|
Gabi Clayton's Guestbook #45 - From 5/26/03 to
7/20/03
Note: This guestbook reads from the bottom of the page up. -- Gabi
| Sunday 07/20/2003
9:03:42pm |
| Name: |
Brandon |
| E-Mail: |
skooter242000@yahoo.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
texas |
| Comments: |
i read what happen
& i can't stand to think that someone would hurt gay men
like they do i am 25 & i come out to some people in 1998.
when i was in middle school i was picked on alot i don't know
how they new i was gay but they did. i was cut 6 inch on my arm
by a sharp cuting blade & i went to my coach to tell him
what happen when i went to him he was so involded with another
teacher that he did nothing about it. thank god i did not have
to have stiches but i was bleeding like u would not belive &
all i was doing was siting on the bleachers. I did nothing to
they boys. i fell for u & everyone that get hurt that they
did not deserve.
take care & best wishes |
|
| Sunday 07/20/2003
1:58:18pm |
| Name: |
rob |
| E-Mail: |
rob@dullaart.info |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Netherlands |
| Comments: |
I run into youre
webpage by accident, but your story moved me. I cannot
understand the hate against people because of the way they are
and the way they show or express their love. In fact it makes me
angry. I hope that one day the world will be different. |
|
| Friday 07/18/2003
3:18:44pm |
| Name: |
Brock |
| E-Mail: |
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| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
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| Comments: |
I just wanted to say
that your family is so strong. You have been through so much.
You are examples of love and peace and hope to everyone. I
admire so much what you do--rather than giving in to anger and
despair you are working tirelessly to educate and open the eyes
of this world one day at a time. After reading your story I
can't help but feel a mix of sorrow and hope. In spite of
everything there are still good men and women in this world who
keep the whole from going completely under. Thank you for
sharing your experience with me. |
|
| Monday 07/14/2003
6:21:19am |
| Name: |
charles |
| E-Mail: |
crazyfunn2100@hotmail.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
quincy |
| Comments: |
bill you have to
understand something the way you're son felt about the hate we
have in this world {what i
am trying to say is he fought for what
he know was wright i feel like i know you're son i am doing what
he
was doing helping to change the bad in this world to the good |
|
| Sunday 07/13/2003
8:58:20am |
| Name: |
robert |
| E-Mail: |
tropical_desert7@hotmail.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
california |
| Comments: |
gabi i am sooo sorry
for the loss of ur son and u are a very good mother in makin
this website and passin this around. i wanted to say thank u |
|
| Thursday 07/10/2003
8:53:57am |
| Name: |
charles |
| E-Mail: |
crazyfunn2100@hotmail.com |
| Homepage: |
hotmail |
| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
ma |
| Comments: |
thank you for being
true to you're
son |
|
| Thursday 07/03/2003
10:57:24am |
| Name: |
Donna |
| E-Mail: |
purplecube@rcn.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
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| Comments: |
Gabi, Alec and Noel,
Thank you for such a great website and so many links (many I
still want to check out later). My heart breaks for the loss of
your beloved son and brother, Bill. He truly will not be
forgotten. He seemed to exemplify the hope and peace we all want
our children to know, and that was tragically robbed from him.
The injustice of these continual losses is staggering. Please
accept my most sincere sympathy and thanx for your devoted work
in his memory. You have all clearly touched and even saved so
many lives, and it really is inspirational. Realize that you
continue to reach others in ways you may never learn about. We
can ALL do that.
I am also a PFLAG Mom and Board member in Hartford, CT. I'm also
a Trans Ally, committed to ending the hate and violence. My son
is an FTM living in Europe with his wife. He does not want to be
known as "a man who used to be a woman", but rather
just as a man. I know he is happy, but that constant fear of
assault, police or medical personnel prejudice, and social
stigmas is always looming. He is not "out" to his
friends there because he "passes" well, but that is
not piece of mind. Anyway, it is a continuous journey for all of
our LGBTIQ friends, and we are honored to be on it with them.
Thank you again for your work and wonderful words.
Peace,
Donna |
|
| Wednesday 07/02/2003
2:49:28pm |
| Name: |
ram |
| E-Mail: |
abdo.u.s.a@caramail.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
New Jersey. Originally
from Morocco. |
| Comments: |
Bill, I am sorry for
what happened to you. First, I know you can't read these words.
