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In the past three weeks, a tragic pattern has arisen. Four gay teenagers have committed suicide because of repeating bullying about their sexual orientation. Two of the victims were just thirteen years old. Although it seems that we are making progress each day with the gradual adoption of gay marriage, these recent events are a painful reminder that there is still so much more work to be done. It is important that we support each other during this time. Remember that the New York Public Library is a place where all people, of all races, religions, genders, ages, and sexual orientations are welcomed. If you or someone you know is dealing with LGBTQ bullying, here are some resources that can help:
Teen Suicide by Heidi Williams
Understanding Sexual Identity: A Book For Gay Teens and Their Friends by Janice E. Rench
The Journey Out: A Guide for and About Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Teens by Rachel Pollack and Cheryl Schwartz
Not the Only One: Lesbian and Gay Fiction for Teens by Tony Grima
Generation MySpace: Helping Your Teen Survive Online Adolescence by Candice M. Kelsey
101 Alternatives to Suicide for Teens, Freaks, and Other Outlaws by Kate Bornstein
National Suicide & Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
The Trevor Project : 24-hour crisis hotline for LGBTQ youth
The Center: NYC's LGBT community center
The It Gets Better Project: Words of wisdom from LGBTQ Adults to LGBTQ Teens
Shadows (1826). NYPL Art and Architecture Collection.
One of 700,000 pictures in the NYPL Digital Gallery
Comments
I'm so sad to read that...
Submitted by Nina on October 2, 2010 at 12:31 PM.
I'm so sad to read that... u_u
I thought everything's changing, our society's developing and starting to play down the importance of something like the sexual orientation... It's really tragic (literally) to have to still find cases like this one TwT
Hope people will learn the lesson!
My condolence to the families and friends of this guys.
great resource
Submitted by catherine on October 2, 2010 at 11:34 PM.
thanks for publishing this. there is so much work to be done. two great resources are the trevor project, http://www.thetrevorproject.org/ and it gets better, http://www.youtube.com/user/itgetsbetterproject
This is extremely sad and
Submitted by Ryan Maguire on October 4, 2010 at 1:10 AM.
This is extremely sad and serious. Something should be done on a policy level to get public schools to be on top of these situations and work accordingly to prevent extreme resolutions. This is not just about gay teenagers in my opinion, but all teenagers that are different for some reason or another. We should be building up their confidence and teaching them the true values of life instead of expecting them to be like the role models propelled by the mass media.
Freedom
Submitted by Anonymous on October 4, 2010 at 9:00 AM.
Please do not let anything happen to a gay teen or a Nerd anymore:Please!I cried over little Tyler.
Thank You!
Submitted by Marie C. Hansen on October 4, 2010 at 9:37 AM.
Thank you for taking the time to post Nina & Catherine, and thank you for the additional resources!
Thank You Part 2!
Submitted by Marie C. Hansen on October 4, 2010 at 11:16 AM.
Thank you for the comments, Anonymous & Ryan! I agree, it is sad that bullying is a norm that American teenagers must inevitably deal with for not fitting in regardless of the circumstances that make them seem "different" to others. And, we do need to stress the importance of finding ways to increase self-esteem, dissuade bullying, and create community support systems.
Thanks again for commenting & being a part of the solution!
One more recommendation
Submitted by Megan Honig on October 5, 2010 at 1:34 PM.
Thanks for this list! I would also add Hello Cruel World: 101 Alternatives to Suicide for Teens, Freaks, and Other Outlaws by Kate Bornstein: https://catalog.nypl.org/record=b17657635~S1
There are only two copies at NYPL right now, but I happen to know we've ordered more and they're on their way. There is also a "mini-guide" on Kate's website: http://web.mac.com/katebornstein/iWeb/Hello_Cruel_World/Goodies_files/HC...
It gets better project
Submitted by anne on October 5, 2010 at 2:43 PM.
There is a new movement out there for gay teens. Put together by columnist Dan Savage "The It Gets Better Project" has LGBT adults uploading short videos onto You Tube telling gay teens that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Life may be hard, confusing, painful now but as you get older and make your way in the world there is a world of love and friendship just waiting for you. Do not end your life now there is a place and a future for you. Go to You Tube and type in "It gets Better".
Thank You!
Submitted by Marie C. Hansen on October 6, 2010 at 2:12 PM.
Thank you Megan & Anne. I added the resources you suggested. I was hesitant about adding "It Gets Better" because YouTube videos have a tendency to get horrible comments, but I think the importance of the channel out weighs my doubts about sharing it.
This is great Marie, thanks.
Submitted by Ursula Murphy on October 6, 2010 at 4:30 PM.
This is great Marie, thanks. There is also a flash mob event on Friday at Grand Central Station that interested people might want to take part in.
http://tinyurl.com/2ehlqan
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