Good Citizen

Day: Eight

Organization: It Gets Better Project

Activity: Recording It Gets Better Video

Today is the most personal day of this journey and I don’t think anything else will be such an emotional challenge for me.

There are far too many stories of young gay kids taking their lives because of their sexual orientation. They decide to end their lives because of hatred that is proudly proclaimed and celebrated by bigots, so-called “Christians” and others. They take their lives because bullying and gay-bashing is still ignored in so many of our schools. They leave this planet because of hate brought on by who they love.

Unfortunately, those kids often don’t hear the positive messages out there and aren’t aware that they are not alone and that in fact they are loved and supported by complete strangers, gay and straight. It is for that reason that the It Gets Better Project was started — to give a platform for voices of support and love.

I know what it’s like to be bullied for being different, but I also know that it does get better. I have been blessed with a supportive and loving family, however, so many are not. It’s for those simple reasons that I wanted to share at least part of my story and journey as a gay man.

It is not easy to sit in front of a camera and get really personal, so I applaud all of the people who have done or will do videos for It Gets Better. In many ways, I am a very private person, but this issue is too important for me to remain silent.

Please watch and, by all means share this far and wide — it could save a life.