How so? As a gay man, I’m not encouraged by the story of his abuse. If anything it serves as an oppressive reminder that some people will always irrationally wish me harm.
Perhaps some people feel “empowered” by a victim mentality, but that doesn’t seem very socially progressive to me.
The encouragement comes from knowing that someone like them accomplished great things despite being different and being attacked for something they couldn't help.
The reason we should talk about his fate is that I don't believe in white-washing history. Society was full of assholes who had no problem destroying the lives of people who were different. Keeping light of these atrocities fresh in peoples' minds provides for a mechanism to show the progress of society and helps prevent regressions.
Perhaps some people feel “empowered” by a victim mentality, but that doesn’t seem very socially progressive to me.