Spirit Day : A Call To Stop Homophobia

It’s been decided. On October 20th, 2010, we will wear purple in honor of the 6 gay boys who committed suicide in recent weeks/months due to homophobic abuse in their homes and at their schools. Purple represents Spirit on the LGBTQ flag and that’s exactly what we’d like all of you to have with you: spirit. Please know that times will get better and that you will meet people who will love you and respect you for who you are, no matter your sexuality. Please wear purple on October 20th. Tell your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and schools. RIP Tyler Clementi, Asher Brown, Seth Walsh, Justin Aaberg, Raymond Chase and Billy Lucas. You are loved. (Source: Manila Gay Guy).

Today is the Spirit Day. And just to make things clear, this is not an early pre-halloween celebration but a special day to mourn and ruminate the death of 6 gay boys who recently committed suicide due to the harsh ripple effect of homophobia. When will this cruelty finally take its bow and just make this world a better place? Perhaps most people don't have the slightest idea of how unfair life is for the LGBT community. Discrimination is their daily breakfast and verbal abuse is their ticket for societal tolerance most of the time. Is this the right way to condemn gays for their 'lifestyle choice'? Well, let me tell you something: being gay is not a choice. If I had my choice then maybe I already conditioned myself to be straight even before I was born. This is the reality where we live in: a idealistic society which always favors straight men over intelligent and hard-working faggots. No wonder many gays are taking their own lives nowadays because of the unfavorable environment that surrounds them. Have you experienced how to be alone in the dark while your heart is savoring the bitter taste of isolation and rejection? Maybe not, because you're not gay. But if you try to put your feet in our own shoes for just a couple of minutes, you will realize that homosexuality is more of a curse than a blessing; more of a burden than a pleasure. I've experienced depression and suicidal ideations before because of the recurring conflicts in my sexuality. Being gay is not a crime but societal norms dictate people that homosexuality is this and that. And this phenomenon only breeds one thing: inequality. It pains me a lot that gay people should die first to earn respect and love from the society. This is not the way it's supposed to be. We all deserve to love and be loved regardless of our race or sexual orientation. I hope that this day will not only awaken the LGBT about their place in society but also those straight people who are concerned about this issue. We have to spread love because it is through love that we can find the path for a better world and a better tomorrow. For the thousands of gay people who committed suicide due to the crippling effects of discrimination and homophobia, may your souls rest in peace.