History has a way of repeating itself. Women and African-Americans, to just name two groups of people who experienced a huge struggle for their rights, fought for years and years for their basic rights-- like the right to vote or the right to sit where they wanted on the bus. America denied these groups of people their freedom, and yet again we see "the land of the free" denying the LGBT community their basic rights.
Recent news of the numerous gay teens committing suicide across the US should be a huge realization that America needs to get a grip and realize what message they are sending by not treating the LGBT community as equals. Comedian Sarah Silverman, in her all of 28 second video reaction to the gay suicides, could not have summed up better exactly how I've felt about this issue.
As Silverman states, Why are we so shocked? As a general population, we send the message that being gay is not okay. We deny the LGBT community the right to marry the person they love and the right to serve in the military as an openly homosexual person. Phrases in conversations such as "that's so gay" and "no homo" are common and rampant. Young kids feed off these messages they hear on the news, through the media, from their parents, through adults and other kids and begin to view kids who identify with the LGBT community as different, fueling bullying. It was the bullying, the name calling, and the being looked at as an outsider that led most of the recent teens to take their lives.
Another way, is to volunteer, donate or just learn more about the following local organizations that provide support for young members of the LGBT community:
BAGLY, or Boston Alliance of Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth, a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization committed to social justice, and creating, sustaining and advocating for programs, policies, and services for GLBT youth 22 and under.
The Home for Little Wanderers' Waltham House group home program designed to provide a safe and supportive living environment for up to 12 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) youth ages 14-18. The program also serves youth who may be questioning their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Many young people have previously experienced difficulty (at home or in placement) due to their gender expression or sexuality identities. Waltham House offers residents a safe environment to live while they prepare for family reunification, independent living and future self-sufficiency.
Great Boston PFLAG, or Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays works to create environments of understanding so that all people can live with dignity and respect through support: to cope with an adverse society, education: to enlighten the public, and advocacy: to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights.
I end today's blog posting with faces and links to stories of some of the tragic young gay suicides that have happened in recent months. I know in our lifetime, the LGBT community, will have equal rights-- even if it is a long struggle.
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| Felix Sacco, 17, MA |
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| Caleb Nolt, 14, IN |
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| Asher Brown, 13, TX |
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| Seth Walsh, 13, CA |
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