A Memphis, Tennessee teen says he was teased and beaten by a gang because he is bisexual. Sharon Poindexter witnessed the attack. She is angry and says it is time for the violence to stop.
The attack on the 16-year-old happened right in front of her apartment. Poindexter said when she heard the commotion, she ran outside and say eight other teens attacking the victim.”He wasn’t crying,” said Poindexter. “He was lying there with his head covered up.”
Poindexter said she told the teens to stop, but they refused. According to the Memphis Police Incident Report, Poindexter stated she was calling the police and the suspects fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction.
“The police asked him why they were jumping on him and he told them it’s because he’s bisexual,” said Poindexter. The victim was reportedly treated for minor injuries.
“He did come into my house,” said Poindexter. “I gave him an ice pack, a towel for his eye because his eye was turning red.”
There has been a recent national outcry and concern over bullying and violence after the tragic death of Tyler Clementi. Clementi committed suicide after he was videotaped being intimate with another man.Poindexter said this type of senseless violence now hits close to home.
“Just to see someone just get beaten and kicked for no reason other than his sexual preferences. That’s not right,” said Poindexter.