What is there to say that has not already been said? Once again, I am shocked and appalled by the insensitivity that I have seen in relation to societies treatment of the LGBT community, and, once again, I am left baffled to why more people haven't spoken up on the matter...
Anyone who tackles such issues is labelled to be gay, my question is, why does having a caring attitude towards this persecuted community automatically earn you abuse or labeling? Since when did the word "gay" become an insult rather than a descriptive term?
The popularity of the internet and the progression of social networking sites such as twitter and facebook should result in teenagers and other generations being better supported in their endeavours and soothingly convinced that their sexuality is not something that defines them as a person, that they should not feel judged, alone or ashamed.
It's wrong that so many people will be bullied (a shocking majority of them online) to the point where they will attempt to take their own life. How can someone justify their actions when it leads to someone attempting suicide?
There is no justification.
There is no excuse.
There is no reason.
If we do not accept that our words and actions have a profound effect on others, the issue of gay suicide will only get worse.
Remember the victims of homophobic bullying. Without them, history will only repeat itself. We need to keep their names and faces fresh in our minds:
Tyler Clementi
Seth Walsh
Asher Brown
Billy Lucas
Jamey Rodemeyer...
To show your support for these teens, along with anyone else that is struggling with the same issue, please join me in drawing a heart on your wrist every day for a week.
I know it might not seem like much but...
A symbol of support is a symbol of support, it doesn't need to be exuberant or in your face to be powerfully effective...
If we don't do something, the hate will only multiply into absurd new levels. Homophobia will become common, as will gay suicide rates. Perhaps drawing a simple heart on your wrist doesn't seem like much, perhaps it doesn't seem like anything, but it's a symbol of loving support. It's a symbol that you care.
As Martin Luther King Jr once wrote...
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that"And with the level of hatred that is plaguing humanity at the present moment, one thing is certain...
Only love can cure us now.
