Wednesday, October 20, 2010

I'm wearing purple today to support LGBT youth

October 20, in support of LGBT youth

What is Spirit Day?

“The idea behind Spirit Day, first created by teenager Brittany McMillan earlier this month, is a simple one, not dissimilar to the idea of "Spirit Week" held in many high schools, and can be summed up in three words: Everyone Rally Together.
Spirit Day honors the teenagers who had taken their own lives in recent weeks. But just as importantly, it's also a way to show the hundreds of thousands of LGBT youth who face the same pressures and bullying, that there is a vast community of people who support them.” - GLAAD.ORG

I am not gay. But even without that hurdle, High School was what can only be described as brutal. It was awful. And no amount of money could convince me to do it again. I was bullied (although in my time we called it “made fun of” I think bullying is a much more accurate term, bullying is not just physical, it is emotional and psychological.)

But after High School? Things got a lot better. I met my husband, and I moved into a home with him. I made friends who liked the same things as I did and didn’t see those things as a negative, but a positive. People who like me for me. And I like them for them. I have had problems, and hardships. My husband is less than 2 months away from hitting the 2 year mark of unemployment. But even this has been a breeze compared to High School.

I don’t envy you your time there. I really don’t. But it ends. And life gets better. And there are people out here that support you. I support you. If you are reading this and being bullied and need someone to listen, email me. Erindyan at gmail dot com. I’ll listen. It gets better. I support you, just the way you are.

October 20, in support of LGBT youth

Sweater, Blouse, Jeggings and flats, all Target
Bag, Nordstrom Rack
Pendant, Moon Raven Designs at Etsy

15 comments:

hillary said...

I was bullied as well.My families house was set on fire by bullies. I was threatened by people and weapons. They were awful and my parents had to go to the police and school board all the way through to my senior year. I too wouldn't do it again for all the tea in China.

Have you seen Perez Hilton realized he was a bully? I have highly disliked him for his constant picking on others but I can respect when people admit they were wrong. I am not innocent. I have made fun of others. (I had the tiny shred of decency to always do it in private and never to anyones face which does not make it any better)I know I am wrong. I admit it. I am trying consciously to spread love and not hate because I am sick of getting it.
#end rant

Joy said...

This is a fabulous post!! FABULOUS! And I love the purple on you. And that bag is killer!!

I was picked on for some things in high school, too and it was brutal at times. I wish I had those years to live over again, knowing what I know now.

I didn't know about the purple thing until I got to work. My belt has little purple stones in it, so I do have a little!!

http://southerncomfortga.blogspot.com/

Lesa said...

As a middle school teacher I see and hear hurtful things everyday. You try to catch what you can, but unless you can "prove" something the Administration will do nothing. Unfortunately the student being bullied is understandably reluctant to say anything. It is heartbreaking, but it will get better....

[SMASH] said...

I wore purple for this today, too! It's been so sad to hear all the stories about suicides lately. It DOES get better.

A said...

I made sure to wear purple today! I love this post, and it made me tear up because I know how genuine it is. It's amazing that with all you've been through yourself that you still have such an open heart and so much space for other people's problems and concerns. You are the most truly non-judgemental and accpeting person I have ever met and it's one of the top 5 things I love about you the most. I am so sad you were bullied in school and I'm so happy you came out of it intact, and able to be there for others. So much love to you!!

everything is coming up roses said...

i think you are a fantastic person xx

Kerry Scott said...

You look beautiful--inside and out.

Ally said...

Such a wonderful post and beautiful sentiment! You are such a positive role model and ally!

~Ally
http://modestlyfashioned.blogspot.com/

Lisa said...

Awesome post. I'm so happy that you wore purple. As an educator I fight a constant battle against bullying and accepting all people regardless of sexuality, gender, race, ethnicity, and religion. I'd like to think I have an impact on students' lives but it takes more than just me. Thank you for posting on this and I know that you've done some good in someone's life today.

Chelsea said...

you look gorgeous in your purple, and what you wrote was beautiful and so so important :)

Rebecca said...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for wearing purple today.

Sheila said...

I was also bullied when I was younger - eventually I found some friends who liked me as I was. It does get better.

I wish I'd known about this day earlier. I'll wear purple tomorrow.

C said...

You are fantastic, and this is a fantastic post. The message that it WILL get better is so powerful and true. I hope it is heard by all the hurting kids who feel like there's no light.

Chan @ Chanmeleon said...

Great post. Also, you are pretty and cool and I like you. Sometimes when I am bored (yes, I have done this more than once), I go through your blog archives and admire your outfits and shoes.

That's all!

Audi said...

I always hated how people would say, "high school is the best time of your life." They couldn't have been more wrong, and I wish every teenager could know this. I hated high school with a passion, and I was so glad to find after I got out that life really does get a lot better. Especially because the bullies generally grow up to be the most boring losers imaginable, and the picked-on kids go on to do interesting things with their lives.