Name: Joe
Website: Jocur's Website
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: connecticut
Time: 1999-07-06 21:44:17
Comments: Your story really touched me and I'm so sorry for your loss. I didnt grow up with peer groups that helped gay kids and it was very hard for me (and any other gay kids at the time). I am glad that these groups are forming, but at the same time it targets them for violence from the ignorant. What can we do?

Name: Sherry Pangborn
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Silverdale,WA
Time: 1999-07-04 19:55:37
Comments: Gabi, we heard you tell your story at P-FLAG Olympia quite some time ago, but I am again very touched and frightened and horrified by what happened to Bill. From the moment we learned our daughter was lesbian, (she came out at age 16), FEAR was our constant companion. The magnitude of the intolerance and fear and hate of "difference" is so overwheliming --- and no one is safe as long as it continues. Thank you for this written account of Bill's story --- it will stay in our hearts! Love from Sherry and Hank Pangborn

Name: joseph maloney
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: southeastern Massachusetts
Time: 1999-07-04 03:57:23
Comments: To whom it may concern: Hi! I read your story and my eyes are welling up with tears. My sympathy is with you and your family on the loss of your son. I don't understand still to this day(and am not sure I will) why someone's personal sexual orientation means so much to so many people. I think I can safely say that even though four years have passed the "pain" still lives on. I don't think time heals all wounds (and you may attest to that). Nonetheless, my condolences on the loss of your son and may God bless you and your family.

Name: Elijah Shores
Website: Life is reality
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Maine
Time: 1999-07-03 20:20:49
Comments: I understand what it is like I grew up undrstand the hate and pain. I glad you are there to open up to the whole lifestyle. I am bisexual myself. Well, hope you keep your head high. I been in out of hosptail like that.

Name: Sarah James
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: New York
Time: 1999-07-02 14:53:57
Comments: I was very touched by Bill's story. When you related the information about the tissue donation, I was especially touched. I have an openly gay friend who has AB- blood (the rarest type). He is disqualified from donating due to his sexuality. He gets tested regularly, for his own peace of mind, but that doesn't count for the blood bank. These days, gay men, lesbians and bisexuals are the most educated group regarding all STDs, and their risk factors have fallen significantly. The group of people who are getting AIDS the most are heterosexuals in their 50s and 60s. Until the agencies that come begging for donations catch up with this fact, thousands of eligible donors will go without being allowed to help, and vital tissue supplies will continue to be depleted. It is high time that these "national standards" for disqualification are re-evaluated by people with sense. Silence has killed enough people.

Name: Jennie Lauer
Referred by: Net Search
From: Toledo, Ohio
Time: 1999-07-01 03:24:45
Comments: Thank you so much for letting the world read your heartbreaking story. My brother committed suicide a year and a half ago. I guess i am just know dealing with it. I am 19 now, i was 18 when it happened, my brother was 17. Thank you again, May god bless you! Jennie Lauer

Name: Christopher Leeds
Referred by: Clicked on our Banner Advertisement
From: Ontario, Canada
Time: 1999-07-01 00:21:56
Comments: I can't imagine a world were all people are as amazing as you are about their children. As an openly gay male I live every day in fear that "this one" is going to be the day that some idiot decides (s)he has more of a right to live peacefully than I do. To be bashed after being assaulted is one of the worst things I can imagine. standing up to the perps and keeping your message clear is one of the bravest. For any child to be sexually assaulted is usually enough to nearly push you over the edge, it was for me. Your son's story speaks of integrity, bravery, and love that sometimes we forget still exists in this world. I'm so sorry for your loss, you son was an incredible person, I wish we all could have know him. Gods love and keep you always.

