Teen suicide attempts Decreased as Same-Sex Marriage became Legal

Some good news for y'all

Teen suicide attempts in the U.S. declined after same-sex marriage became legal.

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The research found declines in states that passed laws allowing gays to marry before the Supreme Court made it legal nationwide. The results don't prove there's a connection, but researchers said policymakers should be aware of the measures' potential benefits for youth mental health.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for all U.S. teens. Suicidal behavior is much more common among gay, lesbian and bisexual kids and adults; about 29 percent of these teens in the study reported attempting suicide, compared with just 6 percent of straight teens.

Laws that have the greatest impact on gay adults may make gay kids feel "more hopeful for the future," said lead author Julia Raifman, a researcher at Johns Hopkins' Bloomberg School of Public Health.

The measures also could create more tolerance and less bullying, making these teens feel less stigmatized. Those effects could also benefit straight teens but more research is needed to determine how the laws might influence teen behavior, Raifman said.

The study was published Monday in JAMA Pediatrics .

The researchers analyzed data on more than 700,000 public high school students who participated in government surveys on risky youth behavior from 1999 through 2015, the year the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage.

About 230,000 students reported being gay, lesbian or bisexual. The surveys didn't ask about transgender status. They included questions about suicide attempts, smoking and alcohol or drug use.

In 32 states that enacted same-sex marriage laws during the study, suicide attempts dropped 7 percent among all students and 14 percent among gay kids after the laws were passed. There was no change in suicide attempts in states without those laws.

The study only included suicide attempts, not deaths.

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Mormon Group believes LDS Anti-Gay Policy led to 32 Suicidal Deaths

Since the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced their stupid anti-gay policy, over 30 LGBT Mormon youth have committed suicide.

Now, if you don't know about LDS' policy, it's the worst. It labels people in same-sex marriages as apostates and they will not allow their children to be baptized. Many believe this policy possibly led to the death of these young people.

Here's more from The Deseret News:

Wendy Montgomery, a co-founder of the Mama Dragons, a group of Mormon mothers with gay children, reported last week that she had been told 32 young LGBT Mormons have died by suicide since early November.

The individual families who told Montgomery about their losses requested privacy. The Deseret News has not been able to verify this number independently.

Given the tragedy of suicide and the alarm the report has raised in the LDS LGBT community, the Deseret News asked experts for insight and solutions. They explained exactly how parents, friends and religious congregations can help prevent suicides by thinking carefully about what they say and do and by welcoming, accepting and supporting LGBT people.

Later, the senior LDS leaders released this statement.

"Every soul is precious to God and to the church and the loss of life to suicide is heartbreaking," an LDS church spokesman, Dale Jones, said. "Those who are attracted to others of the same sex face particular challenges and pressures in this regard, both inside and outside the church. We mourn with their families and friends when they feel life no longer offers hope. Each congregation should welcome everyone. Leaders and members are taught to follow the example of Jesus Christ and to reach out in an active, caring way to all, especially to youth who feel estranged or isolated. The church has repeatedly stated that those who feel same-sex attraction and yet choose to live the commandments of God can live fulfilling lives as worthy members of the church. We want all to enjoy the blessings and safety offered by embracing the teachings of Jesus Christ and living the principles of His gospel."

Trans Teen, Blake Brockington, took his Life

Blake Brockington made history as the first trans man to be the Homecoming King of East Mecklenburg High School a year ago. He was going to do big things and possibly change the world.

Sadly, he took his life on Monday.

QNotes report.

Details of Brockington’s passing and any plans for memorials are not yet known. qnotes will provide updates as they become available.

Brockington’s death was confirmed and announced publicly Tuesday morning by Time Out Youth Center, a local LGBT youth services agency where Brockington received support.

The center is working today to ensure other youth and staff receive needed support. Executive Director Rodney Tucker says youth members and clients have been at their center since 9 a.m. this morning. A counselor will be on hand to speak with staff and is available to youth and clients throughout the day.

Brockington’s death is the second such local incident in recent weeks.

My heart goes out to his friends and family.

UPDATED: Fox News Shep Smith calls Robin Williams 'such a coward' over alleged suicide

Update: Shep apologized

I was sorry to read online the people who see the world in a black-and-white way, and to suggest that they might have a definitive analysis of why he did such a thing. What I wanted to do is celebrate his life and find some meaning in our own lives, since we often do know someone who is reaching out, and we have a responsibility to help that person — maybe a phone call or a door knock is in order.
But no matter how you process it: Look at what this family is going through. I would never presume to know anything about his private life. And if any of his family members and friends were to have seen me use the word “coward,” I would be horrified. I would just to apologize to the end of the earth to anyone who might think that I meant to openly call him a coward.
To the core of my being, I regret it. It just came out of my mouth. And I’m so sorry. And to anyone and their families who see that, I am sorry.

Wentworth Miller reveals Suicide Attempts as a Closeted Gay Man - WATCH

Wentworth was a guest speaker at the Human Rights Campaign Dinner in Seattle on Saturday. During his speech, he talked about his first suicide attempt at 15, coming out in Hollywood, and the reason why he could not go to Russia.

