Name: Hollis
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Time: 1999-11-26 01:04:54
Comments: Thank you for the touching story. I am very sorry for your loss. I am certain that your son no longer suffers and that he is still with you in spirit. When I was 16 I shot myself, but luckily I was spared. I hid my homosexual feelings due to guilt and shame. This only lead to severe depression and a loss of hope. Years later I finally came out of the closet. My family disowned me for 2 years, but I maintained my true identity. Finally, I am rebuilding a relationship with my family and I know in my heart that God made me this way and he loves me for who I am, NOT for who the Christian Right expect me to be!!!!! Thank you again for your strength and courage. Best wishes! Hollis

Name: Brad
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Ontario, Canada
Time: 1999-11-25 06:30:57
Comments: Hi Gabi. WONDERFUL tribute to a WONDERFUL person. I know you must miss Bill terribly. Do you remember me? Drop me an e-mail sometime. (HUGS) Brad.

Name: Ian David Curry
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: London, England
Time: 1999-11-25 04:14:21
Comments: I think your page is one of the most moving things I have ever read over the internet. The atmosphere of intolerance in your home town is almost unbelievable, espeically when contrasted with the degree of relative tolerance that exists here in Britain, and indeed across the European Union. I think that the work that you are doing to further awareness, to further the feeling that the victims of these crimes are just people, is extremely valuable. Thank you for making so tragic a story available to a wider audience lest we never forget the advantages we have.

Name: Rebekah Ackermann
Referred by: AOL
From: Olympia
Time: 1999-11-24 21:16:32
Comments: I went to High School with Bill and when I was a freshman, I dated a good friend of his named Gabe Connon. Bill and I had only talked a handful of times, but I remember seeing him and always receiving such a great smile from him. He was always very pleasant and always had time to talk to me!I went to his funeral and was very moved by the ceremony. He was a very sweet guy. I just wanted you to know that I still think about him, he will always be in my mind and I only wished I would have gotten to know him better. Please Take Care Happy Thanksgiving :>

Name: Min
Referred by: Yahoo!
From:
Time: 1999-11-24 15:32:59
Comments: Thank you for sharing the story of your son. As a friend to a bisexual male who has been moved around from one abusive school to another, I would like to thank you for showing him he is not alone in this world. I am a 15 year old girl and have not came out yet am very afrraid to. Thank you again.

Name: Troy Garner
Website: Troy's Gay Life Webpage
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Seattle, Wa
Time: 1999-11-24 07:38:07
Comments: I am a 27 year old gay man. I happened upon your web page about 2 1/2 years ago when I first came out to myself. I was still in the military serving near Augusta, GA at the time. I cried for 2 hours after I read Bill's Story. I have never been physically harmed, but I have been shunned and had nasty things said about me. I was almost kicked out of the military for being gay so I purposely failed a physical readiness test and got administratively discharged a little over a year ago. I did not want to be kicked out because I am gay and further that absurd "Don't ask Don't tell" policy. It was the fear that drove me out of the military. I felt like a criminal, just waiting for the day that I would be caught and drummed out of the military. I thouroughly enjoyed the miltary, why else would I have spent 7 years in? I came across Bill's story again just yesterday and the tears came back again. There were tears of sadness, but most of the tears were tears of rage. I cannot believe that the amendment to the Hate crimes bill was taken out. I can't believe that those Congressmen/women sat there and listened to Dennis and Judy Sheppard and most of the City of Laramie's top police officials tell about Mathew's last days on earth and voted to take the bill out! You would think that just hearing about one such instance would be enough! I have seen another web page similiar to yours, from another Mother who lost a son to teen suicide. Robbie Kirkland's story is very similiar to your son's. I would like to link that page and your son's page to mine. I want anyone who see's my page to know the danger. Well, again thankyou for telling your son's story. Troy Garner

Name: Jon Haley Jr.
Website: The Westborough Journal
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Westborough, MA 30 miles west of Boston
Time: 1999-11-24 06:08:17
Comments: The Clayton Family, My heart goes out to you!!! My birthday is on Bill's Jan 23, 1955. I will always remember Bill on my Birthday. No mater how many of little I have. I want to help this cause and live a happy life with no homophobia. I was only gay bashed in High School. My collar bone was broken my a bully football palyert. The sad part was the guy was the son of my dads boss and neither him or the guy ever came to the hospital to se if I was okay or say he was sorry. The guy eventuaually died of an heart attack this past year without ever saying that he wa sorry for what he did to me. After I came back to school he continued to bother me and tried to push drugs to me in class at Westbororough High He never suceeeded. My heart goes out to you Jon

Name: Sindre Andreas Nilsen
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Sioux Falls/Norway
Time: 1999-11-24 01:31:52
Comments: Dear Mr. & Mrs. Clayton, I am a 19 yeat old gay college student from Norway attending college in the US. I want to express my deepest condolences fro the loss of your son. I found your replections very touching and I grew up with some similarities to your late son's personal experiences in his teens. Homophobia excists everywhere. It's left to you, the partents, friends, neighbours, to fight the good fight with us, the gay, lesbian, bisexual etc. teenagers and adults. Your releflections doing exactly that. Fighting with words in a quiet and dignified story of your child. I so wish that your son and I and all queer teenagers could have grown up in a more acceptive society... Until that day all we can do is join together and stand strong Yours Sincerely Sindre Andreas Nislen

Name: Jon Haley Jr.
Website: The Westborough Journal
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Westborough, MA 01581
Time: 1999-11-23 23:22:22
Comments: Dear Mr & Mrs. Clayton, I have included your son's story on my frontpage of "The Westborough Journal" on-line. I am a 44 year old gay man who has just begun to come out in 1991. I was contenplating suicide that spring in Rockport Mass. If it was not for a group of teenagers that climbed the rocks and made small talk with me till I was safe, I would not be here today. Even today my Dad denies my being gay plus bipolar-manic/depressive. I am going to weekly therapy in Salem, M . I even called the crisis center this sunday and I am up at this weird hour....1:56AM because I can not sleep. Ijust hope people will read our stories to help our young people. I will pray for your son Bill and you family this Thanksgiving. To the outside world I am completely functional and it is what is so dangerous about our situation. Sincerely, Jon Haley

Name: Tiffany
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Hawaii
Time: 1999-11-23 22:55:29
Comments: Bill's story was very touching. I think that every story, and every bit of information put out into the public can help stop hate crimes. Thank you for your honesty.

