I could not do this post and not mention the tragic death of Tyler Clementi. I have always believed that through adversity there are lessons to be learned and this speaks volumes to me.
A heinous crime has been committed and I feel manslaughter charges should be brought against
In preparing for this post, I have visited www.wegiveadamn.org as well as the website “The Trevor Project”. What I have learned from these sites is heartbreaking and frightening. I did not know that two out of five GLBT teens think about suicide often, and one in three have attempted it. These statistics are sobering, there needs to be a change in the way we educate children and ourselves. Children are born free from hate, it is a learned behavior within their environment, and this is where the seeds of change need to begin. It is our responsibility as human beings to insist that there be tolerance and acceptance for all persons, no matter their gender preference or identity.
A favorite quote of Oprah’s by poet Maya Angelou is “When you know better, you do better”. This is an opportunity to do just that. A shift in your way of thinking will make a difference and change your life for the better. Have conversations with your children, spouse and extended families about the damage that results from bullying and hate, and institute a policy of zero tolerance for this behavior in your home. Maya Angelou stated in an article in “O” magazine that she does not allow anyone with negative energy or ill will to enter her home. Her wisdom is priceless, we should all follow her lead and leave all the hate filled baggage on our doorsteps, not allow it to flourish in our home.
Rest in peace Tyler Clementi, you and all the other young souls who felt they had no other choice, are in our hearts. We will try and do better.
Hugs, Barbara
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