Strength in Many

I was recently reading a web article on Derrick Martin, the gay teen from Georgia who asked to bring his boyfriend to prom. His school allowed it but his parents kicked him out. Well, turns out he's teaming up with the Trevor Project and other groups, to create Project LifeVest, an org to assist LGBT youth facing discrimination and even finding a shelter/temporary home after they come out or kicked out like him. Here's a quote from him:


"My situation and the attention it has drawn have provided me a unique perspective and opportunity that I feel I cannot pass up", Martin noted. "Young people who, like myself, have been disadvantaged because of discrimination, hate, or ignorance need somewhere to turn for help. GLAAD was my life vest, and I plan to be a life vest to as many others as I can. I only want those who face obstacles like mine to know that they are not alone, for everyone has the right to love regardless of sexual orientation."


In high school, I wasn't out and didn't want to admit to myself that I was just attracted to guys. I just didn't meet the right girl, so I thought. But I still couldn't deny part of me, to myself or to others. So when some of my jock friends would ask me if I was gay or not in high school, I wouldn't give them a straight forward answer. I didn't know myself, so how could I give them a direct answer. And even though I was jock/athlete, playing sports like football, I was still suspect to my attractions and my jock peers picked up on it, which resulted in constant questioning and getting picked on. I even had a crush on a guy friend that I thought I was hiding, but really everyone knew in the end. I was embarassed for it. And on top of that, just add dysfunctional family drama, repressed teenage-raging-sexual hormones, worries of college picks/post-high school paths, and you got the worst years of my life. I worked like hell to not let it be addressed and avoided it entirely. Bottom line, I was scared, most youths are and for justifiable reason, especially in the South, where I grew up and in high school.

Such as today, there are those crazy or brave few who finally wake up one day and say, "Fuck this, I'm tired of living a lie or pretending not to be me." And they stand up who they in being attracted to the same sex. They take the beatings, the taunts, the jokes, expulsions from school, and even being kicked out by family such as Derrick Martin. I wish I was half the teen they are when I was in high school. They are the prime examples of what it is to be American. To rise above conflict is a testament of the American spirit, the human spirit, of standing against what's wrong and saying no more to the status quo. AND THEN, after that, Derrick even has the energy to go forward and help those in the LGBT youth in jumping starting this org. Wow. His strength, as well others, speak volumes for the future and determination they have. For those youth that take a stand, whether coming out in high school or fighting for your LGBT community, I salute you.