I wanted to share with you a video I made. Since it's been up on YouTube it's had almost 10,000 views, has been commented on more times than any other video of mine, and has been linked to 5 times from outside sites. I've received messages from people all over the world (who were too worried about leaving a comment) that my video has let them know that they're not alone, that there's nothing wrong with the way they feel or what they want, and that there IS support out there for them.
I even had a message from a 23 year old man in Wales who told me that he'd known he was gay since he was a child, but he was alway too scared to tell anyone about it, he felt he had to hide who he truly was, even to his family. He said that seeing my video had inspired him to think long and hard about his situation an, after much soul-searching, he finally came out to his family and friends! (P.S. Overall, they were much more supportive and understanding about it than he'd assumed they would be. So, YAY for him!)
So anyway, here's the video....
Since Blogger won't let me add it in here, I'll give you the link
I Wanna Be In Love
I just thought, for anyone out there who might be struggling with this, or anyone who knows someone who is gay, lesbian or bisexual, that this post might help you out in some way. I've added some links to websites and support groups that I know do really good work.
TSSG - Teenage Sexuality Support Group
TSSG on MySpace
This group was started by a good friend of mine and has really hit the ground running! Jay, who co-founded the site, is a gay man himself and, having only recently left "teenager-dom" knows first hand what it's like to be a gay teenager in today's environment. A lot of you may think that the old prejudices and hatred towards same-sex relationships is a thing of the past now, but I tell IT'S NOT!! Many teenagers struggle with their true identity and the feeling that you will automatically be hated because of who you are is enough to drive a lot of teenagers to destructive behaviour such as alcoholism, drug abuse, self harm, even suicide. The people at this site are they to make sure that doesn't happen! You can go to them for support and understanding, to share your story to inspire others, or even if you're straight you can shopw your support for the cause! Anyone is welcome at TSSG!
Reach Out
This site offers advice and support also. Specifically the page I've linked to has some great advice, in a straight forward manner, about 'coming out' and even has some great fact sheets geared towards understanding. For those who think they might be gay, there are un-biased fact sheets to help you make up your own mind based on facts. For those who know someone who is gay, there is information to help you better understand your friend/family member and their lifestyle. It's all about promoting tolerance through knowledge. As I've said before, people hate what they fear and fear what they don't understand. Knowledge is the first step to breaking down the hatred that surrounds gay, lesbian and bisexual people and those who love them.
The Speak Project
Another great resource for you. This is a myspace page, but it's full of really useful information, as well as a bunch of priceless links to websites that are specifically GLBT oriented. These are just a FEW of the sites you'll find at The Speak Project.
Human Rights Campaign
Where you can find out all about the progress of the fight for equality and join the cause.
Million For Marriage
It takes just a minute to sign the petition to help change discriminatory laws and make the marriage right equal for ALL people, regardless of sex, orientation or race!
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
Pretty self explanitory really.
And this is my personal favourite....
QComedy.com
Queer Comedy!! Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender comedians and queer oriented comedy. Because you can't be serious ALL the time!!
Also, anyone reading this can feel free to contact me at any time. Leave me a comment, or look me up on my MySpace page
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