In February 2008, 15-year-old Lawrence King was shot twice in the head by classmate Brandon McInerney during a class in the computer lab of E.O. Green Junior High School in Oxnard, California. King, who was openly gay and often wore make-up and high heels to school, was often the subject of bullying at his school. McInerney has been charged with a hate crime.
Though the King murder is an extreme example, bullying of gay kids is all too common. Last summer, the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center launched Queer As Youth (Q.A.Y.), a bi-monthly support group and activities program for LGBT and supportive straight kids ages 14 to 19. Q.A.Y. meets Saturday, August 1st at the MGLCC from 7 to 9 p.m.
Each session offers a different activity or educational experience, ranging from theatre and cooking to badminton and filmmaking. For more information, check out Q.A.Y.’s page on the MGLCC website.