But, I am sure somehow you'll get my message. One thing you
should know, you were not and you are not the only one(being
different). What happened to you was that you were in the wrong
place, with the wrong people and on the wrong time ( with my
respect to those who loved you). It's too late now because you
already made your decision. Sorry, the story makes me cry and
makes me wail. Second, I am also hiding my sexual orientation
for 29 years because I am afraid of the society, and it hurts a
lot. I can imagine and I have an idea about what happened to you
and why things ended that way. In my entire life, I suffered and
struggled because people failed to understand my personality(huh!
they think what a HAPPY person I am!). Each day for me is a
couple of hours that I have to deal with; waiting for the night
to come over; thinking of the darkness, as a way that allows me
to escape to another world where I dream about love and
happiness. All I can say is that people don't chose who they
want to be; being different is not being gealty of a crime until
we proof our inocence. Finally, God is watching over all of us
and like they say:" what goes around comes around",and
one day, those who harmed you are going to pay a high
price.Unfortunately, the price will be so painful and will make
them regret their action(toward Bill) for the rest of their
lives. |
|
| Wednesday 07/02/2003
9:54:22am |
| Name: |
Kit |
| E-Mail: |
kitschutte@hotmail.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
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| Comments: |
I was very touched by
Bill's story. I came out at 15, I knew I was a lesbian.
It was very hard, this was 1980. Today I am 38 and I had hoped
coming out was going to be a better experience for my brothers
and sisters. Bill was most fortunate to have accepting, open
parents. I am sorry for your loss. You have done the right thing
in telling this story. I would love to see you speak at gay
prides around the country as well as high schools. It does not
bring Bill back, but it teaches us a vital lesson.
Thank you,
Kit |
|
| Wednesday 07/02/2003
2:28:02am |
| Name: |
Derrick S |
| E-Mail: |
derik025@hotmail.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Illinois |
| Comments: |
I can kind of relate
to Bills story, when I was 21 I attempted suicide, I was hiding
a huge secret, I knew in my heart that I was gay but I didnt
want to accept it and further more I didnt think my family or
friends would understand. I felt like I was living a lie I tried
dating girls but I could never feel like I should have. Luckily
I didnt succeed, I spent 3 days in ICU and I never told anyone
why I really tried to kill myself. For the longest time
afterward I allways had the tought of still doing it but I also
seen what It did to my family. Im now 31 and living my life as I
have allways wanted to, everyone knows and they accept me for
who I am.
In 1997 my 19yo brother commited suicide and my family and I
like yourself are left with the the pain and guilt of what we
could have done to keep it from happening. I really feel for you
and hope that you know that your story hit very close to home
with me. I can only hope that with time and being able to be
able to talk to others in the same situation can I keep on
living for the future and remembering my loving brother at the
same time. God bless you and yours. Sincerely Derrick |
|
| Tuesday 07/01/2003
0:29:09am |
| Name: |
Wynter Midnite |
| E-Mail: |
wyntermidnite@yahoo.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
San Dimas, CA |
| Comments: |
I'm a 14 year old
bisexual, and know that Bills story, while tragic, can be a ray
of hope for others. That in his life and death he has touched
and influenced people to fight against discrimination that never
would have without him. I hope that some day homosexuals will be
equal, but until then Bill can remind us that some people DO
care and WILL help.
Wynter |
|
| Monday 06/30/2003
0:00:06am |
| Name: |
Andy |
| E-Mail: |
RaumtheUniter@aol.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Tennessee |
| Comments: |
Your son's story truly
touches me. I am 15 and homosexual. I am just beginning to come
out to my friends and family, and have been met with
understanding. What happened to your son is the one thing in
life that I fear most. I send you my deepest sympathies, and
hope that in some part, your son's life and death will make the
world a more tolerant and understanding place. |
|
| Sunday 06/29/2003
9:09:05am |
| Name: |
aaron |
| E-Mail: |
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| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
london |
| Comments: |
i feel deep sorrow for
your son, u bear it well, i am heterosexual, but have no problem
with homosexuals or bisexuals, your son bill was a strong man he
is always there for you spirritualy |
|
| Wednesday 06/25/2003
8:39:27am |
| Name: |
carrie alires |
| E-Mail: |
alires@vvmc.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
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| Comments: |
I recently witnessed a
hate crime in my small town. It was horrifying and ridiculous.
