Public Official's Plee

On October 12th 2010, a Public Official - mind you a Public Official, took a huge step in making a heartfelt public notice to all individuals that bully others to say “It gets better”.

Openly gay City Council member Fort Worth, Texas; Joel Burns (Dem) took a moment out of his busy schedule in the agenda to bring to light the bullying that is being done in our public schools around the United States and gives a public plea to all in his district to seek out help if they are the victim of bullying and violence.

Watch this video and you will see:

This is the kind of leadership GLBT or streight that we need in our political landscape today. If everyone took a stance like Mr. Joel Burns, then we would not have the suicides that youth face today not to mention GLBT youth.

Let us take a moment and explore the facts. Teen suicide is a major problem in our country today. As to the article at kidshealth.org and how it impacts others states, “When a teen commits suicide, everyone is affected. Family members, friends, teammates, neighbors, and sometimes even those who didn't know the teen well might experience feelings of grief, confusion, guilt — and the sense that if only they had done something differently, the suicide could have been prevented. “, and teansuicidestatistics.com states, “The Centers for Disease control report that it is the third leading cause of death, behind accidents and homicide, of people aged 15 to 24. Even more disturbing is the fact that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for children between the ages of 10 and 14.”

And it does not stop there. About.com/Gay Life states, “Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, according to the Massachusetts 2006 Youth Risk Survey.”

Those are the facts!  So, if you have any young adults or teens around you that you know you watch, parent, guide, or just plan influence. Take the time to sit them down and talk with them openly about suicide and bullying. Remember not to lecture, but instead listen to what they have to tell you about their experiences and also open up to them about yours. You might be surprised about just how much guidance and influence you opening up to them and listening to them does for them.

If you suspect or have any idea that a teen you know might be homosexual – first thing you need to do is not confront them. The last thing they need to hear is “I know you are”. Instead tell them it is OK to be different and have different opinions and feelings from their peers. Also explain that you are open minded and willing to listen to their thoughts and feelings. If the teen has come out to you remember to reassure and most of all show that you care! Physical contact, reassurances that it is ok to be who they are and have feelings for the same sex is a natural occurrence in nature

All in all, just remind teens that the phrase “It gets better” does apply. Once again I stress that by sharing your experiences about Middle School, Junior High and High School (both good and bad) can help a teen realize that they are not alone in their feelings and thoughts.

If you personally are struggling on how to reach a teen and do not know how to approach them I suggest contacting “The Trevor Project” (www.thetrevorproject.org) , or call them at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) for further guidance on teen suicide.