We have all heard about the tragedies in the news this past month. If you are a regular here, you know that we are on a mission to stop bullies and help the targets by providing information and a support system.
It is important to be frank and age-appropriate when discussing sexual orientation. We are taking on this difficult topic because we are dedicated to stop all bullying behavior no matter who we might offend in the process.
The bottom line is that these kids took their own lives because they were humiliated and saw no other option other than ending their lives.
In the case of Tyler Clementi, it was an unbearable humiliation that bullies did to him – that would stay with him throughout his college career. There would always be whispers and innuendo. His life was forever changed – and then ended – because of ONE instance of bullying where his privacy was not respected.
There must be ZERO TOLERANCE FOR BULLYING. Anyone who witnesses any form of bullying and does nothing is just as guilty as the one who is doing the bullying. Any and every person who doesn’t speak up is guilty of bullying. Every teacher, school administrator, or other adult who doesn’t step in and control their students or children is guilty of bullying.
We must unconditionally vow to stop bullies in any way we can, anytime we can and anyplace we can.
Parents and children, you know that this site is all about the importance of accepting anyone and everyone who is different in any way. That means anyone and everyone.
You know that it is wrong to be a bystander when you see someone who is bullying anyone. In the last months, 5 teenagers have taken their own lives because they were bullied. They were different because they had a different sexual orientation and felt like they had no place and no friend to whom they could turn.
When kids are different in anyway, there are others who put them down and brutalize them because they are different. Some kids have family and friends that they can turn to when they are bullied. The problem with kids who have a different sexual orientation is that they often are afraid to approach anyone with their issues, including family.
Any readers who are kids who are being bullied FOR ANY REASON need to understand that we care. You can email us at any time and we will be vigilant in our efforts to answer you and befriend you. We care about you and want you to know that you can talk, share and anonymously confide in us. We want you to know that you are not alone.
You and your life and concerns matter to us. You have value. When you are a kid, things change from day to day. If you are sad, that will change. If you are happy, that will change. Please be patient and wait it out. We will be there for you. You are not alone and there are so many resources that are waiting to help you.
One of the sites we recommend is The Trevor Project. http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Photo from www.peaceoneday.org
Excellent post.
The stigma of homosexuality has to be erased from society. We cannot allow people to continue to preach hate and intolerance in the name of God.
This isn’t about some person’s “comfort level” about homosexuality. This is about children killing themselves because society is saying we are not worthy of the same laws and protections of other citizens; that we are loathsome and vile – abominations – because of our sexual orientation.
It has to stop. Now.
Thanks for the comment RJ. It’s all about one comment, on blog entry, one person, one day, one minute at a time. Each of us can change this terrible situation if we step up to the plate. We might strike out but we also might hit a home run and save a life!