UPDATE: ONE WEEK LATER — 10.08.2010:
We’ve been following closely this story and wanted to update you on some on these tragic cases.
There are now reports that say that Felix Sacco was bullied.
On October 5, there was a report of a tenth victim of bullying who succumbed to suicide. Sadly, the initial report was taken down and all we have to go on is this report, although there are still reputable reports that the tenth September victim, Alec Henrikson, was the victim of a suicide.
Alec was from Indiana, which would make him the third victim from Indiana in September.
# # #
The problem is anti-LGBTQ bullying and harassment. It is an epidemic.
Whether they are gay or not, anyone who is a victim of anti-LGBTQ bullying or harassment is having a tough time.
Some, as we painfully were reminded this month, resort to suicide.
Right now the media is focused on five teens who committed suicide in response to what may be anti-LGBTQ bullying. As tragic as that is, there are a lot more than five. Thanks to our readers, we believe we have found nine.
Nine male teenagers all committed suicide in the month of September, we believe victims of bullying. There are reports that all but one were victims of anti-LGBTQ bullying. The “type” of bullying of one, Felix Sacco, was not identified.
If nine teens died in one month from a mysterious disease, there would be marches to the White House demanding something be done.
So, aside from a press release, what is being done?
Billy Lucas (15) September 9, 2010. Indiana
Cody J. Barker (17) September 13, 2010. Wisconsin
Seth Walsh (13) September 19, 2010. California
Tyler Clementi (18) September 22, 2010. New Jersey
Asher Brown (13) September 23, 2010. Texas
Harrison Chase Brown (15) September, 25 2010. Colorado
Raymond Chase (19) September 29, 2010. Rhode Island
Felix Sacco (17) September 29, 2010. Massachusetts
Caleb Nolt (14) September 30, 2010. Indiana
Remember them. And reach out to — and check in with — every teen you know. They may need you right now, more than you imagine.
If you have additional information, please share it with us: newcivilrightsmovement@gmail.com