US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, offers hope directly to gay, bullied teenagers [video]
”Like millions of Americans, I was terribly saddened to learn of the suicides of several teenagers across our country, after being bullied because they were gay or because people thought they were gay. Children are particularly vulnerable to the hurt caused by discrimination and prejudice. And we’ve lost many young people over the years to suicide. These most recent deaths are a reminder that all Americans have to work hard to overcome bigotry and hatred.
”I have a message for all the young people out there who are being bullied or who feel alone and find it hard to imagine a better future. First of all, hang in there and ask for help. Your life is so important to your family, your friends, and to your country. There is so much waiting for you personally and professionally. There’s so many opportunities for you to develop your talents and make your contributions. And these opportunities will increase because the story of America is the story of people coming together to tear down barriers, stand up for rights, and insist on the equality — not only for themselves, but for all people. And in the process we create a community of support and solidarity that endures.
”Just think of the progress made by women — just during my lifetime — for ethnic, racial, and religious minorities of the course of our history, and by gays and lesbians many of whom are free to live their lives openly and proudly.
”Here at the State Dept, I’m grateful every day for the work of our LGBT employees who are serving the United States has foreign service officers, and civil servants, here and around the world. It was not long ago that these men and women would not have been able to serve openly, but today they can, because it has gotten better and it will get better for you.
”So take heart and have hope. And please remember that your life is valuable and you’re not alone. Many people are standing with you and sending you. But their prayers and their strong. Count me among them. Take care of yourself.”
Hillary Clinton, the current US Secretary of State, sending out a message to teenagers who may be gay, lesbian, bi or transgender and feeling hopeless or contemplating suicide. The past month saw several gay teens take their life for a variety of circumstances, some of whom were bullied by classmates. (http://www.youtube.com/user/statevideo)
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