Name: Micki Thompson
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Charlotte, North Carolina
Time: 1999-11-23 20:42:23
Comments: At 30 years old and only out as a lesbian to one (non-supportive)parent for the past year, and totally unable to communicate on any level with the other, I read Bill's story with tears of pain and love for you and your family. People like you are what all gay, lesbian, and bi children and adults would wish to have in their lives. Keep up the fight, and know that your message is important, for those of us with no family are eternally grateful! Love to you all! Thank you!!

Name: crystal anderson
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: georgia
Time: 1999-11-23 18:11:45
Comments: i think you had a very cute son and im sorry he did what he did well 3 years ago my bestfriend blew his brains out right in front of me befor i could ge t the gun away from him

Name: Sarah
Website: Azsyiah's World
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Florida
Time: 1999-11-23 17:54:12
Comments: This is a beautiful page of dedication and respect towards your son Bill. I pray you to keep him alive in your thoughts and his spirit in your hearts. Much respect, courage, and endless of love....:o)

Name: Troy Garner
Website: Troy's Gay Life HomePage
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Seattle, WA
Time: 1999-11-23 17:24:44
Comments: I stumbled on this page a 2 and a half years ago when I first admitted to myself that I am gay. I had just gotten over a severe pre coming out depression. I read Bill's Story and I cried for 2 hours. I just couldn't believe such a gifted boy was gone simply because he was bisexual. I was still in the military at the time, so I was pretty worried about my own safety and career. Your son's story steeled my resolve to be who I am no matter what. I am glad you have made this page. Please allow me to put a link to it on my web page. Have you ever heard of Bobbie Kirkland? His story is very similiar to your son's. Thank you ever so much, Troy Garner

Name: jaimie
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: california
Time: 1999-11-23 13:16:00
Comments: Reading your story has brought tearrs to my eyes. I'm doing presentations at the present time to help the youth with those same types of problems. Thank you for your story. My prayers will be with you.

Name: Murphy
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Gig Harbor
Time: 1999-11-23 12:18:13
Comments: Thankyou for sharing Bill with us.

Name: Matt
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Baltimore/San Francisco
Time: 1999-11-22 01:47:43
Comments: Your son did not die in vain. Keep the struggle alive. Never stop fighting for whats right.Peace and Blessings

Name: Jillian Carson
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: New Jersey
Time: 1999-11-21 16:26:06
Comments: My sincerest condolences. I have been harrassed in direct relation to my sexual preference also. Just wanted to tell yal to keep fighting. Keep the pride.

Name: Mark
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From:
Time: 1999-11-21 12:25:20
Comments: You are a very brave person. Me being only 13 i surfed into this site because my own life seems to be overrun with hate. This world is not perfect we all know, we are always going to have to come against the evils of prejudice. What happened to Bill appalled me, yet amazed me. Being fairly new into the world i have seem rare cases of bravery such as you and your family have gone through. God bless all of you

Name: Jim Stoops
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Danbury, Connecticut
Time: 1999-11-21 06:32:31
Comments: It is scary that as we approach the new millenium this much hate and ignorance still prevails in our society today! I recently came out at a very late age and have experienced some ingnornat vernal assaults vut nothing as compared to your son's attack. My his death never be in vain and thank you for your fight! Jim

Name: Dan Roberts
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Greensburg, Indiana
Time: 1999-11-20 19:23:52
Comments: Dear Gabi...Bills story truly touched my heart..It brought back memories of growing up gay...even before I knew. The world will hopefully someday become a friendly place, until then, we, as a family of friends, must stick together and pray for the peace we deserve. My heart goes out to you.

Name: Vanessa
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: illinios
Time: 1999-11-19 11:24:00
Comments: Dear Gabi, My prayers are with you. I am not against people who are gay I think it is there own choice. What was done to your son was very mean. I am truly sorry.

Name: Kevin
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Johannesburg, South Africa
Time: 1999-11-19 00:09:09
Comments: I know how your son felt, not as bad for me, but also went through stages wishing I was dead. Society can be so cruel. My psychologist said there are two laws on this earth. Human's Law which is Judge, Criticise, Unforgiveness and Rejection. The second law is God's Law which is forgiveness, understanding, acceptance and love. The world would be a better place if we all lived by God's Law. My sincerist condolences to you.

Name: Melinda
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From:
Time: 1999-11-18 21:13:52
Comments: I'm sorry- I messed up on my prior entry. Here is my address- feel free to contact me if you need a friend. God bless you and Happy Thanksgiving

Name: Stephanie
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Chicago,Illinois
Time: 1999-11-18 18:49:24
Comments: Gabi, My name is Stephanie.I am 18 years old. I found Bill's Story as I was surfing the web. I am doing a report for school on hate crime. As I read your story I couldn't help but cry. I was touched by this in so many ways. This story really helped me realize and understand what's out in this crazy world today. I envy how strong you and your family have been starting from day1. I will never forget your story that you have so kindly shared. Billy,you and your family will be in my prayers. You have touched so many hearts and souls, and will continue to. Thank you for sharing you story with me. Happy Holiday Sincerely, Stephanie Rose. (Thanks again)

Name: crystal
Referred by: Yahoo!
From:
Time: 1999-11-18 16:36:21
Comments: Your son was very lucky to have such a strong family support system. I know that it took a lot of courage and strength to put all of what you were feeling into words, and I'm glad that you have. I know that your son is thankful for the understanding that you have shown to him. If only we could all get over each others differences and realize that we all have something about ourselves that not everyone appreciates, but, there is no reason to hate each other for it. We need to accept each other as humans-not perfect beings and not cookie cutter images of each other. Thank you for your site and thank you Bill for your courage. Crystal

Name: Natalie
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Utah
Time: 1999-11-18 14:38:53
Comments: I just want to thankyou for sharing your story. It starts with making people aware!!!

Name: Chandos
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Illinois
Time: 1999-11-18 14:26:20
Comments: Your family is in my heart and in my prayers. Nobody should every have to endure what you went through.

Name: Becky
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Elk River MN
Time: 1999-11-18 12:38:31
Comments: I, because of my religion, don't I guess you could say agree with homosexuality, but I believe in peace and love and feel for Bill and his family. No matter what sexual orientation he was he didn't deserve to be hated and forced to be suicidal. I am writing a research paper on hate groups and hate crimes not being allowed no matter what the constituation states and I thank you for this because maybe this story will help me prove my point.

