Name: Ed LeMay, Vice Chair,MA Governor's Commission on G/L Youth
Website: The Massachusetts Governor's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Boston, MA
Time: 1998-12-19 13:33:46
Comments: Dear Gabbi,I was so sorry to hear about Bill, and your loss. I am also greatful for your courage and for posting Bill's story, your story, and your family's story. There are so many times, like now, when I am near tears -- other times I'm very angry. Unfortunately, too many schools and colleges don't do enough, and too many kids continue to attempt suicide. Our reports, here at the Massachusetts Governor's Commission document a few stories like yours, and makes recommendations to schools and colleges. Please check our our web site (although it is currently maintained by volunteers, and ask for our free reports. Massachusetts is the only state to fund programs like ours (currently our budget is $1.5 million dollars, we were created by Governor Weld in 1992. This year Governor Paul Cellucci, expanded our charge and created the Governor's Hate Crimes Task Force. -- The Governor's Commission on G/L Youth -- the Governor's Hate Crimes Task Force Please call me at the Massachusetts State House 727-3600 x 312 and ask for the following FREE reports by The Governor's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth:

Making High Schools Safe for Gay and Lesbian Youth
Making Colleges Safe for Gay and Lesbian Youth
Prevention of Health Problems Among Gay and Lesbian Youth
Gay and Lesbian Student Resource Guide (Including 140 high school and College Gay/Straight Alliances).

Name: Greg Stone
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Lexington, KY
Time: 1998-12-19 04:07:38
Comments: God Bless You.

Name: Gary Horenkamp
Website: bondagedom's home page
Referred by: NewsGroups
From: Omaha, Nebraska
Time: 1998-12-19 03:10:28
Comments: Thanks for sharing the story of your son's life. Gary Horenkamp

Name: Derek Jones
Referred by: From a Friend
From: San Franscico,Ca
Time: 1998-12-18 20:25:53
Comments: Hello- I was trying to think back when I was a teen and the stuff that I went threw. And how lucky I was. I now live In Sf. I sometimes lose sight of the outside world and the things that go on out of the area. I cannot imagine the loss that You have endured. This just breaks my heart. I wish I could help somebody and get them in the right direction. Lord knows that I needed it way back when. Im 28 now. Derek

Name: Gaye
Referred by: Viewing another Guestbook
From: Michigan
Time: 1998-12-18 16:32:05
Comments: I, as a mom of a young adult gay son, was so deeply touched by your story. I accept my son unconditionally, but fear as you do that the world is not so accepting. I applaud you for sharing your very private wounds in a very public forum, to help even just one more young person out there. Keep up your efforts and know that you have support in thought and prayers from others.

Name: Katie Sonnen
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Tennessee
Time: 1998-12-18 02:39:37
Comments: As I was doing some frantic last minute research for my paper on hate crimes against gays, lesbians, and bisexuals for school, I came across the story of your son. I found it profoundly saddening and it broke my heart to hear of all the trauma Bill and everyone around him went through. I live in TN where prejudice runs rampant, simply because of the ignorance of many of the people here. It is because of the courage of people like you and your son that people can begin to understand that homosexuality is not a choice. It is like asking "When did you decide to be heterosexual?" One doesn't choose. It is just the way he/she feels. He/she is born that way. Thank you for your story, it has touched my heart forever.

Name: Jason Bandy
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Atlanta, Georgia
Time: 1998-12-17 21:21:16
Comments: How blessed you are to have had such an incredible person in your life. I only wish that other people understand what you do and what he did, an open mind and an open heart can make the difference in our world.

Name: Hacksent Naltler
Website: NA
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Connecticut
Time: 1998-12-16 23:18:56
Comments: Your page brought tears to my eyes. Your loss is profound, but you are doing the right thing. You are noble people, keep it up. Hacksent Naltler

Name: John Keller
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Houston , Texas
Time: 1998-12-16 13:44:57
Comments: Your web site it very moving & so close to home . Thanks for all the help with the gay issues . Accept my deepest condolances for your great loss .Gob Bless You & Your Family

Name: Amy
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Scarborough, Ontario Canada
Time: 1998-12-15 02:56:57
Comments: Gabi, Your story has touch me from the bottom of my heart. Well, funny how i came to this site because I am doing a Independent Study Unit for school and I choose to do it on Gay Gashing. I know it must hurt to be a mother of a Child who has been physically hurt because of who he is. There are many cruel and sick people out in thisa world today and i pray to God that someday all of this will end (including Racism). I am not a part of the Gay/lesibian culture but I have many friends who are and I love them very much. I just want to you to know that you should be proud that you as a mother was there for your son when ever he need support from his loving Parents. aLL MY LOVE GOES OUT TO YOU.

