Gay bashing in Atlanta shows progress is still needed

       As an Atlanta native, I am very aware of the city's thriving LGBTQ community. Articles have called Atlanta the most gay-friendly city in the United States. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a story for the Signal about the drag scene. It is clear LGBTQ people have a place in Atlanta and that has led many people to believe homophobia isn't really an issue here. Sadly, a violence incident has shown that there is a lot of work that still needs to be done.

     On February 5, a video of 20-year-old Brandon White being beaten went viral on the internet. His three attackers were seen punching, kicking and throwing a tire at Smith while yelling homophobic slurs at him. This attack happened as he was walking out of a convenience store in southwest Atlanta. The attack is currently under investigation by the City of Atlanta Police and the FBI. Although I hate that White was attacked and I refuse to watch his beating, I think this incident could be used as a teaching moment.

    Although the LGBTQ movement has made many strides and LGBTQ people are afforded more invisibility, homophobia still runs rampant. Most states still have laws against gay people being able to get married and adopt children. There are constant reports of assaults and murders of transgendered people in this country. There are still children killing themselves because their peers are bullying them because they assume they are gay.

     Yes, Proposition 8 and Don't Ask, Don't Tell have been overturned and we get to watch shows like Glee and RuPaul's Drag Race but homophobia is still an issue and it needs to be addressed. Until it is addressed effectively, I doubt there will be much progress made. Unless homophobia is addressed directly, young people like Brandon White, Tyler Clementi and Sakia Gunn will continue to be beaten and die in vain.