Photo courtesy of Arturo Beeche' and posted on the Facebook Group supporting Derrick Martin
WELCOME HOME! Welcome back to Georgia. Many here are proud of you for everything you have done, your plans for the future and for launching PROJECT LIFEVEST to build a legacy of helping gay youth. You took a tough personal situation and are turning it into a trimuph for others and inspiring so many along the way.
We came to know you as a high school student who followed the rules to get your prom date approved only to face unfair challenges. But your strength, courage and demeanor blessed and taught us valuable lessons and many are happy to know that you have found a family, gained an army of new friends and the respect of the community worldwide.
Hoping your summer was a fabulous as you deserve, many of us here in Georgia welcome you back to the Peach state as you begin your college career in addition to the work and activism that will enrich so many. While this blog post was written by one person and isn't intended to speak for all of the community, know that many may share the opinion and feelings of great pride and admiration for your becoming a part of our lives. Your story, your strength and your mission has and will continue to provide blessings for all.
Thank you for what you do and please remember to reach out to your fellow Georgian's for help. From Savannah to Macon, to Albany and Atlanta. Many of us are here for you as a friend, supporter and family. Our community is stronger while working together and because of you.
All the best to you!
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HERE ARE SOME VIDEOS WITH DERRICK MARTIN.
Macon Georgia Equality Rally for Derrick Martin & Deonna Sage, April 9th 2010. The rally was organized to support both Derrick and Deonna Sage who faced public discrimination at the same time. Derrick because of his prom date and Deonna, a local drag performer for the appearance at a local community festival event.
After the prom and graduation, Derrick Martin travelled to California for several appearances.
Derrick Martin speaks with his boyfriend at his side during the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in San Francisco on June 5, 2010. For more information about GLAAD's work, please visit http://www.glaad.org, http://facebook.com/glaad, and http://twitter.com/glaad.
2 comments:
It is very encouraging and inspiring to
see such a young man turn adversity
into an opportunity to pay it forward. His
actions make our world a better place.
Cheers for Derrick!
This evolving story has a lot of potential
as a movie. Any movie producers out
there interested?
I am the Proud Mother of a Gay Son and I don't understand how some parents can turn their backs on their children because they are the individuals that they are. I applaud Derrick for standing up for what he believes. I pray that my sons finds a partner one day that loves him for who he is, and then, I will have two sons.
Janice M. Batts
Fitzgerald, GA
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