Name: shawn
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From:
Time: 1999-11-18 11:50:50
Comments: i'm a gay 22 year old and i'm verry sorry about your son he will be love from Springfield Missouri's gay commounity. Shawn

Name: David
Referred by: AOL
From: Lubbock, TX
Time: 1999-11-17 16:30:09
Comments: I am so very, very sorry for your loss. I am 21 years old, and just came out about 6 months ago. I realize all the time how lucky I am to have the support from friends that I have had. I can not imagine what state I would be in without that support. It had just gotten to the point where I could bear the weight alone no longer, and my friends, especially my twin sister who I feel closer now to than ever before, have been more of a blessing than they can ever know. I can not imagine going through this alone. May God bless you for being willing to share Bill's story. I know he is pleased with you, and we all know that he is in a much happier place now, free from the hypocrisy of this world.

Name: jason
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: cleveland ohio
Time: 1999-11-17 10:22:18
Comments: that was a very sad story

Name: Michelle S.
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Saskatchewan, Canada
Time: 1999-11-15 20:12:12
Comments: I am so sorry for your loss. You have a wonderful inner strength to be able to share your story... through your efforts, you WILL make change. Thank you.

Name: sherry mays
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: ohio
Time: 1999-11-15 17:31:00
Comments: you have a great website and i am glad there is someone like you on our side i am so sorry about your son there is so many angry people today towards gay and lesbians. sherry our prays are with you and your family

Name: A sympathetic and understanding somebody
Referred by: Tripod
From:
Time: 1999-11-15 08:56:13
Comments: I'm so sorry for your loss. As a Black woman I somewhat understand the discrimination that Bill felt. And as a rape survivor I know the anguish that Bill felt as well. your story was wonderful and well written . I commend you for having the courage to tell his story. i have one peice of advice to you: don't blaim yourself. IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT.I prey that you win the battle that you've been fighting and thank you for the touching story.

Name: maryann krieglstein
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Glen Ellyn Ilinois
Time: 1999-11-14 08:54:46
Comments: Hate will continue as long as good people do nothing. Thanks for making your painful story public - Bill must be very proud. Joining you in the struggle for justice. Peace, Maryann

Name: m walker
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: new jersey
Time: 1999-11-13 21:58:54
Comments: thank you for the story

Name: Wayne Knisley
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Oceanside, Ca
Time: 1999-11-13 20:14:47
Comments: Hi.....um....I came across your memoriam to your son while doing research on hate crimes for my English class in college. I am a 34 y/o gay male who went through a very hard adolescent period during my high school years. I was out at school (graduate 1983), and there were moments that I was suicidal as well. I had never met the severity or the assault that your son went through and I can only feel relief for him that he no longer has to endure this life style any longer. I understand the pain and emptiness to not have a loved one here anylonger. I have had many friend die from AIDS, and either way, it still hurts the same. When I returned to college I made a vow that every term paper possible, I would write about gay issues. It is important for me, as a member of the gay community, to educate and assist fellow gays and those who don't even have a clue. In reading your story, I flashed back to my day at school, in the military, and even in the present, where being heckled and degraded is still a reality. There are times, even at my age, that it can get to be too much. But I realize that if I choose to quit, THEY win. THEY don't get that benefit. I am very sorry to have to read about your son in this circumstance. I hope you have found solace and know that there are millions of people fighting against hate crimes. I am one of them too!!

Name: Karsten
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Germany
Time: 1999-11-13 12:59:38
Comments: My Heart go's to you. Good save the soul from Billy.

Name: John Patrick Day
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Time: 1999-11-13 07:45:00
Comments: Gabi, I've been aware of your excellent site for a long time. I hadn't previously signed your guestbokk because I simply couldn't find the words to say what I wanted to say. Maybe I haven't yet. That's not just because of Bill's story, but also your own monumental courage. I don't have any children of my own, but one of my cousins dided at the age of six, and I saw what it did to my uncle and aunt. There is no loss like the loss of a child, however it happens. I'm not gay, and my religious opinions on the subject are pretty traditional. But I long ago learned these jhave to weighed against the much more important obligation to accept and respect evryone we meet, even those whom we might not like. I have several friends who are gay, however, and we've had a lot of honest and good conversations about these things. But I really have discovered how much I have to learn over the past year, and maybe that's why I held off writing you until now. One thing which I do share with Bill is clinical depression. mine came on much later in life, and for very different reasons. Being a teenager is ahrd enough without having the additional burdens he had to face. Reading his entire story, it wasn't just the prejudice against his sexuality, but also the idea some older gays had that any young gay is fair game - a thing I know girls have to live with, but which guys, gay or straight, aren't used to. I'm very sorry he committed suicide, and we can hope he would have recovered had he not done it. But, in the end, we're judged only as to whether we did our best. he seems to have tried, and that'll be all that will be required of him. I'm sure he's in good shape in his new life. In the meantime, the work you're doing is his greatest memorial. BTW I understand you'll be on TV this March. Although I doubt that our local stations will carry the program, we get Spokane's stations by cable, so if you learn when the program is being broadcast in Spokane, I'd like to know about it.

Name: Grace Huaman
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Los Angeles
Time: 1999-11-12 23:06:01
Comments: I am giving a speech about the need to include a sexual orientaion provision in hate crime laws and I came across your page. I was very moved, and inspired to get my message across urgently when I give my speech tomorrow. I will pass copies of this tribute to Bill to my classmates. God bless you. You have many supporters.

Name: Tatlin Bailey
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: West Orange, NJ
Time: 1999-11-12 18:28:29
Comments: I believe that people who hate, they really dont take the time to think because if a loved one is laying on a their death bed they dont ask if the donor is gay, lesbian or transgender or bisexual a life is a life , a organ is a organ and a person is a person in which God created all of them different and each with a important role. LOVE Tatlin , my heart is with all those who go through this it will be over soon*********

Name: Robert
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Austria
Time: 1999-11-12 16:10:44
Comments: Dear Gaby, Reading Bill's story has made me realize once again how much still needs to be done to make our world a nicer and safer place for all of us. Your loss cannot be measured by any means, just as your love for Bill cannot be taken away by anybody or anything. People like you will make a difference, for this fight is not over yet and you definitely are on the winning team. Love and all the best for you and your family - Robert

Name: keronie pinnock
Referred by: AOL
From: new york city
Time: 1999-11-12 10:28:13
Comments: I was doing a reserach paper for school on hate crimes in new york city and came upon this article about your son. I am truly sorry for your lost and i pray that god will contiue to give you the strenght to fight on . god be with you and your family always. god bless. your friend. keroni from new york city.

Name: Kara
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Buffalo, NY / Brooklyn, NY
Time: 1999-11-11 17:11:29
Comments: I have always been interested in stories such as these because they represent just how evil some people can be and to what lengths someone could be pushed. I grieve with you and your family and I am praying that you continue with your efforts. One day, this hatred will come to an end. Hopefully, we'll be alive to witness it. Thank you for sharing.

