This week when reading that another assault had occurred, this time in Utah County, I was floored. Then I realized that the victim was an old friend from my college years. Cam. My heart just sank.
Cam, who no matter how long you'd been taken in different directions of the globe or life, he would greet you as warmly as there had never been a distance. Like at a wedding reception I attended when I was 7 months pregnant with my son Zayne. We noticed one another at the same time. He didn't miss a beat. "Janelle", he said in sincere relief, as he embraced my outstretched arms. "You don't know how great it was to see your beautiful smile, I've been getting crusty looks all night. It was like a stunning pregnant beacon was here to save me." Blush.
Cam, who I've seen turn a room full of people into a captivated audience. With each one of us hanging expectantly to each word. Just by telling us about his day at school. Flamboyant? Yes. Fabulous? Without a doubt.
Cam, who sees beauty in a dark world, and tries to capture it and bring it out. Whether it be by gracefully dancing his way around a stage, seeing the aesthetic possibility for a photograph, or seeing the beauty in people, and knowing how to embellish on their strengths by glamorizing their hair, make-up, or fashion.
As my heart broke for him, I was mixed with sadness, concern, and outrage. I felt helpless though. Helpless to him, helpless in preventing the further perpetuation of hate. Hate is an infectious world wide rampancy. One that infiltrates organizations and individuals and becomes the source for rationalization. Whether that be widespread terrorist attacks on the people for their politics or hate crimes assailing an individual for their sexuality. This week this has acutely been brought to light by the almost exhaustive coverage on the upcoming 10 year anniversary of 9/11. Then again, by the hate mongers who attacked my friend. Then I realized the correlation. 10 years ago, hate, when propagated brought a nation to a standstill in front of their TV's, radios, and computers, two skyscrapers to rubble, and the lives of 2,751 victims. It may be trite but if we want any chance of living in a world where hate does not thrive, we have to start with ourselves. Taking caution to not allow hate to infect our personal stereotypes, and then raising our voice against hate when it breeds in front of us.
Third gay Utahn attacked in two weeks
Nelson was on the job at an American Fork hair salon when he said two or three people began beating him up and yelling anti-gay slurs at him.
The 32-year-old was taking out the garbage at the salon near Center Street and 100 North at 12:45 a.m. when the assault began. Nelson said he is gay and that he believes that was why the attackers, whom he did not know, targeted him.
Sgt. Gregg Ludlow of the American Fork Police Department called the remarks made toward Nelson "disgusting" and said the actions of Nelson’s attackers were "quite repugnant."
Nelson was taken to a hospital and treated for minor injuries and a broken nose, Ludlow said.
Police in Salt Lake City are still investigating attacks on two other gay men.
The two were attacked in separate incidents on Aug. 26. Dane Hall, 20, was assaulted by four men as he left a club. The suspects repeatedly punched Hall and stomped the side of his head. His cheekbone was shattered and he lost six teeth.
In the other assault, a group of men broke into a gay man’s apartment near 33 W. 200 South and beat up his boyfriend. http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/52546372-78/gay-nelson-lake-salt.html.csp
I just read about this too and couldn't believe it was Cam! He is one of the most open hearted, warm and accepting people I've ever met which makes this attack even more upsetting. Nobody deserves to be terrorized like this and I hope that law enforcement and public outrage will be strong enough in Utah to put a stop to these attacks. I think they should really push for a hate crimes law again this session (has repeatedly been voted down by the legislature). Rise Up!
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