Tyler Clementi, 18, was a freshman at Rutgers University in New Jersey. He was bullied for being gay. His roommate filmed him in a sexual encounter with another man and posted it on the internet.
Asher Brown, 13, from Houston, Texas, was bullied for years about his sexuality.
Seth Walsh, 13, of Tehachapi, California, endured years of anti-gay bullying.
Billy Lucas, 15, from Greensburg, Indiana, was also the victim anti-gay bullying for many years.
Raymond Chase, 19, from Monticello, NY is the 5th young person to commit suicide in the past few weeks.
We are so deeply sorry for the loss of all of their families.
Ellen DeGeneres delivers an important message about the losses:
This is a tradegy and indeed, a crisis! Gay, bisexual, lesbian, transgendered and queer (LGBTQ) youth are at a significantly higher risk of negative experiences including suicide in comparison to heterosexual youth. OK2BME lists the following as more likely to pose a threat for LGBTQ youth:
- experience verbal abuse;
- be threatened with or experience physical violence;
- misuse substances such as drugs and alcohol;
- drop out of school;
- be homeless;
- develop mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety;
- and, to attempt and successfully commit, suicide.
In the United States, October 11 is observed as National Coming Out Day. The New Civil Rights Movement, a blog dedicated to gay rights, has declared October to be National Coming Out Month.
There are resources available and people who care. Discrimination and bullying are NEVER ok! If you are struggling with issues about your sexuality and are being discriminated against, REACH OUT and get the help you need and deserve!
REACH OUT, GET HELP, GIVE HELP
The Story
CBS Evening News on Gay Bullying
Bullying resources
Bullying info on Kids Help Phone
No Signal game on Kids Help Phone – an educational game about bullying
LGBTQ Resources
If you are in crisis or in need of immediate help, go to Help or call 911.
mindyourmind
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