I am wearing purple today to show my support to LGBT youth and to speak out against bullying.  In the wake of the recent suicides of 2 LGBT kids that had tumblr blogs many of us are left feeling downhearted and helpless - wondering what it will take to make real and substantial change for these kids.

I get messages from youth between the ages of around 14 to early 20s thanking me for support, asking me for advice and telling me their stories.  I read many of the personal stories of people on Tumblr and offer support where I can. I wish I could do more though. 

This year I tackled my daughters school about Anti Gay Bullying and their policies regarding it.  Initially I got the standard response of “We have a bullying policy which includes a section regarding sexual harassment”.  That’s not good enough!  There are specific issues relating to LGBT kids that are not covered under “sexual harassment”.  In response to concerns myself, my daughter and other families raised, the school had a session last week on homosexuality.  It was a step in the right direction and I applaud the school for taking it, however again this isn’t enough. We need to ensure that every kid has a safe environment at school, that they are free from both physical and emotional harm.

I want to make it clear that I am not an expert in these issues, I haven’t experienced them personally, however I have made it my business to try and understand the core issues.  Suicide is something that many of us have pondered at some point in our lives, if only for a brief moment.  I too had my dark days when death seemed like it would be much easier than life.  My own experience of this is related to losing 2 babies (twins) not long after their premature birth.  20 years later this experience still brings tears to my eyes and I can rarely talk about them without getting emotional.  I think this is why I take this issue so seriously.  On one hand I can relate somewhat to the feeling that life isn’t worth living, but on the other hand my experience losing 2 of my children makes me want to make sure that doesn’t happen needlessly to any other family. 

No parent should have to bury their child because someone else’s child/ren torments them into believing the world will not accept them as they are.  No child should feel not supported by family, friends and society as a whole. I get so angry inside when I hear the “what about the children” argument against same sex marriage or homosexuality in general.  What about OUR LGBT children?  What about the kids that are living in fear of coming out in case they lose everything that is secure in their lives?  What about the kids that are tormented and bullied every single day of their lives by the kids we are trying to “protect” from the so called ”evils” of homosexuality?

When I look at the structure of support that I have in my life, it includes the “3 F’s”.  Family Friends and Faith.  When I have been through tough times in my life, it has been these three things that got me through it.  So what happens to the kids that have family that are homophobic, go to schools that support homophobia and are told that God hates them?  Where do they go to for support?  Who props them up and gets them through those tough times?  Where do you turn to for support when your entire support structure seems to be against the very essence of who you are?

I know that it gets better, many of us do.  It’s important that we keep supporting these kids in every way possible.  If you think someone is suicidal encourage them to find help.  Point them to resources that are available both online and within their own communities.  There are places such as drop in centres, churches, hotlines and organisations that will help.  If you are feeling suicidal, or alone and not supported, please reach out for help.  There are so many of us that are here ready and waiting to help and support you. 

I am a Straight Ally of LGBT youth.  I commit to supporting anyone that comes to me for help.  I will do what I can to stop bullying when I see it or witness it. I will look for ways that I can actively help and support LGBT youth within my community and within the tumblr community.  This blog is a safe place of support and encouragement.  Will you stand with me?