Today marks the beginning of observation of the Day of the Dead, a Latin American tradition that seeks to honor loved ones lost. November 1st is designated for children and November 2nd is designated for adults. Consequently, I wanted to take this day to discuss the recent spate of teen suicides.
There have been several highly-publicized stories of LGBTQ youth taking their own lives after enduring years of bullying from peers. The two youngest of these were just 13 years old. Already life had proven to be unbearable for these children, and they each decided to take the most extreme step to solve their problems. This is unacceptable.
Usually, I'm pretty big on keeping my private life private. Part of that is due to my job, which involves mentoring young adults. But sometimes being a good influence means opening up so that your life may affect others in a positive way, so I'd like to post a letter I recently submitted to the It Gets Better Project, a massive undertaking that brings stories of hope and courage to youngsters who have been bullied because of their sexual orientation.
There have been several highly-publicized stories of LGBTQ youth taking their own lives after enduring years of bullying from peers. The two youngest of these were just 13 years old. Already life had proven to be unbearable for these children, and they each decided to take the most extreme step to solve their problems. This is unacceptable.
Usually, I'm pretty big on keeping my private life private. Part of that is due to my job, which involves mentoring young adults. But sometimes being a good influence means opening up so that your life may affect others in a positive way, so I'd like to post a letter I recently submitted to the It Gets Better Project, a massive undertaking that brings stories of hope and courage to youngsters who have been bullied because of their sexual orientation.
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I don't discuss my bisexuality often because I don't feel it's anyone's business who or how I love. However, it is a very important part of who I am, and so I'm happy to share myself with you today to say that it gets better. No matter what kind of bullying you face--whether it's due to your orientation, your size, your nationality, your religion, your choice of clothing, some of the above, or all of the above--it's important to remember that you are special. Everyone has a place in this world, especially those who are somehow outside the arbitrary circle of normality drawn by society. After all, you are the ones who enrich the lives of others by bringing something new to the discussion. Be proud of who you are and please don't let anyone bring you down so much that you want to die.
Your family needs you. Your friends need you. I need you, although we've never met.
If you're looking for support, don't worry--it's out there. Talk to your parents, your teachers, or even me. If you feel you need something more, seek out professional help.
Most importantly, please remember: it gets better.
Your family needs you. Your friends need you. I need you, although we've never met.
If you're looking for support, don't worry--it's out there. Talk to your parents, your teachers, or even me. If you feel you need something more, seek out professional help.
Most importantly, please remember: it gets better.
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It's a big risk to take, making this information known on a blog that is open to the public. However, if it means that I've helped just one person, that risk will have paid off. Please take the time to lend your voice to this great cause or reach out to someone in need. You won't regret it.
Visit the It Gets Better Project website.
For help or information, please visit the following websites:
Suicide Prevention
Suicide Prevention
Resources for LGBTQ Youth, Families, and Allies
-Cate-
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