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.
(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.
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“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.
