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St. Paul’s & It Gets Better
Posted by Kimberly Allen
In September, 15-year-old Billy Lucas, a freshman at Greensburg High School in Indiana, hung himself after enduring bullying torment for being gay. In response, two individuals, columnist Dan Savage and his partner Terry, released "It Gets Better," a video testimonial demonstrating to teenagers that it does get better if they can hold on. The video went viral and launched a nationwide effort to spread the word that it gets better and prevent teen suicides.
The Church & It Gets Better
Inspired by that movement, faith communities have launched "Faith Gets Better," featuring video testimonials from faith leaders including Bishop Gene Robinson of the Episcopal Church.
In the coming days, Wallace+ will release an "It Gets Better" video as part of this effort. He is also inviting any and all in the parish who wish to record an "It Gets Better" testimonial to call us and set up a brief taping. Let's respond to messages of disparagement with a message of hope.
Contact me at kallen@stpauls-episcopal.org or 545-5405 to set up a time.
Statistics
- 9 out of 10 LGBT students have experienced harassment at school.
- LGBT teens are bullied 2 to 3 times as much as straight teens.
- More than 1/3 of LGBT kids have attempted to commit suicide.
- LGBT kids are 4 times as likely to attempt suicide then our straight peers.
- LGBT youth with "highly rejecting" families are 8 times more likely to attempt suicide than those whose families accept them.
Source: It Gets Better Project
Tags: it gets better, lgbt
