On the heals of the Justice Department's filing of a brief indicating their intent to appeal last week's ruling that overturned Don't Ask, Don't Tell, President Obama has released his own "It Gets Better" message. The President tells kids that they've done nothing to deserve what's happening to them and assures them that they are loved.
First, I want to say that if this video helps even one kid find a reason to go on, then it's well worth the effort. However, if this president truly believes in full equality for LGBT Americans, as he says he does, then he needs to walk the walk and stop sending mixed messages.
What I find most hypocritical about this message is that President Obama has the power to really make things better for the LGBT community and yet, time after time, he throws up road blocks that keep us less than equal, strengthen our enemies and send the message to all of us, old and young, gay and straight that we are somehow less deserving of equal protection under the law.
In his message, the president urges bullied queer kids to talk to an adult, like their parents or teachers. But what if, as it was in my case, the adults in your life are not only aiding and abetting the bullies by ignoring or condoning their behavior, but are taking part in the bullying themselves? What if you're a kid being raised by religious zealots who follow their church's teachings and blame the victims, saying they wouldn't be bullied if only they'd change?
I attempted suicide myself in 1980 when, after dropping out of college in my 3rd year while in the throws of the darkest depression I have ever experienced, I pulled my 1968 VW Beetle out into a busy intersection and was hit broadside by an oncoming car. Obviously, I wasn't successful in ending it all. The other driver survived and in the shock of the aftermath, the incident was treated as just another car accident at a dangerous intersection. Rather than speak up about what I was going through, I never told anyone, even my shrink, what really happened. Although I've written before about the abuse I grew up with, this is the first time I've said or written anything about my suicide attempt. I hope it helps even one kid feel a little less alone.
My point is that it's never as simple as people make it out to be. When the people in your life tell you they love you while they abuse you, you learn not to trust anyone. Bullying is child abuse and should be treated that way, even when it comes from another child, but most especially when it comes from the adults in a young person's life.
Unfortunately, young people don't have the freedom to choose who is going to be in their lives on a day to day basis, but once you get out into the world and start making your own rules, you'll see that there are people out their that will love and accept you, warts and all. You will find more people like yourself. You will discover your queer cultural heritage and a legacy of survival that will inspire you to become the awesome person you really are.
It does, in fact, get better once you're able to rid your life of the assholes who just want to bring you down to their miserable level. That day does come if you can find the strength to hold on. In the words of Friedrich Nietzsche, "What does not destroy me, makes me stronger."
As for you, Mr. Obama, as comedian Sarah Silverman points out in her own video message, kids learn how to hate from adults. It's up to all of us, especially the leader of the free world, to lead by example. Where do kids learn to be bullies? As Silverman says, Mr. President, "They learned it from watching you".
Very well done Steve. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteKudos and major demerits for Obama sorry I do not feel your empathy for us just pure apathy. Seriously even the Log Cabin Republicans care more about our rights than you.
ReplyDeleteGood job Steve!! Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind remarks everyone. One of the things we have to remember as a community is to share our stories with the next generation. Member s of other minority groups are born into families that share a common history. Stories are passed from generation to generation. We don't have that. Often we are rejected by our own families and have to create new ones. It's up to the older generation to reach out to the kids coming up in a hostile environment to let them know they are not alone.
ReplyDeleteSuperbly written my friend. The details of your story are heart wrenching and knowing that this story has been experienced throughout the LGBT community makes me extremely sad for our society. It’s hard enough growing up, much less growing up “different”. I remember clearly that just wearing the wrong style of socks would earn you harassment to no end. I must admit I was so insecure in my “former” years I would and did just about anything for acceptance. If our generation can pass on compassion and acceptance, this would most certainly lead to equality not only for LGBT but for everyone. Oh what a world it would be. I commend you for sharing your story.
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