On the recent spike of "bullycides"*

This past weekend, I've been writing an editorial about the recent suicides of GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender/sexual) teens. Admittedly, it's a hard thing to write about for multiple reasons. Reading the news articles pertaining to these deaths often leaves me in tears.
As president of the Gay-Straight Alliance at my school, I’m often the one to get the up close and personal view of those who are unsure of themselves or gay and struggling in school. Our club has gotten angry emails regarding optional and tolerance-centric events such as the Day of Silence, which makes public the silence that many gay and lesbian kids feel every day in their homes and schools. I’ve had students come up to me and yell, “What is your problem? You all don’t need to be here.”
I connect when I hear stories of other teens having trouble in their communities. Though I (surprisingly, at least to me) haven’t experienced bullying to the levels I see on TV or in the newspaper, it’s hard to watch from such a close perspective. I’m so thankful I found the Gay-Straight Alliance at my school my sophomore year, and that I had supporters and allies who helped me make it the club and support system it is today. My heart goes out to all the young men who ceased to find joy in their lives that would outweigh the difficulties.

Sara

*this is not a term I coined myself. I've seen it in recent news articles. Though I do believe the English language is capable of doing better, it's a useful term.