The victim was a friend of mine who still cries about it to this
day. I feel great sorrow for anyone that has to endure this kind
of pain, wheather it be the victim, family, or friends. I am
truly sorry for your loss. |
|
| Tuesday 06/24/2003
6:05:15pm |
| Name: |
Simon |
| E-Mail: |
gemini_0486@hotmail.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Ottawa Ont. Canada |
| Comments: |
It's time we put an
end to all this. But I learned a long time ago that you do not
solve violence with violence. We do not have the right to pass
judgement apon those that have done so on us. My heart goes out
to Bill's family and friends. Let us come together and
understand eachother so that we can put an end to hate crimes.
Let us now starting today reduce and vaporize racism,
homophobia, sexism, descrimination ect. And let's all love
eachother. We all bleed the same blood and we all shed the same
tears. |
|
| Tuesday 06/24/2003
10:37:07am |
| Name: |
Carlos Gomez |
| E-Mail: |
CarlosGomez04@hotmail.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Columbus, OH |
| Comments: |
It is neither time nor
apathy that weathers intolerance, but it is knowledge and
compassion that breaks through. These are my small words of
insight, gathered from my own personal experience. Approximately
five years ago, I wrote an article for the teen section of my
hometown newspaper. In that article, I addressed (as best I
could) the fear and isolation faced by teenagers who are gay,
lesbian, and bisexual. I did so because several of my high
school friends openly proclaimed an "alternative"
sexual orientation, and as a young adult, I was becoming more
aware of the dangers they faced. I have no way of knowing the
true impact of that article, but I hope that in some small way I
have moved the progress of tolerance in a positive direction. It
is difficult to read the stories all to similar in plight to
that of your son. I would like to believe that even one tragedy
such as yours was enough to erase the hatred, bitter and
unfounded. It hasn't, and there is much work yet to be done.
Your site is a heartfelt reminder of the struggle for tolerance;
in essence, the struggle to instill knowledge and compassion. I
commend you for your strength, for your devotion, and for the
inspiration you provide us all. |
|
| Tuesday 06/24/2003
7:37:11am |
| Name: |
Jessica Patterson |
| E-Mail: |
crazy_bad_child@hotmail.ocm |
| Homepage: |
none |
| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Wichita Kansas |
| Comments: |
That was a really
inspiring story. My friend Tom was also a victim of a hate
crime. He was sexually harassed at the public swimming pool. He
was very upset and it took him a long time to get over it I know
what it feels like to have to be there for someone a hate crime
happens to. |
|
| Sunday 06/22/2003
10:01:23pm |
| Name: |
Marlene |
| E-Mail: |
TomMarlene@adelphia.net |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Ohio |
| Comments: |
I just finished
reading "Bill's story" and through tear-stained eyes I
wanted to congratulate you for your openness! I also wanted to
send you a huge hug!
There aren't words to express my sorrow for the treatment Bill
received or the horrific heartache you have endured. Please just
know that I care!
My husband and I have had many gay friends throughout our 50+
years and we've often said that we would have missed out on so
much if we had chosen to be bigoted. Our two dearest and closest
friends are a lesbian couple who have been committed to one
another for years! I can't imagine our lives without them in
it!!
I sincerely hope that you are finding a healing spirit to
sustain you through your days. Bill was obviously a loving and
caring young man. I wish I would have known him!
Peace and love!
Marlene |
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| Sunday 06/22/2003
3:39:55pm |
| Name: |
Krissy |
| E-Mail: |
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| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Boston, ma |
| Comments: |
It is such a sad thing
that so many cruel and worthless people are able to walk the
earth and your beautiful, worthy son is unable.
I am so sorry for you and your entire family. Bill was lucky to
have such loving and supportive parents. |
|
| Friday 06/20/2003
1:38:50pm |
| Name: |
pat |
| E-Mail: |
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| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Colorado |
| Comments: |
God Bless you and your
family for standing up for what is important in life. My prayers
go to the memory of your son and to you, his family. And to
Javier, someone always listens, Our Heavenly Father. |
|
| Sunday 06/15/2003
6:42:56pm |
| Name: |
Ann Aldridge |
| E-Mail: |
aldridgea@megagate.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
hattiesburg,
mississsippi |
| Comments: |
I have been looking at
the art work and reading some of the pages and am very impressed
with everything, all the work that the two of you have been
doing.