Name: Cheyenne Walton
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Time: 1999-07-01 00:05:54
Comments: Actually I got here from a banner on a friend's page, but same difference. I don't really know how to express what I want to say in words to you. I live in a small town and I have seen first hand how amazing stories like Bill's can be overlooked or swept under the carpet. I can't imagine a braver thing for you as parents to be doing than sharing your wonderful son with us so that he'll never be forgotten. I just turned 17 in this closeted little town and I have yet to come out to anyone. The message your son's story sent to me is one of hope and perseverance, yet it is also a cold slap in the face from reality. Our school is not exactly open-minded. Last year when a group of students wished to sell red-ribbons for World AIDS Day they were refused on the grounds that it was not a problem our community dealt with or knew about first hand. It was a call to consciousness for all of us who thought there might be change on the horizon. We had no support. Your son did, and for that alone I think he was an incredibly lucky person. The message of hope, equality and love needs to be spread throughout youth before we will see a change. Your son was one of the growing number of hero's in our time who fought to spread the message. Though I can't begin to express how sorry I am that you lost him, I hope that you know that this page allows us to share a tiny bit of the love and pride you must feel for you son. With parents as supurb as you it is no wonder that your child was such an inspirational, amazing person. Thank you.

Name: Nick
Website: Images of Galveston
Referred by: NewsGroups
From: Galveston, Texas
Time: 1999-06-28 23:18:42
Comments: Nice website. I've seen your URL in posts from a mailing list before, but this is the first time I visited. I am glad I did. Your experiences and life, as well as your son's, help to open everyone's eyes.

Name: Bradley Colliver
Referred by: From a Friend
From:
Time: 1999-06-26 23:39:46
Comments: With tears in my eyes I read of your son. With tears in my eyes I read of your sorrow. With tears in my eyes I wish these things didn't happen.. With tears in my eyes I welcome the day that they will not happen again. Thru your efforts may that day be soon!!! God be with you and yours!!!

Name: lissa
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: reston, va outside D.C.
Time: 1999-06-25 23:33:07
Comments: Your son's story deeply moved. It will help lots of people. SMYLE helps further the cause.

Name: Kristin
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Spokane, WA now living in Seattle
Time: 1999-06-24 07:05:12
Comments: Thank you for sharing your story. I am an opening gay woman, and I only wish my parents could be so supportive. You are a wonderful example. Thank you for sharing your love with the masses.

Name: Gary R. Buker
Website: NA
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Minn. USA
Time: 1999-06-24 03:00:00
Comments: HI, It sounds like Bill was special young man. You have my deepest sympathy in your great loss. May God Bless You. GRB

Name: Gary Perkinson
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Brooklyn, NY
Time: 1999-06-23 22:43:13
Comments: Ms. Clayton: I just read your son's story, and like many people, I was devastated by it. My sister-in-law and my best friend are both gay, and I have many gay friends and acquaintances, and I'd just like to commend you for turning something so awful into something positive, and for standing up to the ignorant, hateful cowards of this world. You and I will probably never see it, but I do believe that someday homosexuality will be understood and accepted. Until that day, however, please keep doing what you're doing, and please know that you, your son Bill and the rest of your family are in the hearts and prayers of many people around the world. Thank you.

Name: JR
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: NYC
Time: 1999-06-23 21:15:56
Comments: Dear Gabi, I want to thank you for the good work you do, for P-FLAG and more, because it really matters so much to a lot of people from all perspectives. As a young kid that age I nearly took my own life with a gun and it was just luck it didn't go off. As you know, all kids, especially boys, go through that dangerous period when emotions are all so black and white. And of course for some kids it's worse. Also, I lost my own lover to aids just four weeks after you lost Bill. Four years is nothing, I know, except that you can function better, and the good memories push their way forward more and are sweet to have. I'm glad I learned about your beautiful child. I'm sure he'd be very proud of you. Best wishes, -J

Name: Debbie
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Canada
Time: 1999-06-23 08:57:50
Comments: I just wanted to say that I feel for you and your family. Bill seemed like a very stong, generous person. My brother is openly gay, and although I know it is hard for him...he has the support he needs, and luckily he has overcome the ruthless hate coming at him so far in his life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Name: Lisa
Website: Are you a Missing Kid? Are you sure?
Referred by: Viewing another Guestbook
From: Iowa
Time: 1999-06-23 08:56:40
Comments: I too am bi sexual, but still with one foot in the closet. It's hate crimes and homophobia that keeps that one foot of mine in the closet. Thank you for this site. (remove NOSPAM to email)

Name: ray self
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: richmond va
Time: 1999-06-23 08:54:43
Comments: our loss.keep his dream alive.

