FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Dozens of people attended a rally Thursday to help generate leads in the killing of a teenager, and bring to light what they said is a growing problem in South Florida.

"People aren't born hating gay people, they are taught to hate gay people," said Matt Forman, spokesman for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

A group of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people selected a place they felt was appropriate to sound off; on a street corner where Simmie Williams Jr. was gunned down last week.

Williams was well known in this neighborhood, in part for his fondness for wearing women's clothing as he strolled Sistrunk Boulevard, people who knew him told Local 10's Roger Lohse.

A memorial with flowers and pictures marked the spot on the corner of Northwest 10th Avenue where the 17-year-old was killed last Friday at 12:45 a.m.

"My age and he's gone for what, over hate and violence. For what? For nothing. It's so sad," said Markeysha Blackshere, a local resident.

Several local and state leaders joined the rally and called on their counterparts to include sexual orientation in laws that provide equal rights for gay, lesbian and transgendered people. They believe Williams is the latest casualty in what they see as a growing war on gay and transgendered people.

"There's an intolerance, even in this neighborhood and it's time that we stand up as a community and say this isn't welcome anymore," said Michael Rajner, an organizer of the rally.

Earlier in the day, police posted fliers touting a $1,000 reward for information in Williams' killing , but detectives said they have very little to go on. They have not officially classified Williams' death as a hate crime, but they said they are not ruling it out because at this point they've been unable to establish a motive for his killing .

"This may be a hate crime, it may not be, but we're definitely looking into that possibility," said Fort Lauderdale Police spokeswoman Kathy Collins.

In addition to the $1,000 reward being offered by Crimestoppers, Pride South Florida is also offering $1,000 and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has contributed $10,000.

Anyone with information should call Broward Crimestoppers at 954-493-TIPS. All callers remain anonymous.