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Note: This guestbook reads from the bottom of the page up. I have taken out the ones that were marked private since they couldn't be seen without my password. -- Gabi
Referred by: Yahoo! From: Sacramento Time: 1998-09-20 15:21:18 Comments: As a mother of three children I can only say this: I always thought just losing a child would be the worst thing that could ever happen. After reading this I can honestly say, to have that child "STOLEN" from you in this manner.......My prayer's are with you and your family. What a beautiful MAN you raised, it is just a shame.
Name: David B Parsons My heart skipped a beat when I read the first part of Bill's story; as a 48 y/o gay man who comfortably lives an "out" life here in the "bible belt", I was moved to recall my own painful adolescence, full of suicidal thoughts. I came across your websight while browsing PFLAG's. I commend your efforts in making a difference by sharing Bill's story over the net. Thanks, and God bless.
Name: Bill Wilson
Dear Gabi,
Name: Jim Joplin What can I say? Words escape me. This is an absolutely wonderful things that you are doing. I found this page when looking for site on hate-crimes against gays. I am in the process of starting a gay, lesbian, and bisexual student organization on the College Campus where I go to school. I have been told that I am just looking for trouble, but I think what needs to happen is that we need to come out, and join together in educating the world. This is the key to ending homophobia. You have given me the courage to keep going with my fight for OUR rights. Thank you, so much!
Name: austin pigott although i am straight male i would like for you to know that you have my prayers and support. i do not know how people can treat others so bad just because they like different things, i know you have heard it all before but if i can be of any help, pls let me know.... i would have loved to known you son, he seems like he was a good young man and it would have been a privieldge to be his friend... i would like to hear from you and know where you are from.... pls respond....
Name: Hanh
Bill's story really touched my heart. I wish that I could have the same kind of loving and support from my family and friend just like he has. I don't have the courage to tell everyone especially to my family members. I really afriad and kind of scare everytime I coming home. I have no where to go for support and no place to stay if somehow they find out my status and reject me. Since they are my only living relative here in this country so I don't want to let them down.
In Bill case, I think that he is not just only need the love from his family and friend but what he really need is the love to be loved and loving from one special person. I feel the same and that is what I think I really needed to have in the remaining of my life time. But first you got to have the internal love of loving yourself first so you can stay awake and ready for the future. For those who had put down those hate words upon other person when he or she in the most desperate movement in their life. Please don't unless that is what you want to have for yourself and that is what you'll get when you were in the same situation. Thank you!
Name: Steve Schalchlin Jenny, thanks for providing us with more insight to Bill. You're right. No one ever just commits suicide for only one reason. We can never truly know what goes on in another person's head. But with all due respect, after listening to what you said and what others have said about Bill, he didn't suffer from not enough love. He was clearly loved by his friends and family. But clearly the stress of being gay, which he expressed in his writings and art, played a major role in adding to his depression. Would he have killed himself if he was a straight boy? Who knows? I can tell you I have met so many young gay kids who express the exact same kind of turmoil that Bill described to his mother. It's not uncommon at all. And when someone like Bill is loved by great friends like you -- and still decide to end it -- how much more horrible is it for kids who have no support at all? No, Bill didn't die of only one thing. But we know that getting beaten up for being "queer" didn't help anything. Not one bit.
Name: Jenny Greenlee This page is very hard for me to look at. For many reasons. I am the Jenny that is mentioned in Bill's story. And not only was I Sam's girlfriend. But I had, shortly before the assault, been Bill's girlfriend as well. I am glad Bill had a supportive family. But he also had extremely supportive friends. Not all the world is full of hate. In fact, I didn't look at Bill so much as a BiSEXUAL but more as person with an infinite capacity to love. What happened in the assualt is something that will haunt me and I'm sure Sam for the rest of our lives. However I do not believe it to be the only factor in Bill's death. He was severly depressed even before the attack. For Bill suicide was an answer to his problems. For some reason he was unable to see all the goodness in the world and all of the people that supported him. I wish I could have been his protector. Bill will never be forgotten. But we should also not immortilize certian select parts of him. He did not just die from being bisexual in world that has to many bigots. Bill also died from mental illness. And not being loved enough and with enough fierceness to hold him to this world. Let us remember that to.
