In February 2008, a transgender 8th grade student, Larry King, asked Brandon McInerney to be his valentine. Days later, Brandon shot him twice at point blank range. Larry died on Valentine’s Day, leaving a nation angered at what was being labelled a “hate crime”, while the defence alleged sexual harassment. Marta Cunningham’s powerful documentary explores both sides of the heated argument, unveiling a mass of dark and intolerant attitudes that threaten the memory of an innocent teenager who simply wished to explore his identity.
VALENTINE ROAD portrays the backgrounds and personalities of both the victim and perpetrator, drawing parallels between their troubled childhoods. Larry was adopted at a young age and physically abused by his father; he was placed in a shelter for neglected children months before his death. Brandon’s mother was addicted to methamphetamine, and placed in the care of his violent father who brought him along on drug runs. Larry is described as “the nicest person” by his predominantly female friends, and it is understood that he was exploring his gender identity; choosing to wear high heeled boots and makeup. Brandon is depicted as a total opposite: athletic, popular and a “good” kid from a very troubled family. Valentine Road provides a balanced debate, allowing audiences to understand the two students via intertwining segments of interviews with family, friends and teachers, letters, photographs and animations.
The documentary avoids blindly villainising Brandon; rather, it explores issues of gun control, bad parenting, and exposure to violence. It is the shocking views of Brandon’s family, girlfriend, several teachers and even members of the jury that unintentionally work to harm his case. Larry is accused of shoving his effeminacy in his classmates’ faces and drawing attention to himself with “provocative” clothing and accessories; one juror makes the sickening claim that Brandon “solved a problem”. As VALENTINE ROAD progresses, it reveals the unashamed intolerance and homophobia of many of the adults in authoritative positions: it is advised that homosexual and transgendered students hide their true identities to avoid negative attention, and even suggested that Larry brought his senseless murder upon himself.
[Larry] touched the lives of his peers, encouraging others to come out and express themselves.
The English teacher who witnessed the shooting, Dawn Boldrin, is vilified by her peers for giving Larry a green prom dress. Accused of encouraging his “deviant behaviour”, Dawn is one of the few sensible and tolerant voices of VALENTINE ROAD and hers is one of many who were negatively affected by the murder. Larry is loved and missed by many classmates: as a school attempts to forget the incident, he undoubtedly touched the lives of his peers, encouraging others to come out and express themselves.
The trial demonstrated a clear sense of “gay panic” on the part of the jurors and defence, with many choosing to believe that Larry’s interactions with Brandon could be classed as sexual harassment; and that he conducted the worst form of bullying by asking another male out. After lengthy delays and a mis-trial, Brandon pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to twenty one years without chance of parole.
VALENTINE ROAD preaches tolerance and acceptance whilst passionately telling Larry’s tragic story; it uses the disgraceful opinions of many to powerfully and silently fight in favour for LGBT rights. Emotional and powerful, the documentary works to increase awareness of hate crimes and the gay panic that unfortunately makes its way into schools and courts.
httpvh://youtu.be/0hqI_E3CsQE