Rally to remember slain gay men

An upcoming gay rights ceremony will include a tribute to two gay men killedin Nova Scotia.

A rally and kiss-into markInternational Day Against Homophobiathis Thursday were planned before the bodies of Trevor Brewster and Michael Knott werediscovered within the past nine days.

Their deaths have changed the tone of the events, said organizer and gay rights activist Hugo Dann.

"I think it will be both a chance for the community to do some healing but it's a great opportunity for people who are concerned about issues like this to stand in solidarity with us," Dann told CBC News Monday.

Brewster's body was discovered under a boardwalk in Dartmouth on Wednesday, four days after Knott was found dead in the woodsnear Mill Cove, Lunenburg County.

Police said Friday there are similarities in the slayings and although it's unclear whether the sexual orientation of the victims was a factor, they cannot rule it out.

As a result, police have stepped up patrols in areas known for cruising and are urging gay men to be careful.

Halifax police are still looking for Brewster's black Honda Civic.