Bullied LGBT teens and how to help

This heart-wrenching video from Jonah has gone viral this week, with more than 2 million views. It’s a poignant plea from an eighth grader who has been relentlessly bullied for being gay.

At least for this one case and for now, there is a happy sequel. Thousands of people on blogs, Facebook and Twitter, including celebrities like Perez Hilton and Rosie O’Donnell, have reached out and embraced Jonah. Hundreds of people have posted thoughtful video responses, in which they offer encouragement and share their own stories of surviving adolescent bullying. Jonah is responding and engaging with his supporters on Facebook and Twitter, and reports that things are getting better.
Not all such stories end well. Even with the support of loving parents and friends, it can be a continual struggle for kids. It can be a helpless feeling, as the parents of Jamey Rodemeyer attest.
If you or someone you know needs help, see our Bullying resources for parents and teachers and What Parents Need to Know About Teen Suicide
We’d like to add the following links to our bullying resources :
The Trevor Project – leading national
organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. The site has resources for parents and teachers.
It Gets Better Project – created to show young LGBT people the levels of happiness, potential, and positivity their lives will reach – if they can just get through their teen years. The It Gets Better Project wants to remind teenagers in the LGBT community that they are not alone — and it WILL get better.
Bullying, Harassment, School-based Violence – offers resources from the Safe Schools Coalition, an international public-private partnership in support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth.
LGBT Resources – from the CDC, offers resources for youth, educators, and parents.
Employers and Human Resource managers can help by establishing a strong anti-bullying climate in the workplace and by distributing anti-bullying literature. and resources to employees for their families. And get help from your EAP – make sure your employees know that it is available and that it can address a broad range of family issues, including teen bullying.