Provident, Inc.

As I learned of the deaths by suicide of two eleven year young boys within a week of one another, I nearly fell to my knees, realizing that this could be the fate of my son in a few years.  I could not imagine having this shining, sensitive spirit (who can also be a pipsqueak) that I have nurtured since birth four years ago, decide that the pain of living is too great to live another day.  I cannot imagine sending him to a school that does not protect him and foster his unique talents that are to be his contributions to the world.  I am appalled by the silence of teachers and school administrators that feeds bullying and a disregard for diversity when children are taunted for the perception that they may be gay.

We live in a society that does not embrace diversity, especially during elementary and high school.  From my experience with the Rainbow Youth Hotline and interaction with high school students during Gay Straight Alliance conferences, the majority of teachers and school personnel turn a deaf ear when children are taunted for their perceived sexual orientation.  Though, unfortunately, I'm sure racial, ethnic, and religious slurs may still be heard by students in school settings, I believe they would be quick to be addressed when overheard by school personnel.  However, we live in the middle of a civil rights movement for persons who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning their sexuality.  The suicide rate for GLBTQ youth is three times the national average, the number one cause of death for GLBTQ youth.

Please, be a voice for those whose shining spirits are being extinguished.

Sticks and stones may break our bones and yes, words may hurt us.

If you or someone you know is being bullied, in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, support is available by calling the following hotlines:

Youth America Hotline 1(877)YOUTHLIne (968-8545):  Peer to peer hotline linking youth to community based peer counseling hotlines in the country.

KUTO (Kids Under Twenty One) 1(888)644-KUTO (5886):  Confidential hotline for persons under the age of twenty-one staffed exclusively by youth volunteers.  Available every day after 4pm CST.

Trevor Helpline 1(866)4UTREVOR (488-7386):  Nationwide twenty-four hour crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBTQ youth.  http://www.thetrevorproject.org

Rainbow Youth Hotline 1(877)LGBT-YTH (542-8984):  Missouri's twenty-four hour hotline for LGBTQ youth struggling with sexual orientation, gender identity, coming out, relationships, depression and suicidal thoughts.