Last week, Action News 5 reported that a 16-year-old bisexual teen was beaten by several other kids in front of an apartment on Thomas Street. Neighbor Sharon Poindexter called Memphis Police, but the attackers fled on foot before police arrived.
“The police asked him why they were jumping on him and he told them it’s because he’s bisexual,” Poindexter told Action News 5.
Anti-gay bullying stories aren’t new, but they’ve gotten extra media attention lately following a recent rash of gay teen suicides triggered by incidents of bullying over sexual orientation.
In response to the national outcry over LGBT bullying, the Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center is holding a public forum to discuss issues of bullying and LGBT teen suicide. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 19th, 7 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Cathedral (1695 Central).
On Wednesday, Oct. 20th at 7 p.m., First Congregational Church is hosting a Spirit Rally to memorialize victims of LGBT teen suicide. People across the country are encouraged to wear purple on Wednesday in honor of LGBT teen suicide victims.