Name: Adam
Website: Adam's Dimension
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Iowa
Time: 1999-06-22 22:11:25
Comments: Gabi, reading ur site was very difficult for me to do. I am saddened that the fears, phobias and bigotries of society drove Bill to his death. As a young gay man I have found it hard in this world to find a place to feel safe and it is very important that we end such travesties from taking place. Ur son is an inspiration for us all and I hope that from his death that we can spawn change that encompasses love not hate. God created us as individuals.....may we hope that our individuality in the end will not be stamped out by those who have closed minds. Thank you for this wonderful site. Adam

Name: Thomas Schild
Website: Tom's private place
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Bavaria in Germany
Time: 1999-06-22 21:02:32
Comments: thank you so much for this story. I never knew your son and if not a good friend would have told me about this page I still wouldn't know him.

Name: Toggy
Website: Radio Toggy
Referred by: From a Friend
From: California
Time: 1999-06-22 20:24:46
Comments: Where does all this hate come from??? Why are ppl so scared of someone who is different? I cant figure it out. I dont know what I am yet, but part of me is freaked about exactly what Bill had to deal with. Bill seemed like one person who wasnt afraid to stand up to hate. So its really sad that without him here it will be that much harder for gay/bi/lesbian ppl to band together. Thanks for sharing ur website.

Name: Luke
Website: The Home of Jonah and Rocketrunner
Referred by: From a Friend
From: UK
Time: 1999-06-22 20:01:37
Comments: Hello, thanx 4 ur page but it made me angry that ppl think they can pick on gay kids jes bcos they r gay and make them do what they want. and also why do ppl hate gays etc bcos they are religious, god doesnt say hate ppl. Its hard 4 me 2 read ur page about Bill but I m glad u made it, mayb ppl will see how stupid they are to hate sum1 jes bcos they r gay or bi or whatever. I havent told my parents yet but I prolly will and when i do I hope they r as kewl as u. from Luke

Name: Dan Thornhill
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Urbana, IL
Time: 1999-06-22 18:18:35
Comments: Mrs. Clayton, After reading the page on your son Bill I can say that I was extremely lucky. I too was out in my high school and I did have a couple of skermishes, but it never was never anything as serious as what happened to your son. By maintaining this web page you have assured that Bill will be remembered not only by you and yours, but by others across the country. Best Wishes and Much Support, Dan Thornhill, Urbana, Illinois

Name: Andrew
Website: Kids-in-Crisis - Online Resources Site
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Florida
Time: 1999-06-22 14:38:37
Comments: Gabi, I am so touched by Bills' Story and the site which you have obviously put much thought and effort into. I am going to add a link on my site, Kids-in-Crisis, which is an online resources site for kids and teens, boys and girls, who are having difficult life problems or questions and who don't know how and where to turn for help and answers. You may find the links on both the "Abuse" and the "I am, or think I may be, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender" pages. You may find them at: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Bluffs/5400 Thank you for all you hard work! May your Bill's memory be a blessing to you always!

Name: strangekindaboy
Website: Eyeholes in a Paper Bag : A Placebo Website
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Ohio
Time: 1999-06-21 06:22:20
Comments: This was a very touching story. I'm sorry about what happened to Bill.

Name: Allan Colton
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Florida
Time: 1999-06-20 22:06:27
Comments: God bless you, Mrs. Clayton for sharing your heartbreak with us all. No doubt it was a difficult undertaking, but it is clear that it was done with tremendous love...not only for your Bill, but for others who face the same problems. Thank you for opening your heart.