Name: Jason Alpert I was very touched by the courageous fight your son had to face in his young life. I came out at 26, frightened of the very things you discussed in your story. Thank God I never had to face the awful, vindictive, evil people who think violence is the answer to their lack of acceptance. I commend you and your entire family on this battle you struggled through, and wish you the strength to move on and remember how speical your son Bill was, and how many lives he touched. Thank you...
Name: Jane Watson I got to this book from Bills Story, I was heart broken, It was such an amazing story. Please e-mail me, I would LOVE an email from someone from another country.
Name: Shawn Decker Gabi, unfortunately the ignorant and nonsensical posting below is part of the reason why your homepage is so important. You bring to light the discrimination & stupidity that so many people endure unnecessarily... when someone spits their venom on this guestbook it gives the rest of us a better understanding of what Bill experienced and what so many "outsiders" in society feel. Thanks for being a beautiful person, and for sharing your life with us. *BIG HUGE HUGS!*
Name: Andrea moved.
Name: Steve Schalchlin The fellow just below me -- the one who signed the guestbook just before I did -- who was too much of a coward to sign his own hateful, repugnant and ignorant name -- how much of a little thrill does it give you to go around beating up women and children? The jerk said: "Would you rather see more people die of aids just so that you can feel that your son is being accepted." What does that mean????? How stooopid a remark is that? Where is Gabi going around promoting people dying of AIDS. Hey, buster. I got yer AIDS right here. Oh, yes, it's such a natural conclusion. Let's see: Gabi wants gay kids to not get beat up. That means she wants them to get AIDS! Of course, how could I have missed that? Assjerk said: "It isn't hatred when you try to protect people from the possibiltiy of dying for no reason, but carelessness. Would you feel good if his blood were contaminated and you were the one who performed the transfusion. WHY TAKE THAT RISK?" Let's see if we can examine that notion... Here's what it sounds like he is saying, "We should beat up gay kids so that we can protect them from AIDS." YES!!! That is the solution. As we all know, beating up a gay kid will immediately make him turn straight. Happens all the time. Gabi, how could you be so stupid? Follow Mr. Anonymous' advice: Get out there and tell all the asshole hatemongers in the world to get on the stick and beat up all the gay kids in the world because it's the only way to keep them from getting AIDS. Yes. Oh, yes. Just perfect. And thank you Mr. ffhhgld, it's obvious you're an intellectual -- maybe a Harvard professor or an ambassador?
Name: fggjfg
Would you rather see more people die of aids just so that you can feel that your son is being accepted.
Name: Jamie Ruggiero
i think this is a very cool and devoted page.
Name: Colleen Meadows I'm new to Olympia and contacted Bill's mom for more information about the community, based on her counseling background. After reading this, I feel a need to continue to seek information about the community and discover some of the positive things that have surfaced in the past few years after the shocking experience I just read about a very real human being.
Name: Terry Whitehair I would just like to thank Bill's parents and those who are responsible for putting up this page. I am a 19 y/o gay college student from West Virginia. I stumbled onto your page while researching gay hate crimes for a panel that I've organized at my community college on homophobia. I'm in the process of starting my own straight/gay alliance at this school. This is a fairly conservative community and a big step. There are no other openly gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered students that have joined the struggle at this time. But there is much support. Your page brought many emotions to surface. I won't go into them. I'm glad there are human beings out there like you. Thank you for your efforts. They do not go unseen. The gay youth of America are listening. They're not often free to acknowledge it, but we are listening. Bless you all. Terry (T.J)
Name: Rich Giblin
Very sorry to hear what happened to you and your family. Having been the victim of discrimination based on
sexual orientation, I know what it's like to face that. I've been fortunate enough to not have had to face violence
because of being gay.
Rich
Name: Pat Sonnesntuhl Hi Gabi. Your site is wonderful, and very touching. Bills paintings are lovely. Enjoyed meeting you on Monday. Pat
Name: Elliot Somers
This story of Bill has deeply touched me. I being a 16 year old "out" gay student I understand first hand what society is like for the gay/bi/lesbian,etc. I am searching in my community for a way to be active in the abolishment of homophobia! In the reign of my generation I WILL NOT tolerate this senseless violence! I being bi-polar have been hit hard by depression and it doesn't help being gay. I know for a fact that If I was not on my medication I would become suicidal again. Never will I allow things like homophobia ruin my life. NEVER!
Name: nicholas
Cool and cute Guy.
