Gay teen shot in L.A.

A 15-year-old boy in Oxnard, California was shot dead in school by a fellow student -- apparently because he was gay.

This is a sickening and complicated story. The victim, Lawrence King (in photo), lived in a foster care center for abused children. When he decided to "come out" at school, he did so in a flamboyant way -- wearing makeup, high-heeled boots and jewelry to school.

His affectations made King an easy target for bullies, and one police officer told CNN, off the record, that he believed that King had admitted a crush on the boy who shot him.

Obviously, there is LOT going on in this story, and one has to wonder if any adults intervened. Kids shouldn't shoot other kids for being gay. But, a 15-year-old boy who behaves this way (in most schools, anyway) is probably going to have some serious problems with other students.

I don't know what school authorities can or cannot do in situations such as this, particularly when a child's parents are not involved in his life. But, I'm guessing some counseling -- for everyone involved -- might have averted this crime.

The youngster accused in the shooting, who has been identified (by name and photo) in television reports, faces over 50 years in prison if tried as an adult.

What a tragic mess.

Comments

[lwt]

being flamboyant in high school may not be wise and having a crush on someone can be heartbreaking, but there is no call for others to bully someone or shoot him. this is sad and that it is played out to a lesser degree everyday is beyond sad. forget the state tests. teaching tolerance and consideration should be the first priority in school since apparently it is not taught in many homes. there is a line in an irish song, 'and if you don't like me then leave me alone.' it's too bad more people don't follow that advice.

[m.b.]

So so sad. I'll think of him today. You are right Bill, the "Wild Rover" line is on point.

The school where I work has a GLBT club, which is a step in the right direction. Also, teachers who are willing (myself included) put rainbow triangle stickers on their doors that say "safe space". These teachers are there if a GLBT student (or even a teacher) needs someone supportive and non-judgmental to talk to.

We've had flamboyant kids in the past--I mean kids that wear top hats, boas and the like. No one bothered them (and I keep my ear to the ground). These "outed" themselves before someone did it for them. They "owned" who they were, and many of the students and faculty totally respected that.

[dawniris]

It's a shame and sad. I agree; regardless of how flamboyant someone is or what their sexual orientation is, that doesn't give anyone the right to abuse them.

I like that saying lwt; I always wonder why some people make it their business to bother other people when all they need to do is mind their own business and leave the other person alone.

[dawniris]

by the way.....

I guess some people would rather kill and go to jail for a long time rather than just brush off a so called crush.

Hmmm....that says a lot about our society: we ostracize some people so much that some think it's acceptable to kill them.

[Maria]

"I don't know what school authorities can or cannot do in situations such as this, particularly when a child's parents are not involved in his life."

Please see the link below on the GLSEN website. There are things that CAN be done, and schools all over the country that are successfully keeping their students safe. We don't have to throw up our hands thinking nothing can done to prevent this kind of senseless tragedy.

GLSEN, or the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for ALL students.

http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/news/record/2263.html