Name: jeroen
Website: Mekkie Homepage II
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Holland
Time: 1999-06-20 12:31:07
Comments: Great page. I'm sorry. Jeroen.

Name: china
Referred by: Net Search
From: California
Time: 1999-06-19 21:13:37
Comments: Gabi, I am very sorry the lost of your son in 1995. I feel the people should not judge people about their sexual orientation. Everyone is a human being no matter what sexual preferances they might be. I had read your story about your son Bill it had touch me deeply. Since, I had read your story I will never forget about Bill. I know I did not know him personal ....but in my heart I feel like I do.

Name: Gary
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Memphis
Time: 1999-06-19 02:27:35
Comments: Surfed from ETC Mag >>> Atlanta Gay Guide >>> GA GLB Directory. Have just moved back to Hot-lanta from Memphis. This is the 4th time living here... but most of the folks I knew B4 are gone ... or put away! I work for IBM Global Services and am looking for friends who are looking for friends to go to movies, theatre, parks, concerts, etc., and generally enjoy each day as it comes. If you're interested, gimme a call @ 770-444-3223 or drop me a line via e-mail. Enjoyed your site!!

Name: Maverick401
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From:
Time: 1999-06-18 18:46:20
Comments: Noticed your picture and decided to check out your homepage. Thanks for the story about Bill. I am truly sorry. Many people are pigs. I don't have a homepage but do visit WBS often. See you there. http://homepages.go.com/~maverick401/Rodney.jpg

Name: Guy Drumm
Website: Honor Diversity
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Maine
Time: 1999-06-14 03:07:45
Comments: Hello Gabi, You have a nice site, which is very informative to me. I can only wish that you had not had to endure such a tragedy, but must alyou seem to be coping, and helping others cope! Blessed be! Guy

Name: lizzy
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: England
Time: 1999-06-11 16:07:17
Comments: Reading Bills story has made me more and more determined to fight the hate that exists in this world! Tears cannot being Bill back, but my tears are flowing.....

Name: Jane A. Heath
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Olympia, WA
Time: 1999-06-11 01:15:37
Comments: Hi Gabi, Just wanted to let you know that I saw your site. I am very interested in conducting an interview with you and originally planned to publish it in the Capital Q. Unfortunately, I am struggling within myself. As you already know my plate is full of PRIDE EVENT stuff and there has been some controversy on a personal level and I am uncertain about writing for the Capital Q. I'm sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you. I want to get together with you but I think for now it would be best to wait until I am through with all of the Pride events. I do hope you understand. Sincerely, Jane A. Heath PO Box 11005, Olympia, Wa.98508-1005 PH:866-2992 :)

Name: Kaelyn
Website:
Referred by: Net Search
From: sydney
Time: 1999-06-10 10:50:13
Comments: dear Gabi Clayton, i'm sorry about your son's death. He died three years ago, but what he must have had felt will still exist. In people like me, for instance. i have never been attacked by hate crimes before. i dare not come out. i don't even know if there is cause to come out. this is probably a basic case of identity crisis. but the depression, suicidal thoughts, sexual dis/orientation, whatever it is called. i think i may be experiencing it. please, if you have some time, reply to me and aid me in some way. thank you. your site is wonderful. i especially love Bill's painting, 'hold back the dawn'.

Name: Cilantra
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: California
Time: 1999-06-09 23:40:29
Comments: I read "Bill's Story" and I am very sorry to see someone lose so much. Your son seemed like he was a beautiful person and he was very lucky to have two understanding parents such as you and your husband, Alec. Hopefully others will read this and understand how much it hurts others. Education and tolerance is the only way we can heal and prevent tragedies like this from happening to other people. You are a brave woman for openly sharing such a private and painful part of your life.