Please watch the videos after the jump via TMZ

In Iowa: Five Suicides in Five Years at the same High School over Gay Bullying

Another teen took his life because of gay bullying. But the truly sad thing about all of this is, he is the fifth suicide from the same school.

16-year-old AJ Betts was a student at Pleasant Hill, Iowa’s Southeast Polk High School. When he was outed, he was harassed regularly until he took matters into his own hands.

Interesting enough, AJ helped many gay teens throughout their struggles in school. But I guess he didn't have someone to help him process what was going on with him. AJ's suicide is the 5th one in 5 years. So I have to ask, "What's going on there?"

Why are these students suffering like this? And, what are the staff and administrators doing to help these students? They should be ashamed of this outcome and the behavior of these bullies. I really hope that AJ's family hold this school accountable for this. This has to stop.

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Gay Teen took his life, claim to be a "loser, a freak, and a fag"

17-year-old Carlos Vigil took his life this past weekend. Before he left us, wrote this note to his friends:

"I'm sorry to those I offended over the years. I'm blind to see that I, as a human being, suck. I'm an individual who is doing an injustice to the world and it's time for me to leave," 

"The kids in school are right, I am a loser, a freak, and a fag and in no way is that acceptable for people to deal with. I'm sorry for not being a person that would make people proud."

Over the weekend, Carlos spoke out against school bullying.

My heart goes out to his family.

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Gay Adult Star Arpad Miklos has Died

One my favorite adult actors took his own life. Arpad Miklos or Peter Kozma committed suicide this weekend. He was 45 years old.

He will be missed.

Watch the clip of his friend talking about his death after the jump

Gay Teen hangs Himself due to Bullying

Sorry to post so bad news, but Jadin Bell tried to kill himself after being bullied at school.

Here's more

In Florida: A Man Kills Himself over President Obama Re-election

This is beyond silly/sad. A man killed himself because President Obama was reelected. This is not a joke. This really happened.

Henry Hamilton, 64, was discovered dead in his home on Nov. 8 alongside two empty bottles of prescription drugs and a living will on which he'd written "Do not revive! F--- Obama!"

His partner Michael Cossey told the Key West police that Hamilton was "very upset about the election results," The Miami Herald reported.

Hamilton had reportedly warned Cossey that, "if Barack gets reelected, I'm not going to be around."

While Hamilton's official cause of death is still pending an autopsy result, a police spokeswoman told the paper that "There's absolutely no evidence of foul play."

In addition to his anguish over the results of the presidential election, Hamilton was also "very stressed about his business," running a tanning salon, according to Cossey.

Hamilton's friends were also apparently aware he was struggling, and one had asked the police department to regularly check on his well-being, the Herald reported.

It was during one of those checks that Hamilton's dead body was discovered.

Totally ridic, totally.

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Director Tony Scott killed himself

The director who gave us "Top Gun" has killed himself.

Tony Scott jumped off bridge yesterday. TMZ reports:

According to the Coroner, 68-year-old Scott -- Ridley Scott's brother -- jumped from the Vincent Thomas Bridge spanning San Pedro and Terminal Island around 12:30pm.

U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Jennifer Osburn said a suicide note was found in Scott's Toyota Prius, which was parked on one of the eastbound lanes of the bridge.

Scott directed such films as "Top Gun," "Beverly Hills Cop II," "Enemy of the State," and "The Taking of Pelham 123."

Authorities used sonar equipment to find Scott's body in the port's murky waters. His body was recovered at approximately 4:30pm ... four hours after he jumped.

Sad story.

Zachery Grey attempted Suicide, Now Brain-damaged and Paralyzed

Due to anti-gay bullying, Zachery tried to kill himself a year ago. Saved by his mother, Zachery survived, but now he's brain-damaged and paralyzed. Please watch the clip

Jay “Corey” Jones took his life

We lost another teen to suicide. Jay “Corey” Jones took his life because he was bullied in school.

Jones, a member of Century's gay-straight alliance, had an image on his Facebook page that said, "Gay & Proud." He was open about his sexuality and occasionally wore tight, colorful tank tops and short-shorts to school, Strader said.

"He just got really depressed about it because the guys weren't accepting him," Strader said.

Jones jumped from a pedestrian bridge near Century High School on Sunday, according to police.

In response to an inquiry from the Post-Bulletin, schools Superintendent Michael Muñoz issued a statement acknowledging there are issues related to bullying in the district. He did not directly address Jones' situation.

The district is in the planning stages of providing training and support for students, staff and families, Muñoz said, and will continue anti-bullying collaborations with Gov. Mark Dayton’s recently formed anti-bullying task force, Rochester police and others in the community.

This has to stop.

Friends of Dharun Ravi begs the court for Probation, instead of Jail Time

Dharun Ravi's friends are trying 'save' him by writing letters of support to prove he is not homophobic or a bad person. They hope to move him from jail time to probation.

