Monday, September 16, 2013

Life After Bullying



I’m kicking off this fall’s Life After Bullying tour tomorrow at The Rocky Hill School in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.  I’ll spend two days working with students and teachers exploring ways to eradicate bullying and create a safe learning environment for all students.
A big thank you to Rocky Hill’s Director of Diversity Matt Gnolfo and his lovely wife Tara for this amazing opportunity. If your school is looking for incoming speakers to raise awareness and change the way we deal with bullying then contact me.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

GLSEN-NYC Teams Up with HBO on Valentine Road





GLSEN-NYC is teaming up with HBO to host a screening of their new documentary film, Valentine Road.  It's the heartbreaking story of fourteen-year-old Brandon McInerney taking a gun to school on Valentine’s Day of 2008 and shooting his fifteen-year-old gay classmate Lawrence “Larry” King.  GLSEN-NYC’s new Co-Chair, Jared Fox – victim of a hate crime himself this past weekend in Cleveland, asked me to host the screening of this film here in NYC on September 10th.  HBO allowed me to pre-screen Valentine Road, which I just finished doing.  Words can’t express what this documentary will do to you.  I am still wiping away tears as I write.  I don’t want to say anymore as this film has yet to be released. But everyone must see this film and know Larry King’s story.  We have so far to go in this country but I am dedicated, more than ever, to fighting for equal rights and safety for all LGBTQ people.  Here is the link to the Valentine Road site.   This film will change you. http://valentineroaddocumentary.com/

GLSEN CO-CHAIR IS LATEST VICTIM OF GAY BASHING

Saturday night my friend and fellow GLSEN board member Jared Fox was the victim of a gay hate crime in Cleveland. He was jumped and beaten by a group of young men while they yelled gay slurs at him and then asked, “Do you want to die?” I am angry and heartbroken over what he has endured in the last three days. This needs to stop!! Every parent raising a son needs to take responsibility and teach their boys that this is unacceptable. 

Jared led a demonstration, gave interviews to the local media and has been working with local police. I admire his courage and we all stand behind him. NO MORE GAY BASHINGS!!