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Johnny2X2X

(18,732 posts)
8. Sad case
Thu Oct 11, 2018, 12:44 PM
Oct 2018

This horrific case will never be forgotten, but the one thing that sticks with me is that his killers presented a defense of, "But he came onto me." I'm sure he didn't, but even if he did as that was somehow an excuse for violence of any type. And that reflects the attitude of many small town men and boys across the country for decades, that beating someone because they hit on you was totally justified. Even now you still hear men say, "I have no problem with gays, as long as they don't hit on me..." Like if someone of the same sex flirts with you it's license to get violent.

Totally comfortable with who I am, if a gay guy hits on me, first I am flattered and I'll thank them and not reciprocate, it's totally not even necessary for me to proclaim my straightness, I could care less if anyone things I am gay or not. If a guy is persistent and bothersome, I will then mention I am straight and happily married. But that's not how it always was, I remember in my youth (the 80s) being thought gay was a huge deal to most men I knew, if accused of being gay men would go to great lengths to prove their straightness and "manhood."

There still are groups and individuals smearing him. Archae Oct 2018 #1
thank you for posting this. niyad Oct 2018 #2
Safe ground at last. magicarpet Oct 2018 #3
Rest peacefully forever, Matthew, and hearts ease to your loved ones Hekate Oct 2018 #4
Thank you for posting this. KPN Oct 2018 #5
... JudyM Oct 2018 #6
Proud Episcopalian here wryter2000 Oct 2018 #7
Same here. Turin_C3PO Oct 2018 #10
Sad case Johnny2X2X Oct 2018 #8
20 Years After His Death, Ashes Of Matthew Shepard To Be Interred At Washington National Cathedral mahatmakanejeeves Oct 2018 #9
RIP Matthew. Turin_C3PO Oct 2018 #11
A good decision! marble falls Oct 2018 #12
why I love my Episcopal church ... kwassa Oct 2018 #13
RIP Matthew blue-wave Oct 2018 #14
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