Jamey Rodemeyer, 14, commits suicide after gay taunts [video]
Despite making his own “It Gets Better” video, Jamey Rodemeyer, a 14-year-old in Williamsville, N.Y., appears to have taken his life this past weekend. He was reportedly taunted by bullies — in part via a Formspring account which he regretted creating. A vigil was held to remember his life.
In a heartbreaking video, Jamey said this past May that he thought he was “bi” and that he had virtually no “guy friends.” But after coming out he had received a lot of support which made him feel secure. He also shared his gratefulness for pop star Lady Gaga and her song “Born This Way” (xgothemo99xx via YouTube):
“That’s my advice to you from her. We were born this way, and all you have to do is hold your head up high. Hold your head up and you’ll go far. Because that’s all you have to do — just love yourself and you’re set. And I promise it’ll get better. I have so much support from people I don’t even know online. I know that sounds creepy, but they’re so nice and caring, and they don’t ever want me to die.”
Reports say he posted somber lyrics on Facebook which were likely a goodbye message. Buffalo News interviewed his mother Tracy Rodemeyer who said he’d had issues with bullies since fifth grade and had been seeing a counselor (Buffalo News):
“He used to cry about it, be sad and angry. But lately he’s been blowing them off, or at least we thought he was.”
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