Tuesday, February 19, 2008

In Memory of Lawrence King

Gender non-conformity is punished in our society in so many ways--subtley and overtly.

So is being queer, especially if you deign to flirt with another person. A boy flirting with a girl isn't supposed to be considered a threat--why is a boy flirting with a boy? If you're not into it, just say no thanks.

The recent murder--execution, really--of a 15-year-old middle school student from Oxnard, California, is hitting me hard.

His name was Lawrence (Larry) King. He was such a strong spirit that he continued to dress exactly how he wanted to when going to school. He wore makeup and was an out, gay kid in the face of constant harrassment.

Now that he's dead, some of his classmates are expressing regret.

It's crucial that teachers and other adults discuss these issues with kids. And that we don't ever pathologize gender non-conformity but celebrate the creative expression of others, in whatever form it takes.

I wish I could attend the vigil for Lawrence tonight in San Francisco. I can't, but I will light a candle for him at home.


Montgomery Maxton said...

this is so sad. it hasn't gotten much nat'l media. :(

Kate Evans said...

Yes, makes me wonder why. Matthew Sheperd's situation deservedly received a lot of coverage--what's different about Lawrence King? Gender non-conformity? A person of color?

Abigail said...

Tears are in order indeed. I'll also light a candle for a beautiful light muted too soon.

Collin Kelley said...

I hadn't even heard about this. Thanks for posting it, Kate. A fourteen year old shot him for being gay. This begs the obvious questions: where does a 14 year old get a gun and where does he learn that kind of hate. His parents should be punished as well.

C. Dale said...

It breaks my heart. Part of why I have been posting links to this from the beginning is that no one in the national media seems to be discussing this at all.

Kate Evans said...

Maybe we should encourage people to do a blog blast: as many postings as possible to MAKE it a national story.