Looking forward to reading the rest. And I want to purchase the
book Until the Dawn, is it in all book stores.
Ann |
|
| Saturday 06/14/2003
8:17:39pm |
| Name: |
ashley |
| E-Mail: |
dawls_babe_324@hotmail.com |
| Homepage: |
none |
| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
none |
| Comments: |
I would just like to
say, that is a trajedy how bullying goes around i see it every
day at my school nad i am so sick of it nad people just get hurt
over no sence nad your son sounds liek a wonderful person inside
nad out!! thank-you |
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| Friday 06/13/2003
9:16:38pm |
| Name: |
Tamora |
| E-Mail: |
tamora692002@yahoo.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
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| Comments: |
I am a 29 yr old
female. The love of my life is a 23 yr old female. Together we
have 5 children. We have been, and are victims of hate crimes.
It takes strength and love to get through it. We have lost our
home, she lost her kids. I'm disowned by my parents....all
because we are gay. But very proud. |
|
| Thursday 06/12/2003
11:02:13am |
| Name: |
felipe ramirez saravia |
| E-Mail: |
pepo888@hotmail.com |
| Homepage: |
www.feunedecolombi.com |
| Homepage
URL: |
|
| Location: |
argentina |
| Comments: |
I am from argentina
and this is a country were people criticizes a lot. I have lot
of friends that are gays and they are having a very tough time
coping with it. It brakes my hurt seeing them how they fight.
love
felipe |
|
| Thursday 06/12/2003
9:11:45am |
| Name: |
Mark |
| E-Mail: |
mdeeter@buckeye-express.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Sylvania OH |
| Comments: |
This website is not
only in memoriam for Bill, but for victims of hate crimes all
over the world. You and your husband set a great example to the
entire world to live by: Love Your Neighbor As Yourself. |
|
| Thursday 06/12/2003
5:29:35am |
| Name: |
MARTIN |
| E-Mail: |
nterianl@yahoo.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
POLAND |
| Comments: |
It is wonderful to
feel, that beeing support by parent, friends and ourself in our
life- greetings Martin from Poland |
|
| Tuesday 06/10/2003
2:58:26pm |
| Name: |
Beixi Liu (Robert) |
| E-Mail: |
toronto999abc@yahoo.ca |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Toronto |
| Comments: |
I am really touched by
the tragedy. I wonder how could people hate others just simply
because they are differnt than them. Why some of human beings
behaved so inhumanly? And who makes our world so intolerant? |
|
| Tuesday 06/10/2003
11:15:13am |
| Name: |
steve |
| E-Mail: |
pddillon@hotmail.com |
| Homepage: |
Fun time |
| Homepage
URL: |
http://groups.msn.com/StarbocksCoffeeRestStop |
| Location: |
Surrey BC canada |
| Comments: |
Loved your page. I
work for a youth organization that tries to wipe out youth
homophobia in our schools. If anything at all can be done it is
to try and educatate folks about homophobia and to try to make
folks open to all choices/lifestyles. Great work on this page. |
|
| Monday 06/09/2003
8:10:04am |
| Name: |
Chris |
| E-Mail: |
ruebon85@aol.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
West Virginia |
| Comments: |
I just wanted to say
that you are an extraordinary woman. It's people like you, who
are so full of love that make this world a much more tolerable
place. I myself am an open homosexual and I live in a very hate
oriented place but it is because of people like you that I can
go on. Thank you so much and I will always remember you and your
son and keep his memory with me always. |
|
| Saturday 06/07/2003
4:04:50pm |
| Name: |
Amy |
| E-Mail: |
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| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
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| Comments: |
Doing an article on
suicide prevention in schools for a paper at UW, I went online
to look up different forms of suicide memorials. I was a bit
shocked when I came across this website - I was a student at Oly
during everything that happened to your son. As the tears came
back again after so many years, I read Bill's story and was
moved by the amazing account of such a gifted and amazing soul
that was lost. I missed him before, and I miss him still. |
|
| Friday 06/06/2003
0:29:06am |
| Name: |
Darryl E. Lightsey |
| E-Mail: |
DarrylLightsey@aol.com |
| Homepage: |
|
| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Hattiesburg, MS |
| Comments: |
I just wanted to
express my sincere sympathy for a mother's loss. I wish I had a
son like her's. Maybe I will one day in my life. |
|
| Thursday 06/05/2003
9:08:58pm |
| Name: |
Danial |
| E-Mail: |
billboardsurfer@yahoo.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Aust. |
| Comments: |
Im a 21 year old
bisexual. I couldn't tell anyone not even my parents and
siblings. Not because of embarassment but because of the fear of
not being accepted in the society that Im living in. The things
that people used to say about 'share your problems and maybe we
can help' and all that sorts of things are just cliches to me.