Name: Doug McBurney
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Vancouver, B.C. Canada
Time: 1998-12-14 06:16:39
Comments: I hope and pray that all young people read this story and learn from your loss. To all of the Gay / Bi people out there, You are NOT ALONE. There are others out there who can help and support you. To all the str8 people HATE IS NOT A FAMILY VALUE!! Just remember that all of the name calling, teasing and bullying which some think is funny, ends up all too often with stories like this. Thank God that Bill had a loving, caring and supportive family to help him through his all too short life. My own story is very similar, but I managed to survive, and I am now into the 10th year of a loving, committed relationship, so there is hope. In both of our countries, our rights are being violated every day. It is the systemic intolerance and hatred that spews forth from all levels of government, federal, state, provincial and municipal, and some of the churches, that feeds the ignorance and violence.Too many people believe that we have a choice, and they think that it is a "lifestyle" which can be changed. It is not! Who do you know that would choose to be hated, discriminated against, beaten or killed. We do not have the luxury of choice. I did not choose to be gay, but I am proud of who I am. I do my best to fight for equality, and there has been a lot of progress, but there is still a long way to go. Our best weapon is education and information which fills the dark voids of ignorance with light. My prayers go out to you all.

Name: Cindy Schaekel-Byholm
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: MN
Time: 1998-12-12 16:42:19
Comments: I was given an assignment to present the topic of homosexuality to my Soc. Problems class. I knew beforehand that the topic had many issues so I started to search for a way to narrow the scope. I came across your web site and started to read. I hope you don't mind but Bill's Story needs to be shared. I copied it and wish to make it part of my presentation. If you feel that you wouldn't like me to do this, please feel free to email me and I will respect your wishes. Thank you for sharing your experience and hopefully by doing so you and your family have found some peace. Cindy Schaekel- Byholm

Name: D S
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Sydney Australia
Time: 1998-12-12 09:31:43
Comments: My entire heart goes out to you, and others whos lives have been forever changed. All that can be hope for now is the change in peoples attitudes and fears towards difference. IGNORANCE KILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND TEAHING IS OUR STRONGEST WEAPON

Name: Jeremy Tri
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Zumbrota MN
Time: 1998-12-11 22:47:12
Comments: Bill's story is truely touching. My thoughts and hopes with you all. Bill may not be of this world any longer but he leaves behind the hope and preservation for the rest of us to make this a better place. A place where we can accept everybody as individuals. Thank you for telling your story. jeremy

Name: William D. Tarry
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: New Mexico originally, now living in Virginia
Time: 1998-12-09 18:55:48
Comments: I wish I had known of this site one year ago. I made two friends who were 17 and 15. Both I met on a chat-line for gay youth. Both made the wrong decision to end their lives. The 15 yo boy survived his attempt for almost two months, yet didn't have the strength to survive a second lung infection. I never met either boy, but their loss hurts me deeply. Knowing that you can and have carried on gives me strength! It is my prayer that ALL of Gods children find the love and support they need to fight their way past depression and society, and LIVE! I attempted suicide when I was struggling with understanding my sexuality, and I now know that I can make a difference with my story. I've helped a few prople get past this crazy stage in their lives, and I feel that God wanted me to be there for those people. May you find the strength to continue, and may my prayers for you and your's help give you the will to fight on.

