Dear Universe,
I’ve said this a million times, but I don’t know that I’ve ever said it out loud. I’m not convinced that the vehicle of the message matters, but I’m not taking any chances, so here goes.
I am utterly and achingly heartbroken over the number of GLBT kids who decide every year that it’s better to kill themselves than to live another day in their skin. I am grief-stricken over their belief that no one loves them – that they are unlovable – and furious to the point of insensibility that the people in their lives let those precious babies believe that they are broken, even to the point where they’d rather die than endure their lives any longer.
I am telling You, again and out loud, that I am out here. If You see fit to send one of those precious kids into my orbit, I promise that I will do everything in my power to make sure they know that they are anything but unlovable. I and my family will open our home and our hearts to this child; we will feed and clothe her, we will love and shelter him, and we will give them all that a strong, loving family can give.
I am holding that door open, so if You have a kid who needs me, just send them my way. I’m ready.
Love,
Chili
p.s. Please send special energy to all of the people involved in the It Gets Better project. May they reach these babies in time…
I had a kid run away this week – out of my class until Friday. I heard she was running from her father.
I talked with her briefly that she was too young to have the weight of the world on her shoulders and to talk to someone – a teacher, a counselor, her minister. Someone.
We will see.
Have you seen the “It Gets Better Project” that Dan Savage has put together?
http://www.youtube.com/user/itgetsbetterproject
It is a bunch of videos directed at young gay folks, letting them know that being young and gay and in school sucks, but then you graduate and move on and up and find out that life isn’t actually so bad after all… which is actually a lesson that everyone should learn, gay or otherwise.
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Ms Chili,
I met you just now through Jan Yourist’s blog and as a Gay Man, retired teacher I so appreciate your words about young gay people who do not have the support and encouragement to be who they need to be.
For that matter I think we could extend that to ANY young person who is so overwhelmed with their problems, real or perceived, that they think ending their beautiful young life is the best way to deal with those problems. Thank you.
Michael
The universe hears you! What a powerful statement of support and compassion and love. I’m putting a link to your post on my blog today. We need as many people as possible reading your words and the words of those you have linked to.
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