CNN's Don Lemon's interview with Shane Tomlinson's parents is heartbreaking.

[Jakefix]

10. CNN interview

Shane Tomlinson's parents are African American and may well appreciate a service familiar to their religious, cultural experience. I lived in NC for many years and served as a contact in the welcoming church movement. My lgbt friends who grew up in more spirited-style religious traditions (African American & white Pentecostal) have shared with me how alienating worship is in the very cerebral, less overtly emotive, predominantly white, euro-centric, mainline Protestant churches that have lgbt welcoming congregations in the Charlotte area. Shane Tomlinson sang gospel music in black churches from the time he was 4, according to his mother. There are 2 faith communities, both of which are small & have smallish facilities that serve lgbt faith communities of color: the Metropolitan Community Churches and Unity Fellowship Churches. I have contacted East Carolina University re this interview, as Shane graduated from ECU & was in their gospel choir. ECU had more than a thousand attend a vigil a few days ago. They will be reaching out to the family - a memorial service could be held at ECU with private interment elsewhere. The gospel choir could help in the service. There are 2 well known African American lgbt affirming pastors in NC (and several others serving MCC & Unity Fellowship churches, not as well known). Both the Rev Dr William Barber, who leads the NC NAACP & the Moral Monday Movement, and the Rev Dr James Forbes, retired lgbt affirming pastor of NYC's famed Riverside Church, live within 30 minutes of ECU. I'm fairly certain that ECU was reaching out to the Tomlinsons. Hope this info helps