Lawrence King is my Valentine for 2009

In 2007 those words had a totally different meaning to me then they do today in 2009.

In 2007 Valentines Day brought a smile to my face and perhaps even some fond memories.

But today it brings back the memory of Lawrence King, a 15-year-old gay boy who was executed, in school, by fellow classmate Brandon McInerney.

Prior to the shooting it seems Lawrence and Brandon had an ongoing feud due to Lawrence’s’ sexuality. Lawrence didn’t back down, in fact he escalated the feud.
Evidently it was the last straw when Lawrence asked Brandon to be his valentine in 2008. Obviously Brandon felt the death penalty was appropriate for such a transgression. So Brandon became the judge, jury and executioner.

Lawrence was a fighter and stood up for himself, his feelings and his rights. For two days after being shot in the head he fought for his life. Lawrence King died in the hospital one year ago today.

Even though Lawrence was only 15 he refused to be relegated to second-class citizenship. He refused to bow down to those who disagreed with who Lawrence was.

He wore effeminate clothing and combated discrimination up front. Yes, at the age of 15 Lawrence King was doing his part to try and make our world a better and more diversified place simply by being himself.

Lawrence King, at the age of 15 was a hero and is now a martyr.

Because of Lawrence King Valentine’s Day will never be the same for me.

It is so very tragic and sad a 15-year-old boy lost his life for just being himself.

This makes an extremely important statement about the times we live in today.

When we have some people in influential social positions condemning those of us who are different, is it really any surprise we have some people who feel they are doing the world a favor by getting rid of those who are different?

When we have governments who turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to those of us who are different is it any wonder others follow suit?

When we have religions that condemn us to hell is it any wonder there are some who wish to hasten our journey to that destination?

More than 85 percent of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students report being verbally harassed at school by their peers because of their sexual orientation; and more than 66 percent because of their gender expression

More than 40 percent of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students report being physically harassed by their peers because of their sexual orientation; and more than 30 percent because of their gender expression;

More than 20 percent of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students report being physically assaulted by their peers at school because of their sexual orientation; and nearly 15 percent because of their gender expression

Wake up!!
Stand up!!

Stomp your feet!!

March!!

Yell and scream at the top of your lungs; ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

How many more must die?

How many more must be beaten?

How many more must grow up feeling unloved, alone and cast aside?

How many more will suffer before our human family learns to love?

How many more?

So this Valentines Day 2009 I proudly say Lawrence King is my Valentine!