Name: Bill Lindley
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: San Jose, CA. Via Houston, Texas
Time: 1998-12-08 22:43:55
Comments: Hello Gabi - I have not taken the opportunity to view your page since logging onto PFLAG-Talk and today could resist no longer. Gabi I am sitting here at my computer with tears running down my face. Thank you for being such a wonderful mother and friend to both of your boys. Bill Lindley

Name: Tony Cupstid
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: originally Mississippi
Time: 1998-12-08 10:46:49
Comments: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING BILLS STORY WITH ME.I HOPE IT WILL CAUSE PEOPLE TO THINK TWICE ABOUT THEIR ACTIONS. I CAN RELATE TO HOW HE MIGHT HAVE FELT BECAUSE I GREW UP GAY IN MISSISSIPPI AND IM HERE TO TELL YOU IT WAS NO BED OF ROSES. HE WAS SO VERY LUCKY TO HAVE YOUR SUPPORT AND LOVE WHILE HE WAS DISCOVERING WHO HE WAS. I HOPE AND PRAY THAT ONE DAY ALL OF THIS IGNORANCE WILL END.GOD BLESS YOU.

Name: Graham Brand-Holland
Website: Gay Nite 2000
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Watford Hertfordshire UK
Time: 1998-12-08 00:12:40
Comments: Bless you. I have cried in desperation and hope throughout reading your pages. I'm a 44y/o gay man who didnt even know what gay was ubtill i was 39y/o. At last I have come out and have a wonderful partner of 23. There is so much that the world simply does not understand about what they do to us. I write weekly to polititians and puublications. My partner and I run a small social/support group fespecially for those who are trying to deal with their seuality at any age. It is people like you and us who MAKE THE DIFFERENCE. Do keep it up. Suffering will not end in our lifetimes but it will end. It will end because we work at what we believe in. It will work, not only for gays but for ALL repressed minorities. Thank you for reminding me why I AM and why I DO.

Name: Daniel Williams
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Denton, Tx
Time: 1998-12-07 19:51:09
Comments: Gabi, Thank you for sharing your hurt with us, I only wish that I had Parents as understanding as you!

Name: Liz Pugliani and Adriana Vargas
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Peoria,Illinois
Time: 1998-12-07 09:49:12
Comments: We are two college students that had to write a persuasive speech in one of our classes. We searched on to Yahoo looking for Jacob Orosco's story. There we found Bill's. As we both read this we were touched incredibly. After reading his story we both made a speech about hate crimes and accepting other people's sexuality. We mentioned both Bill and Jacob's story's in our speeches. After finishing the speeches we noticed our classmates expressions. We both know and feel that we made an impact in their lives. We know that they will never forget our speech. We both recieved A's on our speech. That is how strong we represented both Bill and Jacob. We would just like to send out our blessings to Bill's family and to let you know that his story is still impacting people all around the world and you still have people out there fighting for him. God bless him, he is in our prayers.

Name: angel cavazos
Website: A little response for a great person
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: monterrey, Mexico
Time: 1998-12-06 22:25:39
Comments: First of all, i have to say you that my english is bad but iīll try to express me the best that i can. Only i want to say to the Billīs mother, i think that she knows, that Bill have the enought forces to be a great person and human. Iīm a young gay, iīm 21 years, and I think that our sexual orientation isnīt a reason because the society hate us. Here in Mexico the gayīs situation is very hard. We have an ancient society that doesnīt accept one important part of itself. Well, when i read Billīs story i just cry. I think that the bad feelings are inside of all the people. Also the good feelings are inside the angels. Bill was an angel, and in the world we need many angels, i hope that Billīs family remeber all the beter things of his child. I think that i will remeber this story the rest of my life. I wish you the beter feelings to Cristmas and happy new year 1999.

Name: I-Lin
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Malaysia
Time: 1998-12-04 16:11:08
Comments: I am a christian who strongly believes that homo/bisexuality is not right. But overall, I would like you to know that you have been a loving and supportive parent, and not many are like you. I am sorry for the loss of your son. You have taught me to accept one as who he/she is. I just have to leave the rest to God, and all I could do is to pray for him/her.

Name: Heidi Reske
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Racine, WI
Time: 1998-12-03 20:17:15
Comments: I think its great to finally hear the story of a bisexual person. It's unfortunate it had to be under these circumstances. There is a whole culture of people waiting to be heard, not silenced under the gay community. Thank you so much.

Name: Kendra Blake
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Indianapolis IN
Time: 1998-12-03 18:46:41
Comments: This homepage is a learning lesson for all of us. I am sorry about your lost. This lesson can reach all teenagers who are finding their true idenity. Thank you for publishing this site.

