GA Teen Going to the Prom, But Where Does He Go Afterwards?

Jim Burroway

March 24th, 2010

Derrick Martin

Derrick Martin pulled off an amazing accomplishment this week. The 18-year-old gay senior wanted to take his boyfriend to the Bleckley County High School prom, something that had never happened in this small Georgia town. Apparently being the prudent young man that he is, he asked school officials if that would be okay. To his surprise (and to the surprise of many of the rest of us) the school said yes. He can take his boyfriend to the prom. While there are a few objections, the town seems to be taken the startling developments with aplomb.

Well, not his parents. They kicked their son out of the house. He is now staying with a friend.

Edwin

March 24th, 2010

His parents must never had any love for him. If they did they would let him stay home.. But as it is they are just like all the anti gay a$$holes who are out there.

Burr

March 24th, 2010

The second link is the same as the first?

Eddie89

March 24th, 2010

Congratulations to Derrick!

I hope Derrick and his boyfriend have an excellent time at the prom and that all goes well!

As for his parents, they should be ashamed of themselves.

The article mentioned that Derrick is an honor student who tutors at-risk elementary and middle school students after school. WOW! How awesome is that!

If Derrick was my son, I would be 100% PROUD of him!

Some parents just suck!

I’m sorry that Derrick has such idiots as parents.

Even more props to him that he’s such an awesome young man!

Jim Burroway

March 24th, 2010

Burr,

Sorry. The second link is fixed now.

John

March 24th, 2010

I can’t imagine that his parents didn’t know he was gay before this happened. The article linked to says that his parents kicked him out due to “media attention”, which I have no reason to disbelieve, and I don’t think is completely unreasonable as long as it isn’t permanent and they made sure he had a place to stay before kicking him out.

I’m not saying that his parents did the right thing, I’m just saying we shouldn’t jump to conclusions about the boy’s parents…

Lucrece

March 24th, 2010

The school had refused him at first– the town wasn’t “ready”– only to backtrack three month later after seeing nothing in their code supported them, and being aware that they could be sued just like that Mississippi girl was doing.

Also, Towleroad has a local news report. The school said their decision “does not endorse any lifestyles or practices, just merely reflects how the school system works today”.

Adding to that homophobic jewel, a web poll was shown at the end. Only 35% of the people voted Yes for the question of whether same-sex couples should be allowed to prom, while 65% voted No.

He received support from FACEBOOK and people from other states. I’m pretty sure locally, he’ll be crucified. My heart aches for him, because all the nice words of a social networking site and gestures from a stranger will not remove the fact that he’ll be a pariah in his town and have no home.

CB

March 25th, 2010

Bleckley County School Superintendant Charlotte Pipkin:

“This statement is not an endorsement of any particular practice or lifestyle, but rather recognition of the legal environment in which the public schools operate today.”

You have to love the statement by the superintendant and how she worded it, explaining why she permitted Derrick and his boyfriend to the prom; not supportive, but slyly drafted to deflect and distance herself from any criticism. Gay in rural Georgia, scary!

Just too bad his parents can’t be supportive of him! :(

gordo

March 25th, 2010

Derrick is the kind of Hero HRC should be celebrating. If they honor him at their next fundraiser I’ll pay the fee, get out my tux, and go.

WMDKitty

March 25th, 2010

I’m totally Team Derrick.

His “parents” need to grow the hell up, pull their heads out of their asses, and realize that, if they continue to push him away, they WILL lose him. Forever. Through their own asshattery. I hope Derrick picks their nursing home. ^_^

Priya Lynn

March 25th, 2010

WMDKitty, I think his parents want to lose him forever.

paul j stein

March 25th, 2010

Well he is 18yo and has some attention now. Maybe a job from a gay benefactor could help him get his life started in a more supportive home situation.

Timothy (TRiG)

March 27th, 2010

This statement is not an endorsement of any particular practice or lifestyle, but rather recognition of the legal environment in which the public schools operate today.

Don’t you just love it?

The law is forcing me to behave like a decent human being, and I DEEPLY RESENT THAT!

TRiG.

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