Name: Melissa
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: New York
Time: 1999-11-11 16:24:31
Comments: I am doing a research paper and came across your page and decide to read it. Thank you

Name: Daniel Noel
Referred by: AOL
From: Bay Area, California
Time: 1999-11-11 14:32:51
Comments: I was truly touched by your family's strength and courage. I am so sorry for your loss and I am grateful that you got to have time with such a wonderful young man. Be well.

Name: Heather
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Canada
Time: 1999-11-11 12:22:36
Comments: I'm including your son in a presentation i'm doing on homosexual and bisexual hate crimes. He may help to get the message through to at least a small amount of people. Making a diffrence is one step at a time. I'm a 18 year old bisexual that understands about what your son went through. It's hard to find someone to turn to because few people really understand. I'm blessed to have the friends I do because the majority accept me for who I am and many have been able to come out with their sexuality because i was vocal with mine. I have lost some friends because of it, but i guess they weren't really friends if they left for that. I just wanted to say never give up hope. One day we may be seen as equals to the rest of society. I want to say I love you to both my male and female partner, Sweets they'll accept us soon.

Name: manda
Website:
Referred by: Yahoo!
From:
Time: 1999-11-10 20:28:49
Comments: I am doing a report in health class about hate crimes. I think that what is happening is terrible. After reading your son's story, I will write my report and present it in a totally different way. Thanx for sharing.

Name: Jeremy
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Florida
Time: 1999-11-10 11:26:47
Comments: I'm 15 and have known for a while I was gay..I have told all my close friends and they all think it's cool....Sometimes I am scared to be gay,but I know GOD will let things work out the best way possible..And If I could change and be straight,I would'nt..I'm gay and proud and my friends support me 100%........We all know Bill is in Heaven with GOD.... Always, Jeremy Jeremy

Name: Kevin M.
Referred by: From a Friend
From: San Antonio, Texas
Time: 1999-11-09 23:52:36
Comments: I'm 15 and just realized 2 months ago I'm gay. I've only come out to 2 people, our priest and my ex girl friend. I got support from both. I'm sorry about Bill. I'll pray for him. God will show him the mercy that people didn't. Thanks for telling his story. It's scary but it's also inspiring. Your friend, Kevin M. M. - R.

Name: Lori
Referred by: Net Search
From: Southern California
Time: 1999-11-09 17:25:52
Comments: I am so sorry for your loss. I founded the Gay, Lesbian Straight Student Network at CAl. State Univ. at Bakersfield and am so glad for having done so. We often have high school students that come to our meetings and I am so glad they do. God bless!

Name: Social Standard
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Indiana
Time: 1999-11-09 14:31:15
Comments: Dear Gabi, You are doing such great work. I am just starting the school newspaper to print things on g/l/b/t issues. I would love it if you would be a speaker sometime at are school. THANKS FOR ALL THE WORK YOU DO FOR G/L/B/T TEENS Love, Social Standard* *You can read Social Standard's monthly article in The South Decatur High School-- Cougar Chronicle Please send your name and address to the following address to recieve your copy today. South Decatur High School Cougar Chronicle/Business Manager 8885 South State Road 3 Greensburg, Indiana 47240 Social Standard is written by a gay teen.

Name: Amy Burgoon
Website: Elysian Well of Whispers
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Florida
Time: 1999-11-09 11:55:11
Comments: Thank you... I can not begin to tell you what reading your sons story means to me. So, I won't try. I will just say thank you. It means more than I can say.

Name: Archbishop Bruce J. Simpson
Website: St. John the Beloved parish
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From:
Time: 1999-11-08 21:51:54
Comments: May God have mercy upon the soul of Bill, may he be one with God, and consumed by His love. I am truly sad for your loss, and pray that one day such mindless hate that motivates attacks such as happened with Bill and matthew Shepherd will cease. Bill will by in my prayres.

Name: Eugene Schnitger
Referred by: Net Search
From: Belle Fourche, S.D. 57717
Time: 1999-11-07 13:12:59
Comments: I was at the chat room at gay.com and decided to find this site. I feel so sad that something like this can happen in America. I am a gay male, 35 years old and was never able to come out to my parents, My mom died before I could tell her ( I was going to on oct 11,99). I wish we would of had the closeness you and bill had...

Name: Frankie
Website: My Domains
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: NY
Time: 1999-11-07 01:25:06
Comments: As a mother I can't even begin to imagine what my life would be without my chid. As a lesbian I want to thank you for standing up against homophobia. It took me 25 years to come out . I was very concerned about disclosing my sexualiy to my family and friends. However there is a time when we all must stand up. As a social worker and sociologist I came out 5 years ago andI have strongly advocated for gay issues & rights.Do accept my sincere appreciation for sharing your son story with us. "If you are not part of the solution, You are part of the problem. Frankie 

Name: Kojiro
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Osaka Japan
Time: 1999-11-07 01:18:54
Comments: It is very sad. I couldn't stop crying while reading Bill's story . I wish, I hope for no more hate crimes in all of the world. One shouldn't kill one's self because one is gay, lesbian or bisexual. Love &peace Kojiro

Name: Jessica Salter
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: S.U.N.Y. at Fredonia...New York
Time: 1999-11-06 18:13:05
Comments: Gabi, I am a junior college student at Fredonia State University and I want to tell you that your story touched my heart so much tonight. I did not excpect to come upon your sight, I was doing research for a project on homosexual suicide rates. Until I read your story, I was looking at just statistics all night. I think that it is wonderful that you are telling Bill's story, and through doing that you are helping others understand that this horrible hatred has got to stop. I want you to know that my heart goes out to you and your family, You all must be so strong. If you keep working at getting this story out, you will find that so much support and love will eventually wipe out all this hate. I'm behind you Gabi, Good luck to you and your family.

Name: Amy
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Australia
Time: 1999-11-05 21:48:43
Comments: I too am 17 and cannot understand what you son has had to go through. I've always been brought up to accept everyone no matter how different they are, and i think i've lived up to my parents teachings. I think it's sad that people can't accept everyone for who they are. I would have loved to have been given the chance to meet your son, he sounded like a great person!.

Name: Andii
Website: Remembering Cora
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Waukesha, WI
Time: 1999-11-05 19:25:29
Comments: Your site moved me to tears. Thank you for sharing Bill's story. He was - and is - so very special.

