Even one would be too many. Sadly, there were a dozen in one month last September and thousands more attempted. If those numbers were kids injured by a faulty toy, there would have been a nationwide recall by now. If those were kids who got pregnant before they were teens, there would by television specials and public outcry. What those numbers represent, however, is something far worse: teenagers committing or attempting suicide because of anti-LGBT bullying. These are kids who either are gay or are perceived to be and who are so tormented and alone that death seems their only option. Luckily, however, there are those working to put an end to this tragedy and some of those folks are kids themselves.
Consider this video from Ireland that features a large cast of kids who, ultimately, do the right thing and, in so doing, encourage others to do the same.
It can be really hard for one person to stand up to a bully, but very often that’s all it takes to get the ball rolling and have every one take a stand. Soon, the bully becomes the odd man out and simple peer pressure puts an end to it. I’d like to think my kids would stand up for others no matter how difficult it might be; how about your kids?