Please Don't Kill Yourself

It's hard to be a kid/teenager sometimes. For some maybe even most of the time.

I remember it as being the most difficult time in my life. I didn't feel like I fit in or that anyone really understood me. I felt alone a lot of the time. I was sometimes angry that the world didn't seem to appreciate the person I was becoming. Sometimes I even thought no one would care if I died. At the time I really believed these things to be true.

But I was wrong. Those lonely and sad days don't matter anymore. Today the world is full of people who like me and love me for who I am - no matter what. As an adult there are many opportunities for me and most importantly, I can be who I want to be. The world is large and there is a place for everyone within it. 

I don't mean to suggest that life will be uncomplicated, but it does get easier and it is worth it. There is love, sunshine and happiness to experience ahead of you. You will meet people who will change your life. These things will make the challenges easier to bear, I promise. 

I wish I could say to Tyler Clementi that I would love to hear him play the violin someday, because it is true. I am sad that I will never have the chance to tell him that.

I would implore the world for acceptance; to raise caring and compassionate children; to irradicate bullying and stereotypes and for people to fight against injustice or cruelty where they find it. This is an ongoing battle (but one that can be, and will be, won).

Until then I want everyone to know, no matter how hard things are right now, how alone you feel or how desperate you might be, that there is a world where we are all one. Not everyone is totally there yet but we are here, waiting for you. Come join us.