Name: Akari
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Singapore
Time: 1999-06-09 08:19:29
Comments: I'm saddened that this actually had to happen in real life. I know how sad you must be to lose your son in such a circumstance. I feel that our society is too rigid and still cannot accept people being "different". Anyway, what is considered "normal"? I think alot of people should reconsider other people's standings before taking any discriminatory action against those people they think are "abnormal". After all, are they "normal" themselves? I wish we all wouldn't have to be in a mould to grow up that way like everybody else. Bill was special in his own way. I only wished he was strong enough to fight on about his own identity. Then maybe other people will wake up and think again about this increasing situation. It was unfortunate that he gave up. I know it's hard. I probably would have chose to die too....I don't know. All we can do now is to pray for the others who are in Bill's shoes right now.

Name: kel
Website: kel's place
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: BAHAMAS
Time: 1999-06-09 08:15:47
Comments: nice homepage! I really enjoyed my visit and keep up the good work.

Name: lenny
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: PA
Time: 1999-06-09 04:01:55
Comments: for my 20th time reading Bill's story,i cried again.

Name: steffany
Website: the daily grind
Referred by: Net Search
From: California
Time: 1999-06-08 01:13:00
Comments: I am a college student doing a research paper on suicide, the contributing factors, and the toll it takes on the family. Not only did bill's story draw a few tears, it really does show you the level of hate, that is still in our country, and that everything is not getting better. We still have a lot of work to do.

Name: Julaine Beatty
Referred by: Net Search
From: California/Florida/Montana/
Time: 1999-06-07 23:47:08
Comments: I'm so sorry about your son. You have done a very positive thing with your website-alltogether. It is very informative and has been put together well. I hope that many people see your site and take the time to educate themselves. Best wishes.

Name: D. Pleiman
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Seattle
Time: 1999-06-06 21:40:42
Comments: Thank you for sharing your story. It was poignant and had me in tears. I wish other gay and lesbian youth had parents as supportive and wonderful as you.

Name: Vital de Carvalho
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Sao Paulo, Brazil
Time: 1999-06-06 17:06:13
Comments: I'd like to say how sad I became after reading your story. My congratulations for having the courage to write all this down - I'll remmember it when I feel sad by being segregated...

Name: Susan Worsley
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From:
Time: 1999-06-06 17:03:22
Comments: I am a student who is writing a paper on Hate crimes. It saddened me greatly to read of your loss.

Name: Travis
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Connecticut
Time: 1999-06-06 14:07:46
Comments: Your sad story about Bill really touched my heart. He was a very loving man it seems and didn't deserve it. You have to remember even though he died all of the great times you had with him. A new person is born ever time someone dies. I'm sure that he will be watching over you in Heaven. Love to you and all your family, Travis D.

Name: Julie
Referred by: From a Friend
From: brisbane, Qld, Australia
Time: 1999-06-06 08:22:10
Comments: A very powerful and moving story, you have my love and support.

Name: John
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: SC
Time: 1999-06-04 06:55:27
Comments: Hello, sorry for your loss, On April 1st 1998, my friend, my best friend, killed himself,he could not deal with being gay. His family accepted it , but he could not. I was last person he talked to. I am still dealing with it . Thinking I could have done something. They say it will get better, but it doesn't. maybe someday. now he is resting , in a better place. I MISS you buddy, I still love you , John

Name: kristie
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: missouri
Time: 1999-06-03 19:17:11
Comments: i loved the tribute with the twigs and bonfire, what a great idea. my best friend is gay and sometimes i worry that something could happen to him with all the "rednecks" in the world. keep the faith.sending my love on the wings of a dove,kristie

Name: Sharon Larsen
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Pierre, SD
Time: 1999-06-03 18:24:27
Comments: What a wonderful tribute to your awesome son!