Name: sara moore
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Nebraska
Time: 1998-12-03 16:49:23
Comments: I cannot comprehend how anyone could act in an uncivil way towards another human being, it just blows my mind. I do not understand it.

Name: Mark Bannon
Referred by: From a Friend
From: FL
Time: 1998-12-03 14:17:51
Comments: This is a very touching story. I am a gay man and have luckily never dealt with the hate crimes depicted in this story. I have always had to appear very tough and emotionless to not appear to be gay. It's a deffensive life style. I have to always be ready for an attack. It's not a choice and nothing to be assamed of. It angers me when people are treated this way and something should be done about it. The sentences, in my oppinion, should be much tougher.

Name: Donovan
Website: Dono2
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Phoenix, AZ
Time: 1998-12-03 11:07:00
Comments: I myself am just coming out and i was worried about some of the responses I would get from family and friends and i was especialy worried about the hate crime factor bt since i have surffed through this and several other similar sites i see that the G/L/BI community sticks together and comes to the rescue of those in need. I thak you for producing this web page because it has helped me on my journey through this rough time in my life.with PRIDEDonovan E.

Name: Meliss Morrissette
Website: After Five By Design
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Maine
Time: 1998-12-03 00:02:40
Comments: I just wanted to say that I am sorry for the loss of your son...I am doing research on how hate crimes affect homosexuals and found your page listed through yahoo. I am glad to see that you are out there telling your sons story...hopefully the more people see the "cause and effect" the less people will hate..

Name: Tyler Benack
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Columbus, Ohio
Time: 1998-12-02 17:34:59
Comments: I would just like to thank you for sharing Bill's story with the world and I commend the amount of courage that you, Bill and his family have in continuing the fight against hate and ignorance. As a pagan, bisexual male in America, Bill's experiences are very familiar to me and there were times when I was plunged into a deep depression. I have been fighting all my life will continue to do so so that Bill's story, and those of others like him, will not be forgotten nor repeated. Thank You.

Name: Nobushige Goto
Website:
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Japan
Time: 1998-12-02 05:47:15
Comments: I was encouraged when I read this story about a year before. I was in the darkness because of being a gay. Your and your son's message changed my life. I wanna say thank you million times!! At that time, there wasn't japanese site. But now, we can read this wonderfull story in japanese. It's great!! I'll tell this story to friends who are gays, transgender and straight. Let's create the world we all can live happy life!

Name: Teresa Land
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Boutte, Louisiana, USA
Time: 1998-12-01 03:54:23
Comments: I am so sorry for your loss, a loss that is not only yours but ours. The loss of a very bright person who could have brought so much to everyone and it's nice to know that his memory is kept alive by your site. I don't know if the ignorance and hate of some people will ever be resolved but I hope that all of us can do something to help eradicate it. The love Bill had in his heart and soul will not die for you have kept it alive through your words and deeds. I can not imagine losing one of my children and for someone to go through the pain he must have felt inside.. I hope that one day people who feel that they are alone will feel the love and know that they are not..Just as those who are so filled with hate will know that Love is the only way this world will make it. God Bless you, Love Teresa Land

Name: Regan DuCasse
Referred by: Viewing another Guestbook
From: North Hollywood, California
Time: 1998-11-30 23:42:19
Comments: My heart breaks hearing the story about your beautiful son. I just got a job volunteering at the Gay & Lesbian Center working with youth outreach. After the Matthew Shepard murder in Wyoming, I was alarmed at the anguish expressed by many young people on the Internet. Some I wrote personally, but it made me more committed than ever to do something for the youngest and most vulnerable among us. I love young people, especially teenagers. I would do anything to prevent what happened to your son to happen to another young person. I admire your strength and willingness to share your story with us. I wish you my best to you and your family on the journey. Love, Regan

Name: regina chopp
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: grosse pointe/ ann arbor, michigan
Time: 1998-11-30 20:18:44
Comments: i'm a student at the University of Michigan and i was online trying to do some research for a paper i would like to write, concerning queer life...i stumbled across this very intense and touching page and it really hit home. i'm a 19 year old lesbian and i can remember the "darker" days of being in the proverbial closet and having to deal with the taunts of other high school students when i first came out. i think that a lot of queer youth are prone to bouts of suicidal thinking due to their awkward position, and it's very important that sites like this are posted for the purpose of educating and remembering. i, too, have lost friends to suicide and can't explain the madness of thinking "maybe thier was something more i could have done..." this webpage is a wonderful tribute to bill. he sounds like he was a very special person, and the story of his life and struggles with depression have certainly put some tears on my cheek. thanks so much for sharing his story...

