CAROLINA, CHANGE

WATCH: NC Gay Couple Beaten In Apparent Hate Crime

A Charlotte couple claims they were beaten for being gay but their attackers, if caught, won’t be tried for a hate crime. In North Carolina, sexual orientation is not covered under the hate crimes law.

Mark Little and Dustin Martin were visiting Asheville a few weekends ago. While walking down the street, the couple say some people in a passing car started to harass them. When they asked the people to stop, one of the passengers got out of the car and attacked them.

Little is worried that the police are not treating the crime seriously.

“I feel like when the cop first came on the scene, he just felt like it was just an ordinary crime,” Little told WBTV. “But what had happened was we were hit just because we were gay.”

Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated