In Memory of Larry King

Monday, March 31, 2008

Nancy L. Brown, PhD

Larry King was murdered on February 12, 2008 at his junior high in Oxnard, CA. Larry was only 15 years old and liked to come to school in makeup, high heels, and earrings. When teased by the other boys, he teased them right back and was confident in his own gay, brave self.

The eighth-grade boy who shot him "because he was gay" is being tried as an adult and will likely go to prison for life, which means two lives were lost that day because letting other people be "different" is not OK with some people. I say being different should not matter, at school, work, and especially in our families. Please share the poem below with anyone who you think needs to know they are OK.

DOES IT MATTER

My father asked me if I am gay
I said, "Does it matter?"
He said, "No, not really."
I told him, "Yes."
He said, "Get out of my life."
I guess it mattered.

My Boss asked me if I am gay.
I said, "Does it matter?"
He said, "No, not really."
I told him, "Yes."
He said, "You're fired, faggot."
I guess it mattered.

My friend asked me if I am gay.
I said, "Does it matter?"
He said, "No, not really."
I told him, "Yes."
He said, "Don't call me your friend."
I guess it mattered.

My lover asked, "Do you love me?"
I said, "Does it matter."
He said, "Yes."
I told him, "I love you."
He said, "Let me hold you in my arms."
For the first time in my life
something matters.

My God (goddess, higher power) asked, "Do you love yourself?"
I said, "Does it matter?"
S/He said, "Yes."
I asked, "How can I love myself?
I am gay."
S/He said, "That's the way
I made you."

Nothing again will matter.

- Author Unknown

Photo credit: seanmcgrath

Labels: GLBT, Healthline, Preteens, Tragedy

Permalink | Email Post

The Healthline Site, its content, such as text, graphics, images, search results, HealthMaps, Trust Marks, and other material contained on the Healthline Site ("Content"), its services, and any information or material posted on the Healthline Site by third parties are provided for informational purposes only. None of the foregoing is a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Healthline Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Please read the Terms of Service for more information regarding use of the Healthline Site.