Name: star
Website: Star's Homepage
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Canada
Time: 1998-11-30 06:18:04
Comments: My sympathy to you, your family and anyone who knew Bill. It's terribly sad how people can hate like this. We all have to keep the anti-hate crusade going for all the people who have suffered, are suffering and lost their lives because of hate. This tragedy should've never happened to this young boy. I am a mother of 2 young girls and couldn't imagine the pain you are feeling over this. It's so sad.

Name: Alex Beltranena
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Guatemala
Time: 1998-11-30 06:06:21
Comments: Impossible to describe the pain and dispair the story brought me. Amazed that we r close to the third millenium and awfull things like this still happen. Are we ever hitting rockbottom? I new I was gay from age 13 and now at 24 I have to still say not a choice not an imposission, just is. Wise words from an extraordinary human being who just was... wish he still were...

Name: ayse
Referred by: From a Friend
From: turkey
Time: 1998-11-30 01:18:43
Comments: first i am soory about my english i had a brother he died from aids 2 years ago it was very bad time for me because i did not know before he is gay when he had hiv he told me that time(i m gay)i was in shock because i dont have father and i need a reel man in my family and i hate him that time but i did not tell anything to him i did everything for him(hospital,doctors,money.....)and finally he died from aids and i did not tell him I LOVE YOU one time .nNow i m feeling so bad okey hewas gay he has aids bud he was my brother and i miss him so much now i m working aids foundation in istanbul and i m giving all my love to theme. and also i m so sad about your story but dont forget everybody has a story we are unlucky people because we dont deserve this story nice to meet whit your son

Name: Vicki
Referred by: From a Friend
From: D/FW, Tx
Time: 1998-11-29 16:34:44
Comments: It's comforting to know there is an angel named Bill who now watches over all of us. This story and website is his contribution to the end of homophobia. May you receive many, many blessings for the work that you do!

Name: J.K. TAYLOR
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Jackson WY
Time: 1998-11-29 00:35:12
Comments: I am so sorry for your loss. As you know some very nice people here in Wyoming recently went through a similar experience. Unfortunatley Matt Sheppard cant defend himself either. Why is the most "civilzed" country in the world also the most hateful and brutal? Sincerely, Joel

Name: Tim and Bruce
Referred by: Geocities
From: Melbourne, Australia
Time: 1998-11-28 11:31:17
Comments: Dear Gabi and Family, My name is Tim and I have just read your son's story . It moved me so much I grabbed my partner from the other room and got him to read it as well. I'm still shaking my head as I sit here wondering how on earth this could happen to anyone....... We are both from Australia and thankfully we have never encountered the type of deliberate persecusion your son did . I'm not sure whether that has to do with the different country's or just the fact that we've both been lucky....... I have been lucky enough to have a stable loving and beautiful relationship with a man that I love more than anything else in the world. All my friends have accepted it and my family likewise. I find it so hard to understand why these people cannot understand that it just does not matter what sex the person is.....It's WHO they are.... I also cry for the fact that these people are responsible for your son never being able to experience this type of a relationship......whether it be with a man or a woman.......... This is not a private entry.....our thought's are with you.....sharing your story has changed more lives than you can even imagine....... Thankyou so much and like someone else wrote.......I'd like to buy Bill a beer if I happen to meet him later on..........I just wish I could have now.... TIM & BRUCE

Name: Reyes Erik Von Magerit Zapatero
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: London, England, UK
Time: 1998-11-28 01:04:46
Comments: I was touch but the web page. I came out at 16, I was alone. But I was strong, had I not been I could have given up. The world seem to hate us, sometimes. I know some are not so strong, it seems that we have to fight for simple basic human rights, when all we want to do is get on with our lives. I don't want there to be gay rights, I just want to be free to love who we want to love, with no fear or secrecy. Freedom from the irrational hate that clouds our lives. Sometimes vocal, sometimes hidden, but always present. I know I have the power to change the world, one step at a time, it takes time and energy, but when my voice and action, is joined by more, until we be come a chorus, then there will be no-one to internalise the hate, that I feel.