Name: GLORIA&STACEY MAGOON the story about your son was very sad .i to lost a son but from AIDS he was RAPE no one wanted to be around him becasus he had a DISEASE FOR WITCH THERE IS NO CURE FOR. HAS FAMILY & FRIENDS WANTED NOTHING TO DO WITH MIKE.EXECPT HIS 12 SISTER AND MYSEIL WE HAD NO ONE TO HELP!but ourseifs YOU WAS REAL LUCKY TO HAVE LOTS OF FRIENDS& FAMILY FOR YOU &YOUR SON BILL MY SON IS NOW AT REST NO MORE HATE JUST BECAUSE YOU OR DIFFIDENT OR SICK AND DYING FROM AIDS PEOPLE OPEN YOUR EYES THIS COULD HAPPEND TO YOU!!! MIKE PASS AWAY 7-21-95 I MISS BOTH MY SONS 1-27-96 thank you for your time hope to get a e- mail from you
Name: David O'Brien This story tears at my heart. I would like to thank Alec for having you add the last few lines. Because it really "Just is"
Name: Rebecca Glenn
The story is a moving one and trust that you, as well as your son, have my undying support. Though he
may not be physically present, I know he is here. I, as well, am Pagan and I am not white. In addition to
this, I am hard of hearing and I understand the effects of hate. During my childhood, as well as in my adult life,
I spent many moments trying to comprehend all this intolerance. It has to STOP! Enough is enough. I
do what I can with every person I meet, every thought I have, and every breath I take. I work to promote
tolerance on my college campus, and I aim to educate each and every time I see the need to do so. Take heart,
dear parents, to lose a child is utterly painful and your hurt shared here. Even your anger as well.
Name: Ed Curry Thank you for taking the time to share your story. My partner of 13 years took his life in April. What a waste. I wish people understood that there are other ways ...
Name: Chris. Emery It's who you are that matters.
Name: Lore
I just wanted to say I was touched by Bill's Story. I am a 16 year old bisexual female, and I came out to most people several
months ago. I found your site while trying to find links and help on starting a gay straight alliance in my school. It is my goal to have it done
and stable by the time I'm 18. I can also relate with Bill's depression, I have never been hospitalized, but I cannot function without large doses
of Prozac every morning, though this really has nothing to do with my bisexuality. as another pagan I say:
Name: Angelo Abella
Hi, Gabi,
Name: Hilary
Hiya Gabi, This is Hilary from the PFLAG-Talk list. I love your page. Bill's story is very touching and in a way inspirational.
Name: Yoshinori Arai
How are you, Ms. Clayton?
Name: Benjamin Culley I wanted to thank you for sharing your story. As a previous victim of hate-crime myself I understand the importance of getting the message accross that silence and ignorance are our worst enemies. Destroying these attitudes is the only way we will be able to ensure a safe community enviroment for all people, whatever their race, religion or sexual orientation.
Name: Robin Reed
Hi Gabi,
Robin
Name: Jace Sheppard Hello. I've been reading your pages for a few hours and feel it necessary to share my views on what an amazing tribute the page is to your son. The devotion that you have, not to mention love and unconditional support, shines through. This is something that every parent needs to read and understand. It's too easy to go through life saying, "Not my child," and then wonder what went wrong when a tragedy happens. I came out when I was 20, and my parents have done what they could in the way of support. I just wish that every parent could look through uncloaked eyes, and see the beauty that is in every child, regardless of whom they find affection for. You're an amazing woman. I hope Bill got to learn that before he left. ~Jace Sheppard
Name: MARCIA BLAIR THIS STORY BROKE MY HEART BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE TO LIVE AROUND THIS SORT OF THING. MY BROTHER CAME OUT AFTER BEING MARRIED FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND HAVING A SON. HE NOW HAS AIDS AND I KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE FOR HIM AND HIS PARTNER. WE JUST LOST MY BROTHERS BEST FRIEND THIS SUMMER TO AIDS AND CANCER.HE HAD JUST TURNED 47 YEARS OLD TWO DAYS BEFORE HE DIED ON JULY 20,1998. HE WAS A VERY SPECIAL PERSON,TOO. I AM SITTING HERE CRYING NOW BUT I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I KNOW IT TAKES A LOT OF COURAGE AND STRENTGH TO LIVE WITH THIS. I JUST WANTED TO SAY I AM SORRY AND HOPE YOUR STORY HELPS A LOT OF PEOPLE IN MANY WAYS. I KNOW HOW CRUEL PEOPLE ARE. SOMETIMES I JUST WANT TO SREAM AT THEM FOR BEING SO STUPID. IT NEVER BOTHERED ME TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE MY FRIEND WAS OR TO HUG HIM. I NEVER THINK ABOUT MY BROTHER BEING GAY IN A BAD WAY. I KNOW THAT AIDS CAN KILL BUT SO CAN EVERYTHING ELSE. I THINK MORE THAN ANYTHING IT IS IGNORANCE THAT MAKES PEOPLE REACT IN SUCH A STUPID WAY. I KNOW IN THIS LIFE WE HAVE TO MUCH HATE FOR TO MANY THINGS AND I HOPE SOMEDAY WE CAN STOP IT ALL. I HAVE A MEMORIAL TO SAM AND DORIS ANOTHER FRIEND OF MY BROTHER THAT DIED A WEEK BEFORE SAM. I THOUGHT IT WAS A GREAT IDEA BUT I DID NOT KNOW HOW PEOPLE WOULD REACT TO IT. EVEN THOUGH MY SITE IS SMALL BECAUSE I AM NEW TO THISAND I ONLY HAVE WEBTV WHICH LIMITS YOU I KNOW NOW THAT IT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Name: George DeCarlo His story should be an example for others that have had to experience similar circumstances. Other websites documenting such events need to be created for all to witness. Often such tragic stories are reported and then forgotten. This must change and people must not forget.