Name: Melissa N. Foltz
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Orient, Ohio
Time: 1999-06-03 15:46:37
Comments: I cannot tell you I know what you are going through because I don't and I can't tell you that everything will be okay because it won't unless people stop the hate towards others. I do appreciate your strength for putting Billy's story on the net. Thanks for the story, Love for strength, and smilies for the memories that you have of Billy. Melissa Nicole Foltz a.k.a. Sammy

Name: Gabi
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Poland
Time: 1999-06-03 12:18:27
Comments: greetings from windy Poland

Name: Jason H.
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Colorado
Time: 1999-06-02 08:52:37
Comments: Gabi, I pretty much explained everything in my way-too-long e-mail. I just have to add, may one day hate be destroyed from the world and more caring people come into it. ------for every 10 hateful people born into the world, only one caring person is born, so I reckon...But just remember, good always wins over evil... -unknown

Name: Howard Benson
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From:
Time: 1999-06-02 01:16:31
Comments: please call bbc radio in london if you get this before 9pm est tuesday we are doing phone prog abt hate crime 011 44 181 624 9507

Name: Jo Taylor
Website: solsTCCe's homepage
Referred by: From a Friend
From: New Zealand
Time: 1999-06-02 00:08:12
Comments: wow i have just read your homepage and am hoping you will come and guest for us in Talkcity where i am a host..I am just blown away by the page and especially by your sons story , I am a mum with 5 Children all are are true individuals and i have encouraged that and allowed them to be their own people, one of them is bisexual and open about it. I am just so pleased i live in New Zealand where we dont have to toerate the racism that seems to prevail in bigger countries .Your story is warm and loving and i admire your courage and understanding ..Please come guest for us, we would love to have you ... Bright Blessings ;) With your E's and your ease and I do much more need a lip gloss boost in your America is it God's is it yours sweet saliva with your E's and your ease and I do one more I know we're dying and there's no sign of a parachute we scream in cathedrals why can't it be beautiful why does there gotta be a sacrifice just say yes you little arsonist you're so sure you can save every hair on my chest just say yes you little arsonist with your E's and your ease and I do one more well I know we're dying and there's no sign of a parachute in this chapel little chapel of love can't we get a little grace and some elegance no we scream in cathedrals why can't it be beautiful why does there gotta be a sacrifice just say yes you little arsonist with your E's and your ease and I do one more well I know we're dying and there's no sign of a parachute in this chapel little chapel of love can't we get a little grace and some elegance no we scream in cathedrals why can't it be beautiful why does there gotta be a sacrifice

Name: curt
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: erie, PA
Time: 1999-06-01 22:30:44
Comments: I am so sorry for your loss. I just wanted to say that after reading your story I am amazed at your strength and courage and want to thank you for your efforts in making life better for all of us. It's nice to see there's some wonderful people like you on the net.

Name: Alex
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: California, India, U.K, Australia (The planet in short.)
Time: 1999-06-01 22:17:17
Comments: I deeply touched by bills story, may he rest in peace. and you are one amazing mom. The hate will end. ONE DAY.

Name: Mike Allen
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Detroit, Michigan
Time: 1999-06-01 18:27:27
Comments: What a sad story. I couldn't help but cry. This goes to show that we should all be working to combat hate crimes.

Name: Kate Fogle
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Sacramento, CA
Time: 1999-05-31 18:01:21
Comments: Thank you for allowing the California Child, Youth & Family Coalition to publish a copy of Bill's painting in our youth-written policy paper on discrimination based on gender and/or orientation. If you would like to receive a copy of the publication, just e-mail your address. I will, of course, keep it confidential. Kate

Name: Chad Lupkes
Website: .sex - putting internet pornography in its place
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Lynnwood, Washington
Time: 1999-05-30 20:34:07
Comments: Hi! If you remember your PFLAG history, I'm the one who started the Everett/Snohomish County Chapter. I'm now working on getting a new top level domain name created to put Internet Pornography in its place. Please contact me, I'm kind of reving my engine without a good direction.

Name: Dwight D. Sizemore
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: San Diego, CA
Time: 1999-05-30 19:46:55
Comments: I can't hardly type in what i want to say, because of the tears. I cann't understand the hate at all, i wished that i could have known him. i am a 27 yr GM my family doesn't know about me when i was a teenager i was abused by other class mates that thought i was gay,sexually assaulted by men i never told anyone at 17 yrs. old i tried to kill myself, but i didn't suceed.I got married at 19 thought my homosexuality would go away, but it never did. A divorced followed in Jan.97, see i had no one to talk to my mother died in Aug.1991 she never knew i never told her and as far as i know the rest of my family does n't know so i moved over 2600 miles away from my family.How sad it is to know they must never know about me, or i would be totally rejected. So your son was so brave thank you for being understanding parents i never had that in my life. Your son wasn't a boy he was a MAN.