Name: John
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Bakersfield,CA
Time: 1999-11-04 09:32:54
Comments: Hello My name is John and im 17 from Bakersfield,CA and I never new that it could be this bad i have never had a problom like this. Thankx John

Name: brad nygren
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From:
Time: 1999-11-04 09:21:46
Comments: i like gay people also

Name: Cyana Knight
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Virginia Beach, VA
Time: 1999-11-04 06:18:46
Comments: I am not suprised at the story of your son Bill. I am truly sorry and angered at you lose. I wish there were something I could do to change things in this country right now but I can't. But you better believe that I plan to and I have a very big mouth. The intolerence for difference in this country is ridiculous and it is time for it to stop. I hope that your family makes it throught the hurt and sorow of your story but never stp the fight. Your son had more courage than I did at his age and I hope that more people int he future will. Stay strong and Have a Blessed Life.

Name: Bridgit E.
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: California
Time: 1999-11-04 03:27:13
Comments: Thank God for the Internet. I never would have heard about this story without it. I feel very sad at this moment for your son and your family. I wish he could have found strength somewhere in knowing that eventually, it gets better. Times were HORRIBLE for blacks, jews, and native americans at one time, but they are better. I am a young woman of color in California, where people don't really care what U are and what U do. People, [of all races, nationalities, sexual preferences/orientation, hang-ups, baggage, etc.,] are just living together and just focusing on their own lives. I like that. Many people need to find something to do, get a life, do something with THEIR lives other than focusing on Hating another individual, and trying to figure out how to harm them. It is such a Waste of Time, and it proves their little lives are so unfulfilling and boring that it makes me feel sorry for them! I have and have had many gay friends, and I don't understand why people fear Homosexuality. If U're not into it, YOU don't have to participate in it. No one's gonna' Force U to try to become Homosexual. People are people--they eat, drink, breathe, laugh, love and need love like all the rest of us. So, don't miss out on getting to know a truly great person, simply because U hate who he or she Sleeps with. True, I guess certain things are in the bible regarding all of that, but so are a lot of other things that MANY of us do on a REGULAR basis. [We lie, we cheat, we gossip, some rape, some murder, some abuse, we argue with and hate family members, we curse our parents, we "Fornicate", and all that stuff] So, we all have to face judgement one of these days, so I say, STOP worrying about what EVERYBODY else is doing and concentrate on self. We're always soooo concerned with somebody else's business that we don't take care of our own. Look in the mirror and figure out what U may need to change in your life and stop trying to change somebody elses. Geeze! It's sad and sickening!!! Homosexuals are people just like all the rest of us. I don't care what a person does in his bedroom, as long as he/she has a great personality, is fun to be around, trustworthy, and just a Neat individual, I could care less who he/she sleeps with. So, I feel SAD for those who discriminate. They are truly missing out on great people. It is beyond IGNORANT to judge a book by it's cover. Get inside and get to know what's going on in there, THEN decide if U don't like the person, but ONLY then! Bill's family: I hope U will be strong, and use this as an opportunity to continue to speak out and help others. I think your son would really really be proud of U and appreciate all that U are doing in his name. Truly best wishes for U and once again I am sorry, Bill was a beautiful young man! Take care, Bridgit E.

Name: Josh
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Tulsa
Time: 1999-11-03 23:39:40
Comments: I find it very disturbing that you would give more attetion to the boy's who BEAT UP your son because he was gay, than to the man who RAPED him because he was gay. Why would you down-play such a horrible act as rape. Maybe you haven't expressed any outrage because the the man was a homosexual, and everyone knows homosexuals don't hurt anybody.

Name: Jenny Lane
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Central Coast N.S.W Australia
Time: 1999-11-03 17:41:12
Comments: As a young Lesbian in a long term relationship, both myself, and my girlfriend have faced abuse, both physical, and emotional abuse. We both have read Bill's story and were extremly moved. I would like to thankyou for the support and love you have shown the queer community, and congratulate you on what must have been an extremley difficult thing to do. Thanks Jenny

Name: Martha L Haskell
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Bristol Ct
Time: 1999-11-03 13:47:24
Comments: Some day some were someone will finally realize all people love ,bleed ,hurt , and just want to live and breath like everyone else I don't care about race ,sexual orintation or religous belief ---I don't care why can't we all get along Love each other and our self? The only thing sadder then death is a death of desparation at ones own hands. Life is to short let's live love and let us live as one loveing careing family.

Name: Shani Love
Referred by: Yahoo!
From:
Time: 1999-11-03 12:54:36
Comments: I wanted to let you know how sorry I am for the loss of your son. I was looking for information on hate crime legislation, and your site came up in my search. I don't understand the world these days. While I disagree with "alternate lifestyles" for religious reasons, I also believe that it is not my place to judge others. That job belongs to God. It is my job to love my neighbors, even the gay ones. I have a gay couple living next door to me. They are kind people, and I cannot even imagine saying anything mean or hurtful to them just because I personally don't agree with their lifestyle. No one deserves that type of treatment. If the people who disagree for "religious reasons" were really concerned about what God thought, it seems that they would act a little differently.

Name: Susan Rigby
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Austin, Texas
Time: 1999-11-03 09:40:01
Comments: This is an excellent webb site! I have a 17 year old son who has had to struggle all of his life with ADHD and Bi-polar. He tends to want to be accepted and gravitates toward kids who are getting in trouble. Imagine that!! Yesterday my son found out one of his old friends was stabbed to death at a party. My son had a real sick look on his face when he cam to tell me about his friend. He told me "Just think if I was still hanging around with the gangsters I would have been at that party when he was stabbed. I think this has had an impact on my son's ideas of being able to be around people who get in trouble. Imagine this he said the old phrase Birds of a Feather Flock together. Wonder where he got that! I guess he's growing up!. I've enjoyed this site. Anyone can E-mail me I have been through a lot with this 17yr. old.

Name: Charoenpong Chawalit
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Bangkok
Time: 1999-11-02 13:55:09
Comments: I was both shocked and moved my the story I've just read. I really need to say how much I admire Bill's parents for what they have done not only for him but for the gay community. And wherever may Bill be, "God Bless You."

