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 t...