One Iowa, Iowa Safe Schools, Iowa Pride Network and Interfaith Alliance of Iowa tonight in Des Moines, Iowa, will join together to hold a vigil “to combat bullying in schools and communities,” in honor of gay teen Kenneth Weishuhn who died by suicide two weeks ago. Weishuhn would have been 15 next month, but when he came out to friends at school he was literally bullied to death, targeted with death threats, taunts, social media and cyber-bullying, including a Facebook hate group page.
There is also a vigil tonight in Cedar Rapids, and one on Saturday in Fort Dodge.
Press Release for tonight’s Des Moines vigil, from One Iowa:
One Loss is Too Many: Des Moines Community Vigil to Remember Kenneth Weishuhn and Combat Bullying
Gray’s Lake Terraces, Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 pm(Des Moines, IA)—On April 14, 2012, Kenneth Weishuhn, a 14 year old from Primghar Iowa, died by suicide. A month prior, Kenneth came out to friends and family as gay. While his family embraced him with love and support, Kenneth was targeted at school with taunts, online bullying, and death threats.
Join One Iowa, Iowa Safe Schools, Iowa Pride Network and Interfaith Alliance of Iowa for a community vigil to combat bullying and violence. Â All students deserve safe and supportive schools and communities and we must do more to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.
Speakers will honor Kenneth and will talk about the resources available to students, parents, teachers and community members.
This community event is a solemn and peaceful vigil to honor those young people in our communities who need support and acceptance and will be an opportunity for attendees to learn more about how we can combat bullying, because one loss is too many.
What: Des Moines Community Vigil to combat bullying in schools and communities
Where: Gray’s Lake Terrace, George Flagg Parkway
When: Tuesday, April 24th, 7:30 pmSpeakers include:
• Calla Rongerude, One Iowa Interim Executive Director
• Nate Monson, Iowa Safe Schools Executive Director
• Ryan Roemerman, Iowa Pride Network Executive Director
• Connie Ryan Terrell, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Executive Director
• Des Moines area students***Candles are not allowed. Please consider bringing battery operated lights or glow-sticks.***
To view the Facebook event, click here: https://www.facebook.com/events/277289299029508
For anti-bullying resources and a list of vigils being organized across the state, please visit: http://oneiowa.org/web/anti-bullying-resource-guide
One Iowa lists another vigil tonight in Cedar Rapids
Our thoughts are with Kenneth Weishuhn’s family tonight.
Remember, there are always options.
The Trevor Project: a 24-hour hotline for gay and questioning youth: 866-4-U-TREVOR (488-7386)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)