WEAR PURPLE ON OCTOBER 20 FOR SPIRIT DAY

Something that we all should be aware of and conscious of as we remember those precious children who thought it better to take their own lives because of ignorance.  To this I pray that someday our eyes will not see the color of skin or the sexual preference to those unlike ourselves.  Parents, raise your children to be kind and generous.  To not judge...because it is not our place to judge others.  Raises your children to love and welcome all with open arms and a warm smile.  Stop the hate and embrace the fate that someday it may be your child that is bullied for being "Straight".

Parents I urge you now to teach your children, that even if someone is not like you doesn't mean they should be treated like dirt.  The youth of our era are crying for their parents to teach them respect of others, manners, and how to become respectful adults.  Where are the parents?  I am not saying that those of religious backgrounds should forget what they have been taught by the bible.  What I am saying is let the man in charge handle the situation and you be a person of respect and acceptance or it may be you who is judged while standing in front of those gates...whats on your conscious?

I don't write this to make anyone better than the next.  I write this begging for us all to open our eyes and realize that even though they may love someone you don't approve of, they have feelings...emotions and its obvious they need love and support.  Don't turn your back on those who are different, why not look at them...maybe try and see them for who they are not who they love.  Maybe you have things in common...you will never know unless you take the time to open your eyes and see the person as a person.  I beg of you...love and you will be loved.

So, this is my plea...my demand...my hope

Love, no matter what...

WEAR PURPLE ONLINE AND OFFLINE ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20 TO REMEMBER LGBT YOUTH

Americans Urged to Show Support for LGBT Youth on Spirit Day October 18, 2010, New York, NY –October 18, 2010, New York, NY – The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) today joined millions of community members and allies to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth by participating in Spirit Day and remembering those teens who have taken their own lives as a result of bullying. Spirit Day, created by teenager Brittany McMillan earlier this month, now counts millions of Americans committed on Facebook to wearing the color purple on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. In addition to wearing the color purple, GLAAD is also asking Americans to turn their Facebook and Twitter photos purple until Wednesday and to share messages of support for LGBT youth. For more information on the free application and suggested messages, please visithttp://www.glaad.org/SpiritDay. "I will be wearing purple on Spirit Day," said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. "The tragic suicides of our youth have started an important dialogue among Americans about the dangers of bullying, and now is the time to show our children that millions of Americans accept and value them regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity." Purple symbolizes 'spirit' on the rainbow flag, a symbol for LGBT Pride that was created by Gilbert Baker in 1978. The goal of Spirit Day is to show LGBT youth who are victims of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment that there is a vast community of people who support them. As the event’s Facebook page says: "This event is not a seminar nor is it a rally. There is NO meeting place. All you have to do is wear purple." Last week after receiving thousands of concerned e-mails from constituents, GLAAD worked with Facebook to develop a solution to address violent and hateful anti-LGBT comments posted to a Spirit Day Facebook event page. That page now has over one million people confirmed to participate. For more information please visit these events on Facebook: "R.I.P. ;; In memory of the recent suicides due to gay abuse, wear purple" andSpirit Day, A GLOBAL Day of remembering. LGBT youth in need of immediate help should contact The Trevor Project 's 24/7 Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) or The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). ### About GLAAD: The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against  Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real  people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and  images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate  effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the  media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances  equality. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org.