Over time, our society has become much more inclusive and accepting.
To have a well-functioning and peaceful society, it’s important that we have positive beliefs about other people. We need to be accepting of a variety of different backgrounds and forms of personal expression, and for the most part, we have improved significantly over time.
Still, there are groups of people who still face persecution.
One example is a tragic story of heroism out of Lake Worth, Florida.
It was a Sunday evening in Lake Worth, Florida and 22-year-old Juan Javier Cruz was out with his friends and his cousin, Pedro Cruz. Although the boys were minding their own business, they soon noticed that a man across the way was looking at them with “an angry look.” After a moment, the man approached the table and began saying hateful speech towards the boys:
“If we were in my country I’d kill all of you rats. I hate you damned gays. I’m going to kill you all here.”
The man was drunk and pulled a gun on the boys.
Though the man’s attack was somewhat unclear, his remarks were reportedly aimed at Pedro, Juan Javier’s cousin. As the man drew his weapon, Juan Javier jumped up to protect Pedro from the attacker and help him and his friends to escape.
In the process, Juan Javier was shot and killed.
Users on social media have reacted to Juan Javier’s sacrifice, all out of love for his cousin:
tw: murder, homophobia
…
Rest in peace Juan Javier Cruz ? https://t.co/suqMaGEUaZ
— Queer Xicano Chisme (@QueerXiChisme) August 7, 2017
The man who shot Juan Javier is now in police custody.
Although this story is a tragic one, it has gotten traction online as a result of Juan Javier’s bravery and his commitment of allyship. Although he was not targeted by the attacker specifically, he threw himself into harm’s way to protect his cousin’s life. If there is a moral to take away from this tragedy, it may be that the battle against hate and inequality has a very real cost.
To pay for Juan Javier’s funeral expenses, the family has started a GoFundMe page.
If this story moved you and you wish to send a message against homophobia and discrimination, please consider making a donation.
Thank you for your bravery, Juan Javier.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
