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Originally posted Sept. 3:
Here’s the video that Jared Fox posted on YouTube after he was brutally beaten on Saturday night outside Cocktails Lounge on Cleveland’s west side. Fox, a gay man, describes the details of his assault and champions the role of education in keeping LGBT youth safe in schools.
“You can rest assured that I am not stopping until justice has been brought forth,” Fox says. “And until schools are safe places, where kids grow up and learn that there are people who are different from them, people like me, and it doesn’t mean that we deserve to get beaten, just because of who we love.”
On his Facebook page, Fox says he wants to make his story a national issue. He wants folks to continue raising awareness of violence against LGBT youth.
This article appears in Sep 11-17, 2013.
Sending good love and good thoughts to that guy and his mission. I believe in bringing peace for the LGBT community-but I must say I’m not sure that’s why this guy was singled out. It sounds like it could have been anyone with any sexual preference as long as they looked like they were alone and would give up their money. They used violent and hateful words and definitely offended him but I just think that was in their nature no matter who it was. Either way I wish him well on his journey. The whole thing about the cops is gross too. Wake up Cleveland police!
Jared, you are strong, brave and a new hero for the LGBT and hetero community. Bravo to you! I am glad you were not more seriously injured.
Heal fast ..you ROCK..I am sorry this happened to you..thank you for your inspirational …courageous ..and uplifting sane response to such maliscious ignorance..♥
Ps..Again…Cleveland Police…EPIC FAILURES
Enough already. I don’t know Jared, but I know MANY people like him. Knowing this could have happened to someone I care about really breaks my heart. Hearing his story enraged me. I want answers from the first district. I want to know why they didn’t do anything. I want these kids found and I want justice to be served. I’m so sorry, Jared. I’m an ally and I’m proud to be one!
I am so disgusted by the actions of incorrigible youth, the Cleveland police that turned a deaf ear to crime, and the person on here that “disliked” all the positive comments for Jared, thus being an invisible bully. Jared, I’m so sorry you were harmed by people’s ignorance and lack of common decency. Please know there are so so many people out there that support you, and the GLBT community. We love you for who you are. Hang in there, it’s a tough world out there.
@toni g.
PLEASE, no victim blaming ok? It’s like blaming a rape victim by saying they “shouldn’t have been dressed that way” or “they shouldn’t have been in that area, at that time, drinking etc.”
the ONLY person to blame in any of
these scenarios is the CRIMINAL.
Jared, glad you are mending and let’s,hope your message is heard.
This was a horrible thing that happen to this man, We need to get together as a community and form a bond greater then hate. We need to educate our children and friends and family that no matter who you are you do not deserve violence upon you!
we got your back, Brother!
The police here in Cleveland are a joke. The people at the bar called 3 times about them men hanging around the area and the bar. All the sudden they came after the victim was attacked. It kills me that when something serious happens which results in a person getting physically hurt, they come 15 minutes later. But when someone have consensual sex outdoors, then all the sudden quick response (I know I am off the subject and it’s illegal to have sex outdoors, but I trying to make a point about the time responses on authorities.) Anyway, I am happy that Jared is alright and hope he still fight on and for the community to help arrest them garbage.
Jared Fox and I had lengthy meeting today with several members of the City of Cleveland. Including the Mayors office, the Commander of the first district, members of city council and neighborhood development . We both feel it was a positive meeting and will be releasing our complete response soon. Jared and I are still digesting everything that was discussed. Jared is preparing another video to release soon. The city agreed to many things such as GLBT sensitivity training for Police, increased patrols to focus on crime on the west side as well as incorporating additional sensitivity in Cleveland’s schools with the help of GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) More to follow, feel free to SHARE this post
Mr. Fox was a teacher of ours from West Jefferson High. We loved the way he taught his class and we learned very much. He would allow me (Mallorie F.) to arrive to his class early when I broke my leg. He is kind, funny and cared about all of his students. He loved coming to class everyday and supported our teams. We hate the fact that people are so critical of other people because they are different. GUESS WHAT?? WE’RE ALL DIFFERENT!! THAT’S WHAT MAKES US HUMAN AND WHO WE ARE!!!!!!!!!!! WE ARE FURIOUS THAT ANYTHING LIKE THIS COULD HAPPEN TO OUR TEACHER WITHOUT COPS COMING WHEN THEY ARE CALLED 3 TIMES AND ARE NEEDED! I thought cops were to “protect and serve”? – guess they failed that night. What were the too busy doing?
& Mr. Fox, if you are reading this, know that all of us at WJ are concerned and furious about the situation you have been through. We are praying for you to get well soon and are hoping that JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED! Love your students, Mallorie F. and Stefanny R.
This wasn’t a hate crime…this was a mugging
I know I’m and elderly gent of 55,but I would still like to meet these little animals to;maybe try to get it in their minds that you just don’t go around doing this to other people no matter how different they are from you,or just bash their heads in from the blank look you usually see in most of these numb-skulls’ eye sockets now adays…Sorry this happened to you bro’.
People today are just so out of control….I’m so sorry this happened to you and hope you find justice. God Bless.
Somehow we have lost our ability to raise our children to respect all others.Perhaps it is because we no longer do so ourselves. It terrifies me to think this is the society in which we now live. God Bless you and your message, Jared. I truly hope people listen.
My heart breaks for you. I am sorry you had that happen to you, you didn’t deserve that, no-one does. I do believe in karma & one day when they have children or grandchildren & one of them is gay they may then realise it’s not a choice to be gay it’s how you are born. Good luck & I hope you get your justice
how do you delete your comment in this thread? just curious…