JonnyFantastico
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This has been a sad week in the lives of gay youth...
As of today in the news, four young teens from the ages of 12 to 19 have all committed suicide after being bullied or tormented in one form or another because of their sexuality. The latest victim, a 19-year-old from New York City was found in the waters surrounding the George Washington Bridge after finding out he was filmed having sex and having it put online. Click here for that story.
The news on these suicides came to light earlier this week when Asher Brown; a 13-year-old shot himself in the head after being tormented by his classmates after coming out. That story can be found here.
It breaks my heart and brings tears to my eyes when I hear stories like this. Four teens, barely starting life; have ended their lives because of such negativity and hatred over who they are. I'm actually fighting back tears now as I type this out.
But, sometimes one voice can help.
Columnist Dan Savage and celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, who usually goes back and forth over the line have both stepped up and created the "It Gets Better" campaign; a set of videos recorded by many gay (and gay-friendly) celebrities taking the time out of their schedules to talk to these young people finding their way and giving them a simple message that can help: it gets better. You can find out more by going to his site. I'm actually considering doing one myself (Perez has also asked non-celebrities to do videos as well, which is probably the best thing: sometimes a voice who isn't famous can have a huge pull on another person).
I just wanted to share this with you GH members and see what your thoughts were on this. I've been through a lot of pain growing up as a gay male and while it was a rough road, I believe I'm a stronger person because of this... it does get better and it starts with you and I. My sincerest condolences go out to the family, friends and loved ones of the people who have passed.
To everyone out there who thinks life is tough growing up gay... I do say this: it DOES get better... if anyone ever needs to talk, you know where my inbox is.
Loads of love, respect and strength,
Jonny Fantastico :heart:
As of today in the news, four young teens from the ages of 12 to 19 have all committed suicide after being bullied or tormented in one form or another because of their sexuality. The latest victim, a 19-year-old from New York City was found in the waters surrounding the George Washington Bridge after finding out he was filmed having sex and having it put online. Click here for that story.
The news on these suicides came to light earlier this week when Asher Brown; a 13-year-old shot himself in the head after being tormented by his classmates after coming out. That story can be found here.
It breaks my heart and brings tears to my eyes when I hear stories like this. Four teens, barely starting life; have ended their lives because of such negativity and hatred over who they are. I'm actually fighting back tears now as I type this out.
But, sometimes one voice can help.
Columnist Dan Savage and celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, who usually goes back and forth over the line have both stepped up and created the "It Gets Better" campaign; a set of videos recorded by many gay (and gay-friendly) celebrities taking the time out of their schedules to talk to these young people finding their way and giving them a simple message that can help: it gets better. You can find out more by going to his site. I'm actually considering doing one myself (Perez has also asked non-celebrities to do videos as well, which is probably the best thing: sometimes a voice who isn't famous can have a huge pull on another person).
I just wanted to share this with you GH members and see what your thoughts were on this. I've been through a lot of pain growing up as a gay male and while it was a rough road, I believe I'm a stronger person because of this... it does get better and it starts with you and I. My sincerest condolences go out to the family, friends and loved ones of the people who have passed.
To everyone out there who thinks life is tough growing up gay... I do say this: it DOES get better... if anyone ever needs to talk, you know where my inbox is.
Loads of love, respect and strength,
Jonny Fantastico :heart:
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