A Letter to Homosexual Teens and Others: You are Loved and Important.

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Recently a wave of homophobia has gripped the nation with the news of several gay teens and college students committing suicide over bullying they received for being honest about who they are. Then, a few days ago in New York, a gang savagely beat, terrorized and tortured 3 men that they perceived to be homosexual. So, today I want to address homosexual adults and teens who feel vulnerable and afraid to be who they are:

To all the young people out there who are gay or who think they might be gay, bisexual, lesbian or trans-sexual--you are not alone. Your are not weird. You are not perverts. You are not a bad person and you certainly are not evil. There are many adults and fellow teens who are ready to welcome you into society and into our lives. You are NOT less than human and you do NOT deserve to be treated like you are less than human. It does get easier but killing yourself will not make anything better. Admittedly, high school is always hard but please know that if you are thinking about taking your life--please talk to someone.

Send me an email because I know a thing or two about suicidal thinking and being misunderstood as I have a mental illness where I have been labeled as "crazy" "weird and "different." I have had suicidal thoughts and yet I have come back from the brink every time--why? Because I know that there are people out there who love and accept me--even if I don't know them (just knowing they are out there helps so much). Don't hurt yourself--you are beautiful just the way you are. People love you deeply and care about your happiness so much. We want the best for you and to grow up happy, healthy and strong. We are working hard to make the world safer for you--don't give up because we won't give up one you!! You are a valuable person and have so much to offer the world. We all look forward to seeing how your wonderful gifts will benefit society. We love you; and don't be afraid to reach out to those who are worthy of your trust.

Talk to a teacher or a principle of your school and tell them what you are going through. They are there to protect all kids from mistreatment. Be brave because it's better to stand up for yourself then let the hateful people win. Killing yourself will only let them win. Prove to them how awesome a person you are by speaking out, and in doing so, become a hero to someone else. Imagine what your bravery would do for other teens feeling a similar way; and imagine what that bravery would do for your self-esteem. If you feel alone--I hope it helps to know that there are many adults and others who are holding your hand. Never forget that. Never. One final note--please consider this blog as a safe zone. I will not let any person commenting here to hurt you. It will be deleted before it even makes it to the comment page. Above all else--don't forget to love yourself for being just the way you are. You're just as normal as anyone else and don't let anyone tell your otherwise.

~Peace to all beings~

Don't Ask...

... me what goes on inside the heads of those Republican senators. Their lockstep vote rejecting the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" can be understood only in terms of petty, revenge politics. With large majorities even of their own supporters backing the repeal, they once again chose the path of "No" to anything proposed by those whose vestigial hold on "power" they seek to grab. This decision clearly had nothing to do with the will of the American people, nothing to do with what's best for the country or even its military forces; it had nothing to do with simple common sense or reason. Spite, I think, would be a good word for their action.

That not one senator on the Republican side was willing to think for him- or herself (at least, alas, a couple of Democrats did!) speaks to a cynicism about their role which in turn reflects poorly on the responsibility with which they address the work they are elected to do. I can find no motive in their action other than the obsession with a defeat of the Democrats and return to power. Unless, of course, they imagine that undisguised homophobia will garner them the even more enthusiastic support of their extreme right-wing base.

I was surprised to hear the media response, that this should be read as a further political setback for Democrats. Admittedly, they lost the battle of Don't Ask, Don't Tell for now; but they may find themselves in a better position to win the war. Well, at least the current war--the November election. I tend to think--or hope, let's say--that this new act of political spite will turn into a defeat for Republicans. At some point, surely, they will overstep the bounds and alienate not only every voting moderate in the country but even the most reliable of their supporters. Such blatant and irrational partisanship is no way to move forward with the country's business.