must-see production will have you Bend-and-Snapping the day away! Directed by the incomparable Carla Rhodes and featuring the incredible musical direction of Tina Buran and the delightful Choreography of Lexi Mayo, Legally Blonde: The Musical brings the beloved story of Elle Woods from the screen to the stage. This sensational mainstage show promises to leave audiences singing and dancing in the aisles. Pensacola Little Theatre (PLT) is thrilled to announce the first musical of the 2023-2024 season, Legally Blonde: The Musical.
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