Name: Jodi
Website:
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Illinois
Time: 1999-11-02 13:03:26
Comments: Dear Gabi, I must say, when I read the story of your son, Bill, I was heartbroken that such an awful thing could happen. My gay friend read it to me and it was all we could do to fight back the tears as I read it. I hope you don't mind but I was so moved by this story I used it in a reaserch paper I did on hate crimes for my English class. It can be viewed in its online version at: http://www.geocities.com/vanillabuttershots/hatecrimes.html Thank you for putting out your story for those of us who truly care. Sincerely, Jodi

Name: Tim Spath
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Lima, ohio
Time: 1999-11-02 12:42:51
Comments: i just wanted to say that i am glad that there are sites on the internet for this kind of stuff. and i am now thinking about starting my own discussion class at school for gay/lesbian troubled kids that have problems with people and how they need to deal with it, and also make it aware to the faculty and staff. thanx!!! Tim Spath

Name: timber
Referred by: Clicked on our Banner Advertisement
From: south carolina
Time: 1999-11-01 15:10:42
Comments: i just finished reading your story. i feel very sad. for your son and for the other teenagers that have to put up with this abuse. i'm a 20 year old open lesbian in a very small community. it was extremely hard in high school. it still is. though i never was the victim of "gay bashing", i witnessed all my male friends put up with it everyday. the simple fact is that [uneducated] people will always fear what they don't [or won't] understand. you're in my prayers.

Name: Mandi Hyson
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Washington DC
Time: 1999-11-01 08:42:31
Comments: I am overcome with emotion from what I have just read. It is so difficult to believe that people treat others so cruelly based solely on a decison that one never gets to make, its just a piece of life.

Name: Michael Parks
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Bloomington, IL
Time: 1999-11-01 06:48:51
Comments: I was reading your memorial to Bill while here at work and found myself getting all worked up and emotional. As an openly gay man, I am aware of the ignorance and hate in the world towards homosexuals. While I have not been a victim of a hate crime due to my sexual orientation, I sometimes think to myself, "My day is coming." I hope that if that ever happens that I will have to support and love that was showed to Bill by you, his family, as well as his friends. Thank you for writing such a powerful and poignant tribute to him. I don't know what I can d to help but I would be willing to try. You have my condolences and thoughts. Sincerely, Michael Parks

Name: John Richards
Website: John Richards
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Los Angeles
Time: 1999-10-31 23:59:25
Comments: Thank you very much for sharing so generously of yourself and family experience. We all need this light in our lives to sustain our hope and vision of a better world. Thank you.

Name: Paul Boulais
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Berkshire County, Massachusetts
Time: 1999-10-31 11:09:24
Comments: While doing research for a paper on teen suicide, your site came up on the search engine. I, too, am gay and attempted suicide at the age of 13 in the same way that took Bill's life. Fortunately, I didn't succeed and was taken to the hospital where my stomach was pumped and I made a full recovery. Whether I knew it at the time or not, I tried that route because I was gay and I didn't know why. How was it that I was raised the same as all the other boys in my class, but it was me who had ended up this way? I still don't know, but what I do know is that I made one of my famous wrong decisions and took the wrong way out. If there is one thing that helps to ease your eternal pain at the loss of your son, remember this: Bill DID NOT die in vain. You have taken steps to help ensure that no one feels that suicide is the answer. And while the death of your son is a pain no parent should ever have to feel, you have turned you grief and sorrow into something that i'm sure, is as beautiful as Bill was. Bravo, he would be proud...

Name: gary patton
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Moreno Valley, CA
Time: 1999-10-30 04:21:12
Comments: I want you to know that for Bill to be so openly in school, I admire him for that. Being a gay male in a predominately white religious town, I was unable to be so open with my family, my friends or even my teachers. I know what your son had to go thru, and I am now feeling the loss of someone so great as your son Bill. I want you to know that I hope and wish that all hatred will disappear in our society as it is today, so that other people like Bill and myself, are not ridiculed, beat, and are killed because of their lifestyle. Once my webpage is completed, I would very much like to include a link to Bill's Story page, so that I might be able to help his memory live on in all of our hearts. For I know that eventually one day, we will all be able to live without, race, religion, or sexual preference hatred. Please keep up the effort to end such hatred in our society. Thank you so much for the story, it touched my heart.

Name: Wilda Larsen
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Portland Oregon
Time: 1999-10-29 11:04:06
Comments: Bill's story made me weep! The love and support, that you as parent's, provided Bill is incredible. There are many children out there who fear rejection and ridicule by "coming out" to their parents. Thank you for sharing your story and for striving for a safer and better place for our gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered youth. Thank you for being you!

Name: Marcus Ponce
Website: The WolfDen
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Sacramento, CA
Time: 1999-10-29 00:20:35
Comments: First off, I'd like to offer my most deepest and sincere sympathy toward your loss. From the website, I can already tell he was a beautiful person, both inside and out. HIs story is one that I (and many others) can relate to. Being gay myself, I have often contemplated killing myself to get rid of my "shame." Thanks to supporting friends and family, I am now on my way to fully exceptng myself for who I am. I am very grateful for the work you and your family are soing to support the GLBT community; your love and compassion are priceless. Bill was very lucky to have you and all the others who supported (and still do) him. People like you give me hope for a unified future. Best wishes and Love be with you. -Marcus-

Name: Chris Van der Zouwen
Referred by: Viewing another Guestbook
From: Calgary Alberta
Time: 1999-10-28 19:16:44
Comments: The Story of Billy is truely terrific, and to be honest had me in tears for you. I am sorry for you and I will be back to read more of this site as I could not read it all. I am totally captivated by the story. I hope in no way to offend you by what I wrote.

Name: bev
Referred by: NewsGroups
From: state of washington
Time: 1999-10-28 12:48:05
Comments: I am really sorry about what has happened to you lovely son. This year, I found out that my lovely daughter is a lesbian. It was a shock to me. I didn't know what to think. She has 2 wonderful boys. I have been locked out of her life. She has accused me of everything that has happened to her in life, especially her husband getting custody of her sons. She has accused me of writing a letter to the Judge, which I did not, I did write a letter to my son-in-law telling him I thought he was a good father. What he did, was take that letter to his attorney. If there was some way to take that letter back, I would. My daughter is a wonderful mother. I have accepted the fact that she is a lesbian and has to live her own life. Never have interferred with her life. If she is happy, I am glad for her. What hit me the hardest I guess, that everything was BEING pushed on me and I didn't know what to think/say/do. I which she would try and understand that, I DO LOVE HER WITH ALL MY HEART, I can't even send her an e-mail until she figures out what she wants, I understand that, but being a mother who would give her right arm for her children, she doesn't believe me and that really hurts. I have gone throught mental degression. I have excepted her life style and which she would love me again but, I know that may take a VERY LONG TIME

