Fans of "The Stuph File Program" and also of my old radio gig, know Ben Patrick Johnson as "the voice" of the show. He is an amazing L.A. based voice talent, plus he is an author, activist and over the years he's also become a good friend.Ben put together a touching video that speaks from his heart about taunting and discrimination. I urge you to see it and pass it along, because if there's anything I've learned, it's that you don't have to be a member of a particular group in order to feel it's pain. History has shown that if it can happen to any group, it can happen to you too. This in the wake a recent suicide of a young man. Before you check out the encoded video, here is Ben's preamble, in his own words:
"There has been much reporting recently about gay teen suicides following taunting or abuse. Whether there's a sudden uptick in incidents or whether a heightened sensitivity to the subject matter has caused news outlets to run more stories is a matter for discussion. But many of us in America, and perhaps most surprisingly in the gay community, are seeing the magnitude of this problem for the first time. Some of us have been struggling with how to respond. Journalist Dan Savage came up with an idea. It's fantastic, even if it's just a jumping-off point. He calls it the IT GETS BETTER Campaign.
He's encouraged adult lesbians, gay, bisexuals and transgenders to post videos on YouTube talking directly to LGBT teens, especially those who feel trapped in bad situations. Dan asked us to talk to the teens about the various traumas around being gay we faced growing up, and how we now have rich adult lives."
So now that you've seen his words, hear his voice:
That's the Stuph - the way I see it
I just watched it, I have so much to say but too long to write. It blows my mind that today, 2010, this is even an issue. My heart goes out to anyone who has to go through this kind of torture, & it is torture for them. When a nice, kind, smart kid has to jump off a bridge to save face cause he's gay, what does that say about the Human Race, not much........very sad.
ReplyDeleteYou know I truly understand where this young man is coming from...most of childhood I was overweight and often taunted.
ReplyDeleteSix years ago, due to illness I had to have my left leg amputated below the knee. You have no idea now handicapped people are excluded from society. we often hear that society has come a long way in making things easier...well its NOT TRUE...we still have a way to go. People should wake up and take a good look in the mirror or within ones self ask what they may do to make things more acceptable.
I am thrilled to learn that there is open dialogue available to young women and men in the gay community who are so troubled & challenged by their identities. Just had a chance to view the video-Bravo!!
ReplyDeleteIf everything that ever happened to you was needed for the opening of eyes and understanding, you have arrived. The choices we make in life are seen as openness in this vast reality we are faced with. This is your moment to mentor. THEREFORE, continue in your path and enjoy the experience of living.It is the blessings of life in your years that matters most.
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