Name: Samantha Swartz
Referred by: Yahoo!
From:
Time: 1998-11-27 15:46:11
Comments: Dear Clayton Family i am a 19 year old collge sophomore i just finished reading the story of your son bill with tears in my eyes what a tragedy that the world had to lose such a wonderful person before so many even had a chance to know him i am very adamant in my religion however i am not a person who can believe that God can hate although bill did not believe in God (in the traditional sense) i believe that a god, whatever you believe in gives us special angels but that they are so beautiful people that He too wants then to be with him, your son is one of those angels, his strength and courage will forever be remembered by so many this type of crime enrages me if there are any organizations that i could help with in any way i would be so happy if you could inform me about them or direct me to a place where i could get information again i am sorry about your loss and your own strength is a testament the the wonderful person your son was my thoughts and prayers are with you and all who have had to suffer the pain that your son felt and the loss that you have had to cope with with love, samantha swartz p.s. this does not have to be a private message

Name: Mark
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Jacksonville, NC
Time: 1998-11-27 00:45:54
Comments: My best friend just killed himself (Nov 20th), so I have been looking around on the internet trying to make sense of the whole thing........He was gay, but that was not his main motivation for what he did!....I just wish i could make sense of this whole mess Mark

Name: Ariel Brosh
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Israel
Time: 1998-11-26 23:43:56
Comments: It's hard to leave a note and not hurt anybody's feeling. The Jewish condolence for the loss of a relative is "may god lay you among all the mourners, and may you never suffer grief anymore"; let's make it "may you never suffer hate anymore"

Name: Don R
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Pittsburgh
Time: 1998-11-26 06:05:24
Comments: My thoughts are with you. Thank you for sharing.

Name: Justin Dolce
Referred by: Net Search
From: New York
Time: 1998-11-25 18:57:07
Comments: I am in a contemporayry issues class in high school and our topic for this week is gay and lesbian rights. I will gladly share Bill's story in my class. There are alot of homophobic scum bags in my class. But I sure hope that they can learn from this and learn that we are all in this together, no matter what race or preferences!!! LI Punx****Fight Homophobia****

Name: Robert Linger
Website:
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Atlanta, GA
Time: 1998-11-25 06:01:38
Comments: Thank you.

Name: Raymond E. Colon
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: New York
Time: 1998-11-25 02:01:00
Comments: I've never come across a website such as Bill's story. My heart is aching from his absence and this from someone who has never heard of him until today. He is a loss and this world misses him. It reminds me of how hard it really is to live as one is. Here in the Village attending NYU, one forgets the outside world is still not safe. I've been lucky my past 18 years to not have to face the prejudice and hatred that haunts so many of us, but it is not an excuse to forget that we aren't all so lucky. With each who leaves us, a light goes into the wind without a sound. A silence goes through my heart and the hearts of our family, but only if we know. I congratulate you for your understanding, compassion, and dedication to your son. I am envious of your son's parents as I'm sure many others are as well. No one should die. I hope to one day meet Bill somehow. Thank you for your time.

Name: Jennifer
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Hartford City, Indiana
Time: 1998-11-24 16:05:05
Comments: I really enjoyed reading this page and it taught me alot about how cruel people can be. I am doing a paper for college about hate crimes and this gives me a better view of a real life story. Thank You!!!

Name: Kay Mukai
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From:
Time: 1998-11-24 07:33:54
Comments: What happened to your son was terrible. I can sympathize with your son and some of the things he went through.

Name: John Arroyos
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Ca.
Time: 1998-11-23 22:31:17
Comments: I just read the story about your son and I just wanted to say that I feel very sad that your son took his life because he felt so very scared and alone. Although it was a great loss to you and your family he sounded like a great son and you were very priveledged to have him in your life for as long as you did. I cant imagine the horror of losing one of my children, but I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and if one person reads about your sons story and is able to make a change and bring some compassion into this world maybe that was the reason for your sons existence. Again please accept my condolences. John

Name: adrian kelly
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: london
Time: 1998-11-23 20:51:27
Comments: Having just read Bill's Story I wished to extend my heartfelt sympathies to your whole family. It seems you have lost a most beautiful son in the most painful circumstances, I hope the courage Bill showed in the struggles he faced in his life help you keep your own strength through the life you face without him.