Name: Slade Gray
Website: ALSO (Alternative Life Styles Organisation) Foundation
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Im From Melbourne, Australia
Time: 1999-10-28 00:24:15
Comments: This is a truely tragic story. As I read through this story, I had tears in my eyes. I am a 16 year old gay male, living in a very homophobic area of Melbourne. Me entire family knows Im gay and accepts me for who i am. I have lost many friends over being gay, and although my school friends dont know im gay, they have guessed and distanced themselves from me. This story has touched me in a way that I cant describe in words. I thank you very much for placing your story on the internet, for people like me who live so far from you and dont get to find out about these sorts of things. I want to say more, but I've only just finished reading the story, and i am still quite emotional. My boyfriend and I read through it together, and now we are going to go off and discuss it for awhile. Thank you very much..... Slade Gray

Name: Ace
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Fort Collins, Colorado
Time: 1999-10-27 18:58:15
Comments: I am so sorry to hear about your loss. From what I see on your web page your son was truly exceptional. I am a bisexual as well, and although closeted to all my family and friends, was found out by a few guys when I was 15. They attacked me and raped me.....an experience that for the longest time made me very angry and aggressive. I have never told my family about my "shame" and I didn't go to the police because I was too ashamed. I have, several times, played "what if..." and wish I had had the guts to go to the police. As a result, I have never even told my family or friends about being bisexual. I've always been too afraid of the possible consequences. I wish I had the courage your son did......thanks for sharing his life with me.

Name: Jerry W. Traylor
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Mississippi
Time: 1999-10-27 17:37:46
Comments: Your page is wonderful...I was very touched by your story..And I support you and your family and my prayers is always with you . Wayne

Name: Brad Kriehn
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: San Antonio
Time: 1999-10-27 16:51:39
Comments: I would really like to tell you I was touched by the webpage you have of your son, my heart took a few moments tonight to think of you and your family and how this has effected you, people maybe one day will understand, but I fail to hold my breath, I guess we do what we can to educate people to understand what they feel they can't or maybe are afraid of, and of course of innocent who are the ones who suffer just because they want to enjoy life and love like everyone else in this world, I have been there, and I can understand the feelings he must have felt, it is not as pleasant of a world as we would like to think it is, and at times we wish we could change everyone, but we know that is not the case, although you are lucky in one way, although you no longer have him with you here by your side, as your friend and son, you are the lucky one to have him overlooking your every move and thought, and helping you to be a strong and focused person, I believe people like you can and will make a difference, take care Brad.

Name: Kevin Perrott
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: St. Albert, Alberta, Canada
Time: 1999-10-27 16:27:02
Comments: Your efforts in bringing understanding to a cold and hostile ignorant world DO make a tremendous difference. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Name: Tony
Website: JP
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Cambridgeshire, England
Time: 1999-10-27 15:40:19
Comments: Just here to say publicly what a wonderful person you truly are, Gabi, and it was my honour to meet you in person. And to say to everyone else, and in particular to the author of record 19, that hate requires a dark place to fester and grow: and sooner or later that dark place will consume you unless you do something about it. My tears and prayers are for that author as well as the people s/he victimises. Keep up the good work Gabi. Lots of Love from England, Tony. ["Be my friend and I'll protect you forever...!"]

Name: John Ealy
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Santa Cruz, California
Time: 1999-10-27 15:02:33
Comments: Your story is so sad but so much a part of many young gay or bisexuals lifes, like my own.. I have a mother that reminds so much or yourself: unconditional love, proving her true support by wanting to be involved, supporting all gay causes, not just the ones that involve her gay son..My mother is a part of PLFAG and if you have more info on how she can be more involved, please contact me..

Name: leonard kreger Dvm
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: pennsylvania
Time: 1999-10-27 14:21:29
Comments: heartbreaking what a beautiful boy and such an awful loss to all of us i hope you all find peace somday again len

Name: John Flinn
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Seattle, WA
Time: 1999-10-27 12:55:13
Comments: Even though I live relatively near Olympia, in Seattle, today was the first i'd heard about Bill. Thanks so much for keeping his story and memory alive through these Web pages.

Name: Michael Broderick
Referred by: NewsGroups
From: Albany, NY
Time: 1999-10-27 09:39:14
Comments: Gabi and family - I just discovered your page and story and it nearly brought me to tears. I do not cry easily. I am an openly gay man - and have been one of the fortunate ones - I have a wonderful supportive family and have had little in the way of hate directed towards due to my sexual orientation. What you are doing for the gay, lesbian, bi and trans youth of our country is more valuable than could ever be calculated. Hate may not ever be eliminated, but we can continue to fight it - to quote a phrase from an old movie "i'm mad as hell and i'm not going to take it anymore." In addition to the preceeding - I am a policy analyst for the New York State Senate Minority (the Democrats) New York State does not have a bias/hate crime bill - which is appaling. It has become one our top priorities to move this issue into the forefront of public discussion. Our Republican controlled Senate has refused to allow the bill to come to the Senate floor for a vote(where it is believed it would pass) even though it has passed the Assembly for many years (though controlled by Democrats) The main reason for the resistance by the Majority is believed to be the inclusion of sexual orientation in the bills language. Blatant homophobia among our top elected officials - in a state that has always prided itself on being progressive and inclusive. Needless to say we shall continue our fight as I know you will. In the end - we will prevail - for we are right! Thank you again for your story. I hope to include it or some parts in our continued efforts to pass hate crimes legislation in New York. Michael Broderick

Name: Steven Slater
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: NYC
Time: 1999-10-27 09:32:13
Comments: Thank you so much for sharing the pain that I know you feel, yet please know that is through such generosity and and openess that we will overcome the conditions that allow such tradgedies to occur. As both a gay son and gay parent I experience a perhaps unique response to your words. perhaps your son's time with us will be marked as a source of inspiration and strength to all of us. I know it already has been for me. Again, my heartfelt thanks. Steven Slater

Name: Gay Basher
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From:
Time: 1999-10-27 04:43:10
Comments: No Tears for Queers. All fags should have their genitals blown off. Homosexulaity is a sin, baby, and they will burn in hell

Name: The shadow
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From:
Time: 1999-10-27 03:09:15
Comments: " It's the lesson of our life because we live with crime,violent,misbelief Being gay is not a sin but the person who hurt him is the sinner. "Save our world with love"

Name: Tony Whelan
Website: Tony Whelan's home page
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Canberra, Australia
Time: 1999-10-27 00:53:30
Comments: Hello Gabi Thank you for sharing through your web page the joys and tragedy of your son Bill's life and death. Wishing you and your family happiness, Tony Whelan

Name: Emmanuel C. Munoz
Referred by: Lycos
From: Philippines
Time: 1999-10-26 19:29:46
Comments: To some degree related here, I have experienced an aborted suicide. Thus, I feel drawn to anything about the matter. This is more so because I have recurring depression cycles and in more than one occassion, I feel life cannot be worth living for.