HuffPo reports:

"He loved to joke around with people, though his humor could sometimes be classified as sarcastic," wrote Mohini Singali in a letter included in court filings by Ravi's attorneys on Friday asking a judge to sentence him to probation rather than prison. "Not many people were a fan of this, but that is who Dharun was. Never did he have any intentions to injure anyone."
..........
Sentencing is scheduled for May 21. The most serious charges each carry a maximum sentence of five to 10 years. As an Indian citizen raised in New Jersey, Ravi may be deported after serving his sentence. If probation is granted, deportation would be less likely, Ravi's lawyers wrote. 

Ravi spied on his roommate, Rutgers freshman Tyler Clementi, 18, with a webcam, watched with another student, then tweeted about it. Clementi leaped to his death from the George Washington Bridge days later.

The letters, many from high school classmates, are part of the ongoing defense campaign to characterize Ravi's actions as a bad prank gone awry. In Friday's filing, defense lawyers portray Ravi as an ostracized young man who withered under the blazing glare of the news media. 

Wow, ostracized?

In Ohio: A Gay Teen is in a Coma after a Suicide Attempt

15-year-old Austin Rodriguez attempted suicide last week, by taking over 120 pills of his own medication. His family him and rushed him to the hospital.

He's still there in coma.

33WYTV News reports:

 His mother said the reason he tried to commit suicide is because he was bullied.

"Absolutely nothing was going through my head, and everything at the same time," said Bonnie Rodriguez.

That's how she described last Friday when her son, Austin, 15, told her he had taken more than 120 pills of his own medication and then collapsed on their kitchen floor.

"The night before this happened he said that we didn't know what was going on in his personal life, and we let him know that we were more than willing to listen to anything that he had to say," Rodriguez said.

She said Austin is openly homosexual, a good student and a great son with whom she has an honest relationship. But she didn't know how badly kids were bullying him.

"Until friends came out of the woodwork saying 'we knew Austin was going through this, we thought he was handling it a lot better, we didn't know what to do'," Rodriguez said.

Wellsville Schools Superintendent Richard Bereschik said the case involving Austin Rodriguez is currently undergoing a complete administrative review, and he can't discuss specific details. He said once the review is complete, school officials will follow the bullying policy in place.

Hang in there, Austin. Please, hang in there.

Glee's Karofsky saved lives... For Real

I don't watch Glee, but this scene did something to me. It was a reminder that many teens are struggling everyday to keep going.

This scene was quite powerful, check it out

Th good side of my post is how this particular episode of Glee saved lives.

EW reports

 The episode of the Fox hit led to a record number of traffic for the organization’s website and phone number. “What was great about the show is that they worked in conjunction with us so we knew in advance that there was going to in all likelihood be an increase in volume,” says cofounder Peggy Rajski. “What happened was the volume went up about 300 percent, but we were ready.”

Rajski says the Trevor Project toll-free number fielded triple the number of calls normally received, plus a huge online boost. “On average, our site probably attracts about an average of 1500 visits a day,” she admits. “Tuesday we got 10,000. There’s the power of network TV.”

Wow!

The Tyler Clementi Case kicks off

Today, the case of Tyler Clementi begins with a look into Dharun Ravi's character. First Assistant Prosecutor Julia McClure started off with the reasons why Ravi did this:

“These acts were purposeful, intentional and planned,” said First Assistant Prosecutor Julia McClure. “They were meant to expose Tyler (Clementi) and his sexual orientation and encourage others to participate in those invasions of privacy.”

But Ravi’s attorney, Steven Altman, said that wasn’t the case during opening statements to the jury. Ravi’s actions may have been stupid but they were not criminal and he isn’t anti-gay, Altman said.

 “You’re going to see he’s not prejudiced, he’s not a bigot and he never did anything that suggested he targeted his roommate for any reasons,” Altman said of Ravi. “He never spoke negatively about his roommate. He thought he was a nice guy.”

Really? Ravi tried to cover up his involvement of Tyler's suicide, by erasing emails, texts and tweets. Then, telling friends what to say to the cops. Ravi faces 15-count indictment with charges including invasion of privacy, bias intimidation and tampering with evidence.

The case is scheduled for at least 4 weeks.

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Rafael Morelos took his life because of Bullying

Two weeks ago, 14-year-old Rafael Morelos hanged himself because he was bullied in school. Rafael was gay. Friends knew he was being bullied and did what they could to help, but it wasn't enough.

Rafael's mother had no idea this was happening, she thought he was going through normal teenage problems. Rafael's school, Cashmere Middle School, didn't know that it was this bad either. Rafael reported an incident a year ago and according to the principal at they handled those particular incident quickly.

But now, there is no ongoing investigation.

I really hope the school look closely at this incident. Rafael's gone and if people were truly paying attention, he would still be here.

Rest in Peace, Rafael.



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We Lost Eric James Borges to Suicide

A month after he made this video, Eric James took his life.

The real reason is unknown, but Eric James had a rough life. He was kicked out of his home and teased throughout his life. It's really sad it ended this way. I hope his family and friends stay strong.

Rest in peace, Eric James.

Jacob Rogers' Funeral is Covered

Within 2 hours, LGBT blogs raised over $5000 to pay for the gay suicide victim Jacob Rogers' funeral. That's truly amazing.