WINCHESTER, TN (WSMV) -
A man says his life was threatened and he was beat up this weekend just because he's gay.
Shawn Farris was at his 20th high school reunion in Franklin County right outside of Winchester, TN, when it happened.
Farris says the attack was unprovoked and his attacker made it very clear he was assaulting him just because he's gay.
But, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office says they have no plans to investigate this as a hate crime. Spokesman Sgt. Chris Guess says the incident appears to be nothing more than a fight.
Farris sees it differently, and that's why he will be pressing charges against the man he says beat him up Monday morning.
Farris, who is a flight attendant, was already an advocate for gay teens.
He started the group the "Flight Attendant Project" in hopes he could prevent gay teens who are bullied from committing suicide.
He says what happened to him Sunday morning will only make him fight even harder for his cause.
Farris hopes his attack will be treated as a hate crime. But, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office says it's only a simple assault.
We will continue to follow this developing story and will let you know if anyone is charged or arrested in the case.
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