Meet the Utah Teen Coldcocked and Concussed for Hugging His Boyfriend

Christian Peacock says, I want people to know I’m sad. I thought we were in a different place in society.

Jacob Metcalf (L) and Christian Peacock. Photo courtesy of Christian Peacock. Used with permission.

Content warning: this article contains a homophobic slur and accounts of violence some readers may find traumatizing.

See the young men in the photo? Jacob and Christian are celebrating their 3-month “boyfriend” anniversary TODAY! They’re supposed to be enjoying an idyllic Utah summer together. Christian just turned 18 and started college this spring with a major academic scholarship after graduating early from high school.

Last weekend shattered the couple’s peaceful plans, shocking Christian and angering his family, who supported and defended him fiercely (and effectively) in the face of a foot-dragging local police department.

I called the family last night to ask about the attack that landed Christian in the ER with a concussion and brain swelling — struggling with memory loss, disorientation, and serious pain for days. Details are available in this Los Angeles Blade story, also reported by the Salt Lake Tribune.