Eradicate the Diseases of Bullying and Homophobia Now!

Speak Up and Speak Out!

I would be remiss as “The Inclusionist,” as a diversity and inclusion consultant, as a speaker on life/work balance and stress, and as the mother of a 16-year boy if I didn’t address the issue of the recent suicides of LGBT youth.

Bullying and homophobia are diseases that must be isolated, and eradicated. I don’t want to lose any more of our young people as a result of these diseases that have plagued our country.

It’s not enough to be horrified and sad. Everyone who cares about our young people needs to be outraged, and willing to speak up and speak out.

School administrators need to care, listen and believe children and their parents when they complain about bullying. It seems that these school administrators sing the same refrain over and over, “We had no idea.. . If only they had said something……. It never seemed serious….. No one ever told us…” This is after almost every single one of these children’s parents spoke in public about how they had complained over and over about it, until it was too late.

Parents need to listen to their children when they come home bruised mentally, emotionally and physically, and they need to question their children and let them know that they are there for them.

Parents need to educate their children to not bully other kids and speak up and speak out if they see any of their friends bullying other kids.

Parents of bullies need to be held accountable, because if they let it go on and ignore it, they are just as guilty as their “spawn,” who are the perpetrators.

As hard as it is, parents of bullies need to get past their denial and insistence that these bully kids can do no wrong. I know if my son ever bullied another kid, I would want to know and I would take some action.

We need more loving kindness towards others who are “different” in some way. It starts with each of use, but it is also up to us to educate others, hold people accountable for their actions and insist on the strongest penalties that our legal system provides.

We can’t afford to lose anymore of our beautiful children. Take action!