Got that Purp?
I wore purple today in solidarity with those that are affected and truly devastated by the recent suicides committed by queer youth across the country - and in memory of the many lives we’ve lost (known and unknown).
It’s imperative that we take a stand for our youth by not only wearing a color today, but also by actually reaching out to the youth around us. Additionally, we should try to bring awareness to those outside of the queer community that think because GLEE is all the rage, and two men kissed on modern family that our struggle as a community is over. Far from it. And perhaps the school system can take notice and get to the root cause of why these bullies are acting out in the first place. I can’t lie - I myself was a bully in school, taking my own personal insecurities about being gay and feeling awkward out on others. We all know that in many cases those who bully are in some way, shape or form being bullied, tormented or abused themselves. So why isn’t there more being done for them to stop the cycle?
Hopefully the purple on 10.20.10 is just the beginning of more dialogue around the struggles of our youth, and that the discussion continues well into the future. For now though, I’m rocking my purple and making more of an effort to talk to, and be there for the two very special, brave and bold queer teens in my life. What are you doing?
