Another Murder of a Gay Youth. This Time in Scotland. His name was Jack Frew and he was 16. Stabbed to Death. Dear G-d.

Bronski Beat, "Why" lyrics

Contempt in your eyes
As I turn to kiss his lips
Broken I lie
All my feelings denied
Blood on your fist
Can you tell me why?
You in your false securities
Tear up my life
Condemning me
Name me an illness
Call me a sin
Never feel guilty
Never give in
Tell me why?
You and me together
Fighting for our love
Can you tell me why?

Click on the title below to link back to where I found this at Towleroad. This is why gay men need to laugh so much about the Reker story. Because the pain of what he actually did is too much to bear, and his (and any other) brand of virulent homophobia fuels hate crimes like this. Just so you know part of my people's history, Bronski Beat was the first OUT London-based popular musical artists with politically pro-gay lyrics. This was a top ten song in the UK, as was their album, titled "Age of Consent". When this album was released in 1984, the age of consent in the UK for heterosexuals was 16, and for "homosexuals" it was 21. I had turned 21 by the time this song was a hit. And Jack Frew never will be.

To me, sixteen is a child, in terms of who adults have sex with. And this child deserved to come into a life of loving relationships, not stopped by the knife of a murderous white het guy.

To the friends, loved ones, and family of Jack Frew: my deepest condolence. -- Julian

05/08/2010

Gay Teen Savagely Murdered in Scotland

Very savagely. Jack Frew and a friend were attacked and slashed with a knife in Glasgow while walking home Thursday night. The Scotsman reports:
"The 16-year-old was stabbed on a cycle path in East Kilbride's Mossneuk area on Thursday night.

Frew, who stated his sexuality as "gay" on his MySpace profile, was a pupil at Duncanrig Secondary in East Kilbride and was described as a gifted actor who was well liked and respected in the school.

Another schoolboy is understood to have been hurt in the incident. Fellow pupils were told about the murder on Friday."

Frew died soon after the violent assault and the other victim, 17-year-old Craig Roy, remains hospitalized.

Police are still seeking a motive, but at least one news source claims that "it's been suggested this was a homophobic attack."