Derrick Martin Accompanies Boyfriend Richard Goodman To Georgia Prom

Derrick Martin, the 18 year old Bleckley County High School senior and boyfriend Richard Goodman, also 18 years old, made history of sorts Saturday, the two attending senior prom in Martin’s hometown of Cochran, Georgia. Despite a misguided protest two weeks ago by a small contingent of Derrick’s classmates and members of the community, the event was entirely celebratory – albeit safely secured by the presence of some fifteen police officers – Martin and Goodman a stunning twosome donning matching tuxedos. Martin has asked and received permission to escort Goodman to the prom in January, and unlike the experience endured by Constance McMillen, in Mississippi, whose prom was cancelled outright after she asked and did not receive permission to take her girlfriend to prom, Bleckley County High stood behind a non-discrimination policy. Despite Derrick’s genuine modesty, the moment was historic, a seismic shifting of small-town sensibilities. Martin said that he asked to accompany his boyfriend because “you have to do what you think is right. I was tired of being sneaky and hiding things.”