On April 6, 2009, Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover committed suicide. He was 11 years old.
- Carl Walker-Hoover
Carl never identified as gay. But for whatever reason, bullies at his school decided to tease him about being gay. They called him “faggot” and subjected to all kinds of anti-gay taunts and harassment. That day last April, Carl decided he couldn’t take it anymore.
This month, a Web site called Black Voices/Black Spin has published an interview with Carl’s mother, Sirdeaner Walker — a woman with no real ties to the LGBT community who has channeled her grief over her son’s death into working with the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network to pass legislation, both in her home state of Massachusets and at the federal level, aimed at ending all forms of bullying and harassment, including anti-LGBT bullying and harrassment, in our schools.
I suggest that everyone visit the BVBlackSpin Web site to read the interview in it’s entirety. It’s especially important as we gear up for GLSEN’s National Day of Silence on Friday, April 16, and especially in light of anti-gay group’s efforts to derail the Day of Silence.
Here’s a brief snippet:
BV: When GLSEN reached out to you last year, you had some apprehension. What changed your mind? SW: Some people told me that they would try to push some gay agenda on Carl’s death. So I was a little afraid-my son never identified as gay. But God told me that I needed to work with GLSEN. And over time, it became clear to me how committed and passionate GLSEN is to making sure that all children are safe in their schools. Through GLSEN, I have been able to meet so many people who are vastly different than me. This experience has made me more accepting of people.
Ok Gang… I think that maybe instead of writing “Woe is Me” stuff in the media.. don’t you think that maybe it’s time for the “Community” to get some volunteers together, go out to area public schools and do a little face to face work with these kids.
Start off with what’s the definition of faggot and why is it so bad?
What’s the definition of respect? Does it force you to agree with others or just watch and learn?
…blah blah blah….
Hate is something a child is taught… but they’re also taught love too and this balance is the key to live.. There can never be one without the other.. but it’s a closed mind that will never grow into an adult.
I bet, if the community asks for volunteers they will probably see nothing but a list of excuses why others can’t become involved but, tack the word P A R T Y Volunteers Needed and the response will be massive.
Ahhh yes, the Psychology of Media Manipulation is such fun..
So how many unemployed gay college kids does it take to drive their stinking butt over to the nearest school and offer to help some of these fag-bashed kids?? One may never know..
Hey Rick,
why dont you put something together and I will be willing to help in any way I can.