Release Statement from GLSEN, PFLAG, and the Trevor Project on Recent Tragedies

In relation to my last post, I wanted to share this Release Statement emailed last night from LGBTQ organizations on the recent tragedies of several LGBTQ youth due to bullying. Hopefully you will find it inspiring and useful as I did.

Note of Caution: In an effort not to sensationalize these events, GLSEN is refraining from posting this statement to our social networking sites, including Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc. We ask that you please take the same caution to reduce the risk of future tragedies.

Recently, there has been heightened media attention surrounding the suicides in New Jersey,Texas, California, Indiana, and Minnesota of several youth who were known to be bullied relentlessly because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

These horrific stories across the country reflect on school bullying culture and how it can lead to tragedy. Such cases are not new, but actually do reveal an important trend: the public is becoming more informed and in tune to the realities that adversely affect our youth. However, it is now up to the public to not just be aware, but to be active in changing this reality.

LGBTQ Teens and Suicide

Read a tragic article today. A gay teen at Rutgers University committed suicide after his roommate posted video of him on the internet making out with another male student. The article raised some interesting issues and provided video commentary as well. Take a look: http://abcnews.go.com/US/victim-secret-dorm-sex-tape-commits-suicide/story?id=11758716

The video mentioned Dan Savage's You Tube project "It Get's Better" located here: http://www.youtube.com/user/itgetsbetterproject which is a collection of videos from LGBTQ adults sending messages of hope to LGBTQ youth assuring them that even though they may be experiencing bullying and other discouraging behaviors now, "it will get better." This may be a helpful resource to school counselors working with LGBTQ youth who are feeling discouraged and are looking for a message of hope.