Name: Carl
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Dallas
Time: 1999-05-30 03:02:56
Comments: I wish Bill could have seen there are places that would have accepted him. It is true that hate is everywhere but in numbers we can help shield each other from it. I'm gay and know the hard times I went through at that age. I only with I had parents that I could have talked with at a young age. He was lucky to have the home that was his safe haven.

Name: Carla Peebles
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Austin, Texas & Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Time: 1999-05-28 19:55:18
Comments: My words are inadequate to say "I'm sorry." So I wonīt. I have never been a joiner-- I'm essentially one of those people that prefers to be on the outside of things; by virtue of that, I have never been an activist. It would have required that I deal with people. Your story and your sonīs has made me ashamed of that, that I have not tried to build a better world, one safer for your son, my neightbors and freinds, the people I do not know, and even myself.

Name: craig myers
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: ft. wayne , Indiana
Time: 1999-05-28 18:10:11
Comments: Growing up in Indiana, and growing up gay, I had faced some of the difficult obsticles that your son Bill faced ( discrimination, hate crimes, violence, fear, fear,fear). Your story is very moving, and my hope extends to you and your family. Thanks craig

Name: Joel O'Connor
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Australian living in London
Time: 1999-05-28 14:49:48
Comments: Its ironic that the term for a same sex relationship is "Gay" Thankyou for doing your bit to heal the world .It needs it. When angles like your son suffer as they do all over the world for the same reason. I know as it has happened to me. I understand Bills tears. He was a very lucky boy to have such a loving and supportive family. Strength, respect and love ...Joel

Name: Steve
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Illinois
Time: 1999-05-28 14:34:01
Comments: Wow. I have just read Bill's story and I am in tears. His story brought me to realize just how lucky I am. I am 17 and in high school, just like Bill was when he moved on. His story sounds too much like my own (being jumped, hospitalization, battling a homophobic town, being suicidal, etc.). I have been out to my town now since I was a sophomore. I had some really bad days, but you know what?? The good days are ten times as strong as the bad ones. They can never get to me. Never. I am a survivor.

Name: Ellie
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Missouri
Time: 1999-05-28 04:28:58
Comments: Thank you so much for your wonderful ability to continue to enlighten us. I found your page while searching out material for a paper that I am writing to advocate legislation against hate crimes targeting the gay and lesbian community. This emotional event made it a lot easier to take a stand against this type of crime. Although my own son and daughter are straight they have found a reason, when confronted, to take up for lifelong friends who are not. I was proud that they chose to take that stand in our small community. This site was a much needed education to this straight person and you are an inpiration to strength and truth.

Name: M. E. Wernette, RN
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Houston, Tx
Time: 1999-05-27 06:19:46
Comments: As a gay man that came out at the age of 31, I am moved by the strength and courage that Bill had at such a young age. I am also a pagan and was moved that you respected his believes at his funeral. Thank you for sharing his story.

Name: Ofer
Website:
Referred by: Net Search
From: Israel
Time: 1999-05-26 21:44:03
Comments: I'm 16 y/o bisexual guy, and I just wanted to say that Bill's story really moved me, and I'm glad that you're perserving his memory, and helping people understand. Thank you.

