Where’s the Outrage??
With the announcement of the shooting death of Lawrence King, just 15, one has to wonder– where is the outrage and outcry from the public and media?
King was, by all accounts, a young man who was teased at school for his feminine characteristics and sexual orientation. He was brutally gunned down in school by a fellow student, Brandon McInerney. Police are still investigating, but have charged McInerney with a hate crime.
I can’t help but notice, however, that no media outlets really seem to be covering this. The LGBT blogs are buzzing and angry, but the 24 hour news stations are still focusing on anything but the violent loss of this young man.
It seems the media and public are more concerned with where Britney Spears is or who made American Idol’s top 24. Meanwhile, young kids are getting shot in school for simply being themselves.
At the very least it would make sense, with the other horrific school shooting in Illinois, to mention King’s murder.
But still there is silence.
Why is the life of a boy living outside the gender-norm less newsworthy? Why is the general public not having vigils or crying for him?
Where is the outrage?
We can no longer stand by and let our youth get quietly gunned down. We can no longer turn a blind eye to the effects of anti-LGBT rhetoric and bigotry. We cannot let this fade into the background.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Lawrence.
My anger goes out to the people not concerned with the loss of this young life.
I hope our community can come together to make sure the life of this young man is not forgotten. Let your outrage and anger be heard. Demand it be recognized.
Demand that Lawrence King’s life, and violent death, not get swept under the rug.
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Waymon Hudson is founder and President of Fight OUT Loud, a national non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the GLBT community to fight discrimination and hate. www.fightOUTloud.org
For information on LGBT Hate Crimes and how to help, visit www.GayAmericanHeroes.com