Yes you can organise rallies, talks and support groups for the
gays, lesbians and bisexuals but there will always be hate
crimes lurking on the surface of every community and environment
that we're living in. Its not that easy to influence these
haters way of thinking. There will always be a balance between
good and evil. You cannot possibly wipe all hate crimes but
preventing it is the best way. Reading your son's life story
brought tears to my eyes and may God bless his soul. Thanks for
taking time reading my comments. |
|
| Monday 06/02/2003
10:31:02pm |
| Name: |
J.R |
| E-Mail: |
babyrulz345678@aol.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Fl. |
| Comments: |
I am a lesbian and i
have experienced hate crimes myself. Reading the story about
your son brought tears to my eyes because hate crimes will never
go away, no matter what we do. All we can do is pray that
someday it will all be over! |
|
| Monday 06/02/2003
5:41:36pm |
| Name: |
Karen McGuin |
| E-Mail: |
atfc@aol.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Ohio |
| Comments: |
May God bless your
family! |
|
| Monday 06/02/2003
1:37:47pm |
| Name: |
RJ |
| E-Mail: |
ohio_yo13@yahoo.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Ohio |
| Comments: |
Wow! I recently did my
Senior Exit project on hate crimes and found Bill's story. I can
relate with Bill's story and its very tuff for me to read
something like it. I am touched |
|
| Thursday 05/29/2003
3:38:13pm |
| Name: |
Tara S |
| E-Mail: |
taraldor7@msn.com |
| Homepage: |
|
| Homepage
URL: |
|
| Location: |
Austin, Texas |
| Comments: |
Thank you for your
site, it gives me hope that we will one day overcome the hatred
in our society. |
|
| Monday 05/26/2003
7:16:21pm |
| Name: |
Josh |
| E-Mail: |
futurepres2@msn.com |
| Homepage: |
|
| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Florida |
| Comments: |
It was so sad to read
the story about Bill. He was such a bright, fun person, and it's
so sad that such a young life was taken away from the world. I
pray for Bill and his family that they live in peace forever and
ever.
Best Wishes,
Josh |
|
| Monday 05/26/2003
5:54:50pm |
| Name: |
Javier |
| E-Mail: |
pepetazz50@yahoo.com |
| Homepage: |
|
| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Minneapolis Minnesota |
| Comments: |
Hey, my name is
Javier. I am 14 years old. I am homosexual. I am out to most of
my friends and Family. Except 2 of my bros and my dad. I was
really touched in readin about your sons life. I fell sorry for
your loss, He seemed like a really great and cool person. I wish
I had friends or family members like him. While reading about
him, I couldn't help but thinking of myself. I have gone through
some stuff like him this year. I don't really have anyone to
talk to about it. I mean people say they are there for you but
you know, you get that feeling they are just saying that. I just
wanted to tell you this. Thanks for taking the time to read
this. |
|
| Monday 05/26/2003
5:55:09am |
| Name: |
Gabi Clayton |
| E-Mail: |
|
| Homepage: |
Index of responses to
"Bill's Story" |
| Homepage
URL: |
http://www.youth-guard.org/gabi/respondex.html |
| Location: |
Olympia, WA |
| Comments: |
This new guestbook was
started on 5/26/03. Links to pages with all the past responses
to Bill's story are on the page link above. Thank you so much
for signing my guestbook.
Love, Gabi |
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