Branden's Randomisms

This post is dedicated to the young people that have tragically cut there lives short because of bullying.

Tyler Clementi, Seth Walsh, Justin Aaberg, Raymond Chase, Asher Brown, Cody J. Barker, Harrison Chase Brown, Caleb Nolt, Billy Lucas, Jeanine Blanchette, and Chantal Dube.

I wanted to participate in this event in any way that I can. When I was in elementary school, I was being bullied for being different. I was a happy carefree kid. When I was called a “sissy” at sleep-away camp, I put a guard up. I completely shut myself off from the rest of world that could hurt me. Throughout my school career, I was called “gay boy,” or “Brenda” instead of my given name.

I have been harassed in front of teachers, in the school bus which I stopped riding it, footballs thrown at my head, everytime I get a new haircut; I would get slapped in the back of my head, tripped in the halls, my lunch money was taken on a daily basis. The list goes on.

I couldn’t have close male friends, because people would assume that we were boyfriends. It made me more unsafe in school.

I was filled with self-hate and internal homophobia that it came to a breaking point when I contemplated ending my life. Luckily, my loving family was always there to remind me how a desperate, selfish act it is. I didn’t want to cause more pain to family than what is already was.

I want to say to anybody that is being harassed for being different whether it’s the color of your skin, your religious background or your sexual orientation, you are special and unique. Do not let anybody bring you down, because they are insecure and envious of you. Rise about it all. You will be a stronger person because of it.

Friends, teachers, parents, close family and administrators need to wake up to not let another innocent life be cut short.

STOP THE HATE

BRING THE LOVE