Well, it's been almost two years since I started a blog to address the epidemic of homophobic bullying that has ruined so many lives. After the spate of suicides committed by teenage boys, ranging in age from 13-19, I'm returning to my blog with renewed purpose.
The relentless torment that these kids suffered because they were perceived of as gay crushed their spirit and--ultimately--made hem feel as if they had no way out but suicide. I'm not saying there was really no way out, but it sure can feel that way to a kid who is tortured on a daily basis. And if you remember what it feels like to be a teen, it's damn hard to envision a future when things might actually get better. And to all the folks behind the It Gets Better Campaign, kudos to you.
But let's be honest, even though it does indeed get better, the emotional scars of living in fear, of wanting to be invisible (because that's how you learned to survive), and of having low self-esteem remain. I know, because I experienced all those feelings.
Sadly, a lot of these kids feel like they brought it upon themselves, that it's their fault. That's where crippling shame enters into the picture. And shame often prevents kids from asking for help.
The people who must make a difference are the adults. In recent years, I've worked in public schools--teaching creative writing to kids--and have witnessed bullying firsthand. Whenever I saw it, I intervened. Most adults, however, turned a blind eye, giving tacit approval to these ugly, cowardly actions. That has to stop.
In the name of Asher Brown, Seth Walsh, Billy Lucas, Justin Aaberg, Raymond Chase, and Tyler Clementi, let's be the change that we say we believe in. Otherwise, more lives will be ruined.