Name: Christine
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From:
Time: 1998-11-21 04:05:24
Comments: Gabi its me chris...I don't know if you remember me...But I just surfed in here to look at your homepage again and WOW...I love it..Heres My icq# 2975674

Name: Arnold
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Long Beach, CA
Time: 1998-11-20 06:54:52
Comments: I just wanted to say that I have to commend the Lions family for sharing the story of their son. It is very inspiring to know that they stood by and helped their son through all the hatred and grief he went through. It must of been hard but you guys did a great job. I am a student at Long Beach State and I didn't realize how ignorant people can still be at the collegiate level. I've been talking to people to see what they're perspective is on gays and almost everyone is against it. My best friend is gay and it hurts to know that people can hate so much and not understand without giving people the chance. I wish that somehow there was some type of intervention in schools that would teach kids how to accept people of their sexuality, or race . We need to stop the prejudice, because when these kids get older, they carry the same values into the real world. I just don't want to know that this viscious cycle of hatred will keep going on. I thank you again to the Lions family for sharing and giving me the opportunity to read and understand the story of Bill! Thank you again!

Name: Jason Ciski
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Toledo, Ohio
Time: 1998-11-20 01:43:01
Comments: This story has given me a firm view of what I have to face as a gay teen. In reading this piece I now not only can understand better the struggles that lie ahead, but I can also find comfort knowing that I have a chance to change the future and make a positive impact on society. thank you. -Jason

Name: Ismoon Hunter-Morton
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Portland, Oregon
Time: 1998-11-20 00:53:26
Comments: Thank you so much for telling the story of Bill. I am a 22 year old lesbian student doing research on hate crimes for my speech class at my college. I really appreciate your first hand account (I cried all the way through it!) Thank you for having the courage and strength to post this story... Homophobia is so hurtfull in my life and I love it when parents unconditionally support and respect their queer children!!! Blessed Be, Ismoon

Name: Jeremy
Referred by: Net Search
From: Texas
Time: 1998-11-19 20:17:21
Comments: After the death of Matthew Shepard I became interested in what I could do to stop the spread of hate crimes. I attended a vigil at my university and the on-campus gay, lesbian, transgenderd group held a discussion. All of this was very moving. During my research on a Philosopy paper on hate crimes I happened upon your site dedicated to your son, Bill. I had to write and let you know that you are an inspiration to me. And more importantly, so is Bill.

Name: Anne
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Weinfelden / Switzerland
Time: 1998-11-19 19:16:44
Comments: So sorry to read your story! Can only hope, it makes the world to be a better place.

Name: tatiana
Referred by: Net Search
From: ???
Time: 1998-11-19 04:33:28
Comments: I'm a gay teen whose been hospitalized twice for severe depression and attempting suicide. I don't like the fact people don't realize you're the same as them no matter who you like. You know the the saying, "love is tender and knows no gender." That's how I look at things. I feel really awful for your son. But just think of what african americans had to go through. Give it time. One day we'll be looked at as human beings.

Name: frederic p mollenkopf, jr., pa-c
Referred by: From a Friend
From: formerly SF, now East Lansing, MI
Time: 1998-11-19 00:49:16
Comments: what is there to say, but thank you........you and your son's story and pain, fuel me to continue the fight, moreso as the recent sting of mathew shepards' murder has hightened our awareness...........to provide a safer world for our brothers, sisters, and especially , for our young

Name: S. Chan
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: California
Time: 1998-11-18 05:11:40
Comments: I give u my sympathy and this story has really struck a cord. Being in high school myself I have experience the prejudice and the hate that is directed to good people just because they are different. I am writing a editorial for my school papar and I hope you will give me permission to share sections of your story. Thank you. God Bless. BTW-my e-mail is Mai56@netscape.net

Name: Nicholas Becker
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: MS
Time: 1998-11-17 08:17:43
Comments: I am currently a college student writing a report on the recent Hate-Crime Prevention Act. I came into this report looking for a way to pursuade others to fight it. I wanted you to know that your's and other stories have pursuaded me to change my mind and my report.