Jeffery Lafayette, a San Francisco resident who alleges that he was gay-bashed on Saturday, says he was attacked for wearing white pants.
According to SFist, it is unclear where the alleged incident took place or how many perpetrators were involved. The Advocate reached out to the media representative for the San Francisco police for more information, but we did not heard back by press time.
In his video, a visibly bruised and battered Lafayette held up handwritten messages in front of a mobile phone camera, while "What a Wonderful World" played in the background.
"I was gay bashed in San Francisco," Lafayette wrote. "They spat on me and kicked me as I screamed for help ... all because I decided to wear white pants. And I don't think it had anything to do with Labor Day."
Lafayette wrote in a text accompanying the video posted to Facebook that he wants to raise awareness and spread a message of empowerment.
"I am covered in bruises, some blood, and tear stains. But no matter how hard they hit, no matter how cruel life will be, you must always GET UP!" he wrote.
Watch the video below in which Lafayette described the incident and challenged others to "continue to love and smile."
The strength of your love is more powerful than any fist! Thank you! Please Share. The LGBT youth needs to see this so they are aware of the hatred that is still out there but tell them that no matter how much hatred or cruelty you are faced with, the love from those you surround yourself with is STRONGER than anything! Thank you God, my family, and my friends!
Posted by Jeffery Lafayette on Sunday, February 7, 2016
