We've heard the old one-step-forward-two-steps-back theory. Right now, in this first week of 2012, it feels as though we've omitted to one-step-forward part of the equation.
Nineteen-year-old Edmund Padilla, of the Phillipines, was scalded by boiling water by his father when he came out as being gay.
This throws everything out the window. All the talk of educating the adults and parents. Tossed. All the talk of "It Gets Better". Hurled! Etched in Edmund's mind now is "it doesn't get better". He was rejected violently by his own father. Worse, he's now been scarred, both emotionally and physically, for life by the very person who created him.
The question has been asked several times this week: "when will it end"? My answer has been consistent: "It will start to change when we stop TALKING about it and start taking action".
For now, as Edmund lies in burn unit in the Phillipines, we pray for his recovery. It's going to be a long, painful road.
Then, we focus our attention on the monster of a father, drunk or not, who did this to ANY human being, not to mention his very own flesh and blood. We demand that he is brought to full justice for his actions.
And, last but certainly not least, we understand that this is no easy task. There truly are sick people in this world, people who would condone this type of violence towards the lgbt community. (remember the failed Michigan bill and the current bill in Tennessee that would SANCTION this type of behavior if passed) In everything we do, we MUST make it clear that this type of behavior will not be tolerated. Not by other teens. Not by school administrators. And, certainly not by the parents. Zero tolerance means just that.
