Bash

A few months ago I read a very disturbing article about a young Brazilian man who was bashed for being gay. As he was exiting a gay nightclub, three twenty-something men began yelling "we don't want faggots in our neighborhood" and started to chase him. He ran like mad but didn't manage to escape the three culprits.

As I read the article, I got chills. I quickly remembered walking down my neighborhood once and someone telling me that exact same thing. It was one of the scariest moments of my life. I was walking to the train station to meet some friends when a group of men passed right by me and uttered those words. "Watch yourself," they added. It was dark out and I was alone so a million things and one ran through my head. I thought to run but I retained my composure and prayed inside.

Thankfully, nothing happened. The group just laughed and went on their way. Sadly, this Brazilian man wasn't so lucky. It's horrible and it's tragic to know there are places in this world where being yourself could get you hurt.

Let us pray.

This is 19-year old Ferruccio Silvestro. A victim because he dares to breathe.