It Gets Better.

Maybe it's the over-representation of gay acceptance shown in television and movies by liberal Hollywood that makes us feel like equal rights are finally starting to be the norm, but it's time to face the fact that not all of America, and Canada for that matter, is as accepting. The recent reporting of not one, not two, but four (last I heard) gay youths taking their own lives makes one things clear: this is not okay.
 The fact that teens, as young as 13, are choosing not to live because of senseless and ignorant bullying is something we need to, and more importantly can change. Four lives is horrific enough, and to think that there are many more unreported cases and an even higher number of teens going through such torment is beyond unacceptable.
There are messages everywhere that still validate homophobic behavior, and it is within the power of our generation to stop these messages and create a new voice of equal rights for everyone, no matter who you choose to love. If you, or anyone you know, is going through a hard time with being a gay individual, let it known that things will get better and suicide is not, and never, the answer.
As some one who has many gay friends I adore, it pains me to think that any of them could of gone through what these four teens experienced. Embracing who we are is hard enough during out teenage years; bullying can make it insufferable. Let's allow all youth out there to become the best people they can be instead of cutting bright lives short, and spread that message that there is hope and it will get better.
For more information check out the many "It Gets Better" videos celebrities have been making in support of gay or questioning teens everywhere, and post and re-post these videos where ever you can.
Change is within our reach, and equal rights for all should be a given, not a struggle.

Ellen DeGeneres' message:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B-hVWQnjjM

Anne Hathaway's message:
http://perezhilton.com/2010-10-05-anne_hathaway_makes_video_for_gay_youth

The Trevor Project:
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
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