Name: Craig Walker
I was horrified by "Bill`s story" however i am glad i read it!It i such a shame that he was unable to be helped through such a traumatic time in his young life.
Name: rebecca hammond gabi, this is a beautiful and educational tribute to your son, someone i probably would've been very good friends with had we had the chance to cross paths. i am the president of the lgbt alliance at the university of cincinnati and i want you to know that i only dream that other parents can be as incredibly understanding and supportive as you and your husband have been to the gay community and with gay rights. it's not everyday that people take pain and turn it into assistance, support, and alliance. as a 20 year old lesbian living in the midwest, a no so gay friendly place, i thank you for the work you've done and will do in the future. i cried hard reading bill's story and i'm sure that he's helping us from above. rebecca hammond
Name: Melissa There are no words one can say to bring a death back to life. But I think that after reading Bill's story, that he was very courageous. It amazes me still how people can be so afraid of what not "normal". but "Normal" is perceptive. what is for one person isn't neccessarily true for the next. I just wish people would stop hating so much. No human is illegal...and forget the insanity.. stop the hatred. it won't get anyone any further in life to hate. Life is too short. One Love
Name: Steiny
I read the story about Bill and I must say it is very sad. Anytime someone takes their life it is a tragic thing.
Name: David Ferguson I have just spent the past hour reading and re-reading Bill's "story"- I hate the word sorry it seems to trivialise his precious life but I cannot find another. I just want to say thank you a million times over for sharing all this, my thoughts are with you and your family and every other person affected by hate. It is our duty to strive to eliminate as far as possible the word hate and it's terrible often all too tragic consequencies
Name: Asher Webb Dear Gabi; Thak you so much for sharing Bill's story with the world. His is a truly remarkable life.. and will continue to be an inspiration to so many. As a survivor of many of the same experiences, I can only say, that it is lives such as Bill's that making continuing on and facing the ever present heterosexism and homophobia a truly precious gift. Your faith, courage and determination to celebrate Bill's life in such an altruistic manner is very commendalbe. Clearly this brave man had an inspirational family! All the best... much, luck, love and laughter in facing the monumental task ahead... Asher Webb PS... I hope that it would be ok.. I am forwarding the URL to everyone on my email/ICQ list.. so that they too can share in your important story and share Bill's incredible journey.
Name: Dave Cornwell Thanks for sharing your story about a wonderful young man. It is very sad to know that in our country such things as this can happen. Yet, his life is making a real difference. Thinks for sharing it with all of us.
Name: James This is a sad story I feel sorry for Bill's parents
Name: Martha Gabi, Really like your new guestbook! Keep up the good work. Talk to you soon.
Name: Joel Traywick Gabi, Just wanted to show my mom your site! All the best! Looking forward to rehearsals starting on Tuesday!!
Name: Gabi Clayton This guestbook was started on 8/21/98.
I have a page with links to all the response pages, other guestbook pages and pages related to "Bill's Story"
This guestbook does accept html code. I don't know yet if there is a limit to the size of entries.
Thank you for visiting my website, for taking the time to respond, and for all your support.
Love, Gabi
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