Name: Peter Simpson
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Boston, MA
Time: 1999-05-26 21:07:37
Comments: Gabi, Alec, Noel, Catherine and Sam - I was moved by your FAMILY's tribute site to Bill. After reading "Bill's Story," I immediately printed up a copy and forwarded it to Keith Dupuis, a former Diversity Leadership Council Chairperson at BankBoston Corporation where I work. Perhaps the best way to show you my appreciation is to cut and paste the dialogue which occurred post-distribution. Much love and strength to you, and MANY thanks. It is people like you that help me overcome the ignorance, fear and hate I encounter almost everyday. Peter *HERE IT IS*: It left me speechless, Peter. Thank you so much for passing it along. Have you circulated it to other people in the law office? I know DLC members would appreciate it. Thank you. Keith *MY REPLY TO KEITH*: Yeah, I'm wiping tears right now, actually. I think you might recall that I've lost two friends to suicides widely regarded as gay-related. I often wish my friends Bobby and Greg could have joined me in getting past the hopelessness. Their deaths will always haunt me and cause me heartache, despite the separation caused by years. They, like Bill, may be gone, but certainly only in body; I'll remember their goodness always and THIS will be their legacy. Please DO distribute to the DLC. Gabi is truly an inspiration and a role model for a soul in many ways - in particular, to parents (when my younger brother slit his wrists in high school, during the beginning of his coming out, my father found out and beat him up). I admire her immensely based on this printout alone. I knew you would appreciate it. Please allow me to offer my ear if at any time you need to talk about anything, Keith. Though we don't interact too often, i do feel a brotherhood with you and Patrick. I'm a means of support for you. Hope you are well. P

Name: Anna Whalley
Referred by: Net Search
From: Memphis, TN
Time: 1999-05-26 16:07:37
Comments: I found your page while looking for material to lead a discussion on Hate Crimes. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am sorry that I will never get to meet Bill. He sounds like an exceptional man.

Name: Monica
Referred by: Net Search
From:
Time: 1999-05-25 20:10:39
Comments: I support you and wish you good luck although the wound will always stay forever!!! Don't give up on life!!! Because someone is up there, watching for you...

Name: Terrell Williams
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: North Carolina
Time: 1999-05-25 18:15:20
Comments: I am interested in what happened to your son. A lot of my friends are bisexual and I didn't think that being that way was as dangerous as it is. I would like to be in touch with you.

Name: Robin Achterhof
Website: kierrah's guest spot
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Michigan
Time: 1999-05-25 08:30:04
Comments: I am a regular at Out in the Open with Kimmie, and that is how I found your site. I can't tell you how this page has touched me. I know Bill is watching, and smiling down on you from heaven. You are truly special to be taking the stands that you have taken, and if your words change something in the heart of one person, then all your effort will be worth it. I am a firm believer in karma, and I know the boys that hurt him will be punished more than any judge could punish them. We need more people like you in our world. I am already on your side, there is no need to convince me, but sometimes you need that extra push to speak your mind and withstand yet another debate about homosexuality. You have given me my extra push, and I'll be ready to be the bulldog that I am, if the situation arises. God bless you and your family, Love Robin

Name: Isaac
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Olympia Washington
Time: 1999-05-25 05:29:53
Comments: This was a very moveing story for me because i go to oly high and am Gay.thank you for this story i think it will bring light to many people.

Name: Richard L. Beattie
Website: Ric's Cyber Sanctuary
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Michigan
Time: 1999-05-24 14:19:03
Comments: I read so much of my own story on your page about your son's suicide. Thank you for publishing it. I belong to a citizens circle here in metro Detroit Michigan that is working to end hate crimes. Citizens circles grow out of a new organization called the Global Renaissance Alliance http://www.renaissancealliance.org Thank you for your courage, Love & light Ric

Name: Gabi
Website: An index of all the Responses to Bill's Story, and other related pages...
Referred by: Tripod
From: Olympia, WA
Time: 1999-05-24 00:12:25
Comments: This new guestbook was started on 5/23/99. I have a webpage with links to all the response pages, many other guestbook pages, and the pages related to "Bill's Story" -- see the link above. There is a limit to the size of entries, so if you have a lot to say it may cut off a part. You can send me a response in e-mail and ask me to post it on the Response pages if you wish. Thank you for visiting my website, for taking the time to respond, and for all your support. Love, Gabi