September is usually a time of great joy for me. TONS of birthdays, school is in session, the weather finally begins to cool down. But this year it wasn't as pleasant as I would have liked it to be.
This month, Truth Wins Out reports that there have been three teen suicides where the youth was bullied because of their sexual orientation.
This makes me so sad, I remember when I was in high school, coming out was NOT the easiest thing to do, especially in a school with a population of about 2,400 students and a record or high violence between students because of culture, socio-economic standards, gang related incidents, among other things, being gay was just something no one dared to even talk about.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the three teens and their families, Seth Walsh, 13, Tehachapi, CA. Asher Brown, 8th Grader, Houston TX. Tyler Clementi, 18, Rutgers University Student.
Suicide is never the right answer to any problem, but unfortunately these young lives were taken from us too soon and because of bullying and taunting these wonderful people thought they had no other alternative to help them escape the pain and suffering they were dealing with.
To everyone out there who has been teased, by bully's, "friends", teachers, even your parents for being who you are KNOW that there is ALWAYS someone out there who will be willing to lend you an ear if you need to talk, give you a hand if you need some help. Don't even be afraid of being WHO YOU ARE! People will always judge you, but you have to learn to be able to stay strong, not only for yourself, but to be able to teach these other people that you and they are very much alike.
The Trevor Project is an organization that has done tons and tons of good work with the LGBTQ Community dealing with issues like suicide prevention, to questioning your sexuality, to coming out! It's a great organization and I reccomend you check it out!
Challenge Day Org. is an AMAZING anti-bullying and violence prevention program that has received world wide acclaim, being featured on Oprah, and having it's own MTV Special, Challenge Day has come a very long way! This program teaches all it's participants, not just students, but teachers and school administrators alike, to sit down, listen, and feel. They teach you how to speak up, they teach you when to quite down, they teach you that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. They teach you about the importance of a simple hug, and they teach you how to love yourself and how to love one another.
For those interested in learning more about Challenge Day, and about how to get it at your school please visit their website at www.challengeday.org for more information.
I encourage you all to always be available to your friends and family members, you never know someday they might need you to listen. And who knows maybe you can be a hero to someone and help them by allowing them the opportunity to live and grow alongside you.
To the world you may be just one person, but to one person, you may just be their world!
Much Love to ALL my people.
Until next time.
xoxo- Francisco
