Thursday, February 9, 2012

LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN!!!

A couple weeks ago, I wrote here about The L Project, a group of highly talented lesbian entertainers in the U.K. who have come together to produce an original song that was written as a message of affirmation to the LGBT youth in particular, and to troubled teens in general.  It's their contribution as we all work towards the common goals of ending bullying and stopping teen/LGBT teen suicide.  They will be releasing their single, "It Does Get Better", in less than 48 hours!!  This is an exciting time as people from around the globe are anxiously awaiting its release.

I listened to the preview of it last week and was blown away.  It's an incredible project put together by some of the most talented musicians in the U.K.  

In a nutshell, the main purpose behind releasing the single is to raise money to combat LGBT teen bullying.  That's crucial especially at a time where we're being shown time and time again that there are far, far too many people, adults, and people in power who don't give a rat's ass about our LGBT teen.  I won't get into that diatribe here.  The purpose here is to celebrate the continuing coming together of the LGBT community.  In less that 48 hours, the single will be released.  Every single dime earned from the single will go to organizations that will benefit LGBT teens and fund anti-bullying efforts.

So, if you haven't already, go the their facebook page, "LIKE" the page, then share the link with your friends, as well.  Let's show them our support!  Then, get ready for the release of "It Does Get Better".  You're going to love the song!  Thank you, The L Project, for sharing your talents with us.

"I Shouldn't Have to...Look Over My Shoulder..."

Twenty year old Brandon White of Atlanta ventured to the corner store in his community in Atlanta, GA, Saturday afternoon.  What happened as he left "the pink store" is something he'll never forget.

Deep inside of me, there's still that bruise and battered 12-year-old.   He saw the video of what happened to Brandon on Saturday and was once again reminded of his own gay bashing.  He cringed.  And, speaking for that broken 12-year-old, I can tell Brandon that he will always remember February 4th, 2012.  He will never look at life the same.

On Saturday, February 4th, Brandon was brutally attacked by a group of street thugs who call themselves 1029 Jack City Gang.  As they attacked him, they hurled gay slurs at him, "no faggots in Jack City", just to make sure the injuries were internal as well as external but, trust me, they weren't necessary.  The internal injuries were inflicted without them.  The external injuries will heal in no time.
 
The world is a vastly different place than it was when I was attacked as a 12-year-old.  Today, there's the in-an-instance-access-to-the-world Internet.  Brandon's attackers wisely used the Internet to Brandon's advantage:  they opted to post the video online.  In my day, there was no get-it-right-now news outlet.  Therefore, no one ever saw my attack or attackers other than the Southerners who lived where I was attacked but elected to not get involved.  Today, however, thanks to the spontaneity of the Internet, Brandon's attack, and attackers!, have been seen around the world already.  That's a good thing!! 

Because, at least in part, the video that was posted online, the FBI is also involved in trying to crack this case.  They're investigating it as a hate crime.  Bravo!  Now, let's just hope that the video is revealing enough for someone to identify those responsible for this horrific hate crime.  And, that includes the camera person.  Eleven thousand dollars in reward money has been offered for any information that will lead to the arrest of those responsible.  And, there's a Crime Stoppers number, 404-577-TIPS(8577) for anyone who may have any information.

Hatred against the LGBT community is going to come to a screeching halt.  Our numbers are ever-increasing.  Our voices are getting stronger and clearer.  Our message of zero tolerance is building momentum.  Here's to hoping these cowards are quickly brought to justice before another Jack City video has the opportunity to be made.