Name: Elika Naraghi
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Los Angeles, CA
Time: 1999-10-26 16:59:34
Comments: Thank you.

Name: Penny
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Oakland California
Time: 1999-10-26 14:36:18
Comments: I've just finished reading your story about Bill, and I sit here with tears streaming down my face. I am writing a paper for a college English class about hate crimes and their impact on all of us. Your story has touched me deeply and I am sorry for your loss and for the world's loss of never knowing what wonderful things Bill may have brought to our future. I send my thanks to you for such an eloquent memorial to your son. I hope that time will help to heal the hole in your heart.

Name: Pat Hawkins
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Northwest New Jersey
Time: 1999-10-26 12:06:26
Comments: Gabi, thank you for sharing your thoughts and memories of Bill with us. I am deeply touched and moved by what I have seen here. I heard about your page from the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, NJ and I'm glad I took the time to visit. God bless you. Pat H.

Name: Arejai
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From:
Time: 1999-10-26 07:31:35
Comments: I am very sorry about the loss of your son. I am gay and I tried on 3 occasions to kill myself based upon the prejudice I have had to face in the city I live in. Luckily my parents got me the counseling I needed and my mother has been very supportive and given me everything I needed. I sense that you are the same type of mother as she is. I thank God every day for her and I thank God for someone like you who has the strength to share your story with us and hopefully help others see the light...Thank you for your words...Thank you for your heart....Thank you. Arejai

Name: Nico Cervantes
Referred by: AOL
From: Santa Barbara
Time: 1999-10-25 18:11:20
Comments: I am truely sorry about your son, I am also a 17 year old Bi-sexual male, that suffers fron discrimination every day. High School is a very tough place to be openly gay or bi-sexual. Fortunally I never been faced w/ assualt or physical violence, although I have been very close. I want you to know that your life has been very touching and I will work every day to fight discrimination, in honor of Bill and all the other gay youth that have lost their lives...my love is w/ you-Nico Cervantes

Name: Carl Beck
Referred by: From a Friend
From: St. Louis,MO
Time: 1999-10-25 14:30:38
Comments: I learned of Bill from Steve S. following his meeting with Jerry Falwell. (I trust you have read his diary of that experience.) If it's of any consolation, please know that the rest of us "Bills" share in your grief and anger over the loss of your special Bill. Perhaps Bill is carrying on his mission in ways that we cannot see. When a ship disappears over the horizon, it doesn't mean it stopped existing. Carl

Name: mary bird
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Leitchfield, Kentucky
Time: 1999-10-25 13:36:39
Comments: Just wanted to say thank you for sharing your path with the world. Even with all the pain we all share, reaching out, helping others understand is the way....Peace

Name: Jim and Jean Allen
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Flat Rock, North Carolina
Time: 1999-10-25 08:47:34
Comments: Dear Gabi, Your website appeared as a link in a message from Steve Schalchlin reporting his experience at the Jerry Falwell/Mel White meeting. The message was forwarded to us by our PFLAG regional co-director, Margie Candler. A line from the song "Blowin' in the Wind" comes to mind. "How many deaths will it take 'til they know that too many people have died?"

Name: Joel Garcia
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Albuquerque NM
Time: 1999-10-24 13:24:21
Comments: I am very sorry to hear about this issue. I am doing research for an essay on hate crimes in school. I would like to say just keep on fighting and hopefully we can all work together to help stop all of this bull shit. Sorry about the language, but this is how strongly i feel about this subject. BEST WISHES

Name: Kris Errett
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: New Jersey
Time: 1999-10-24 12:01:00
Comments: ... what a terrific mom your sons have...

Name: Jack
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Australia
Time: 1999-10-24 02:48:23
Comments: A very tragic story. It sickens me when I read articles from your country about the hatred against homosexuals, and the racial strife. My commiserations to you and your family.

Name: kt1004
Website: chunsah
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: maryland
Time: 1999-10-24 00:32:16
Comments: hi... i ran across your page by accident while looking for sites on domestic abuse. i stepped in out of curiosity, but once i stepped in i couldn't stop reading. it must have been hard, deciding to share this with other people, and i hope that this will make a difference in changing people's opinions. i grew up not knowing anyone that was openly bisexual or homosexual until i was 15(i'm 16 now) years old. I had not thought much about the issue, but there was a certain discomfort at the idea of someone whose sexual orientation was different from mine. but thankfully i had an eye opening experience when i was 15, thanks to one of my best friends, who i love dearly. he had the courage and faith to tell me that he was bisexual. at first i didn't know what to think, but then i came to realize that this was the same person, and that this new piec of information didn't change anything. he was still the sincere, caring, honest friend that had been there for me when times were tough. i realized how wrong i had been to feel uncomfortable about other people's sexuality. now, whenever i encounter hate against homosexuality and bisexuality, i can speak out against it from my heart. i'm thankful to my friend for giving me the oppourtuinty to learn... and i'm happy to say that we are as close friends as we ever were. please keep up the great work, this is such a touching, heartfelt site. i haven't seen many others that are better.

Name: Kristin Starr Amstrup
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Anchorage, Alaska
Time: 1999-10-23 22:11:16
Comments: I have no profound, life-changing comments, but I would like to say that Bill's story is incredibly touching and inspiring. What a wonderful person he must have been, and how tragic that more people could not have benefitted from him. At least his story may serve to educate people and to prevent more horrible crimes like the one that he endured. Thank you for sharing your story.

Name: Jamie Swanson
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Fremont Ca.
Time: 1999-10-22 15:58:14
Comments: I would like to commend you on this information you are putting out. I am a 15 year old bisexual girl who is in fear every day of becoming the victim of a hate crime. For the longest time I didn't tell anyone out of fear, but I finally told a good friend of mine and she told me about GSA at my high school. I am glad I did because I am now the Vice President of it and have many G.L.B.andT. friends who I can live a peaceful open life with. I am very sorry about your son, I am sure he was a very brave, and memorable person, and I think you are doing a really good thing by taking part in all of this. I hope you all the best luck in the future and maybe longer than that. With all my love and gratitude, Jamie Swanson

Name: Gabi
Website: the page with links to all the other guestbooks and more
Referred by: Tripod
From: Olympia, WA
Time: 1999-10-21 22:10:05
Comments: This new guestbook was started on 10/22/99. Thank you for visiting my website.