RE: 52% of homosexual youth report self-harming
Well, I've seen a number of gays beat up. 3 that were actually co-workers and friends of mine. Two were either housemates or apt neighbors of mine.
First one was my first boss, he was the head waiter (no pun) and he would come into work the next day with a black eye or swollen lip ALL the time. He was about 19-20, I was 15 and living on my own for the first time. We would hang out on occasion after work and shoot the schit and some of the stuff he would tell me about his "boyfriends" kicking the crap out of him would make your skin crawl. He was a pretty good size guy, but for whatever reason was always the subservient one, the "girl" if you will. Last I heard he had hanged himself after being beaten again by another boyfriend.
Before all that happened, he had actually gotten me another job, good gig as a busboy at another place, where I was bringing in 125+ a day in tips and sidework at age 17-18. There I met another guy, fellow employee, who became a friend and occasional drinking buddy at a local spot. He went by little Sam. Why? Cause he and Big Sam were together and we all worked together. There was a reason for their names/hierarchy and man-o-man would big Sam beat the ever living f@#$ out of little sam just for giggles. Some days he couldn't even come to work; he had been at the hospital, ER, was up all night with a busted nose, whatever. Last I heard he had died of a heroin OD, I think it was.
Michael lived next door and was a really good guy. Competent surfer, student at UMd. and on his way. We would all hang out and drink, cuss, smoke cigs, eff with each other and whatever else. We all figured he was gay, but it was never really broached or a big deal, so what? He came out and we all kind of chuckled and said, yea, AND? He got into a series of bad relationships and last I'd heard was also working to escape some dude that was using him for a punching bag.
So, yea, I've seen plenty of harassment, abuse, criminal assault and anything more you care to pile on, just not first hand. Only the aftermath.
What I haven't seen, ever, is an attack on a gay guy by a straight because he's gay. Not one time. Ever.
So, F08, your premise is not only wrong, and you've predetermined we're all liars, but you have NO idea what you're talking about. In many instances.
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