(AP) -- COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents are honoring young victims of anti-gay bullying, depression and suicide with a candlelight vigil.

SC Pride hosts the vigil at the Statehouse in Columbia on Wednesday. The event comes after five reported suicides in the past month of gay teenagers who have killed themselves after being bullied about their sexuality.

Organizers say they hope the vigil will help gay and straight people come together to support each other and inspire action to

prevent future deaths.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)