A Georgia teen has been kicked-out of his family’s home after going public on his plans to attend his high school prom with his boyfriend.
Derrick Martin (left) and boyfriend/prom date Richard Goodman
(Photos: Martin via Macon Telegraph; Goodman courtesy Richard Goodman to LGBTQ Nation)
In the town of Cochran, GA, 18 year-old Derrick Martin won the approval of his school to take his boyfriend to next month’s prom, and has since received an outpouring of support and some criticism, even at home, for going public.
Martin said his parents have kicked him out of the family home due to all the media attention.
“My parents did kick me out,” Martin told LGBTQ Nation on Wednesday night.
“They never supported my lifestyle, and with all of this attention they thought it best for us to separate, so they told me to leave. It’s OK though. It’s their house. It was mainly because I went public.”
But that has not deterred Martin and his boyfriend, Richard Goodman, from their plans to attend senior prom at Bleckley County High School on April 17.
“No matter what, he and I will be going to prom, and we will have the best time of our senior year,” Goodman said, revealing his identity to LGBTQ Nation Wednesday in his first interview since the story broke.
Since Martin’s story made national headlines, gay rights supporters have been lavishing attention on him, offering to pay for his tuxedo, boutonnieres, dinner, security, and one website was soliciting donations to rent a stretch limo to transport the teens to and from the prom.
And there are two Facebook groups created in support of Martin: one sponsored by PFLAG Macon, and another independent group.
Martin is currently staying with a friend.
Goodman, 18, attends Tift County High School in Tifton, about 85 miles south of Cochran. The two met through Facebook and a mutual friend, and have been dating about 8 months, the teen couple confirmed.
“My mother is a little worried about me going to prom because it is getting so much attention, but I assured her I will be OK,” added Goodman.
LGBTQ Nation has also learned that Derrick Martin’s father, Raymond Martin, is an instructor at Derrick’s high school.
“There is not really any tension there, I just don’t stop to talk or anything,” Derrick told LGBTQ Nation.
Just two weeks ago, another teen in Mississippi caught the attention of national media when her school canceled the prom rather than allow the lesbian student to wear a tuxedo and bring her girlfriend to the prom.
Constance McMillen and the American Civil Liberties Union sued in federal court, and on Tuesday a judge ruled that McMillien’s civil rights were violated, but refused to reinstate the prom.
Filed under: Georgia
“But because of the media attention, Martin’s parents have kicked him out and the teen is staying with a friend, he said.” So it’s hard to discern how Derrick’s parents feel about his sexuality, his relationship or his “going public” from this simple statement. Was their action because of some perception of a safety issue for the family? Are they ashamed? What gives? I wish Derrick and his boyfriend all the success in the world. The only way to break down the walls of stigma and discrimination are through valiant actions such as yours. Best of luck, Derrick.
YES!! his parent have kicked him out and it wasnt even becuase how big it has gotten it was because he did an interview at all, but no matter what me and him WILL be goin to prom :) and we will have the best time of our senior year!! and if you havent already guessed it yes i am his boyfriend/prom date, and i just wanted to thank everyone for their support, it means alot to us :)
My best wishes to both Derrick and Richard. I wish you success. You guys make a cute couple.
congrats you two, I wish I would have had the honor of doing the same at my High School prom…I say this, ROCK THE HOUSE!
You may also search for the group “We support Derrick Martin taking his boyfriend to the prom.”
Good luck to both Derrick and Richard and enjoy the prom. :-)
I just want to send you my support and tell you how much I admire your brave act. Its thanks to people like you that the world has advanced regarding rights others take for granted. Keep up the good work!
They have both been very respectful of two parents that don’t seem to deserve him. I feel the need to say what nobody else will.. his parents are spineless and pathetic …they didn’t deserve him.
I guess that these children is going through a lot in a very young stage… it may be better society will help make it better for them because in the hands of the youth is the future and we don’t want to hamper them from achieving their full potential just because they are gay….
Good for him and his partner. Parents kicked him out because of the media attention: hmmmmm I wonder, if he was the football star and got a scholarship and in the newspaper if they would kick him out. NOT
Nothing like loving parents. But at least its better than having gay supportive parents, every child needs a male and female even if they suck.
oops
ps : According to Anti-gay organizations, everyone NEEDS a male and female parent, that gay couples are bad for children. ie hetero unsupportive is better than homo supportive, according to some people.
As grad is once again coming around, sure we will see more discrimination, oppression, hatred and vitriolic rhetoric of LGBT people by the pious and oh-so-pure.