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Note: This guestbook reads from the bottom of the page up. -- Gabi I am way behind on writing to thank all of you for what you write here. Please know that I read all the letters and they are wonderful! I get strength and hope from all of you. All my love --
Gabi
I love the page, it really opened up my eyes more than those uniformative videos in school, this is real life, and gabi, i'm sorry about what happend to bill. Best of wishes
Robert C. Kalajian Jr.
I hope that in the near future, Bill's
Endora
I understood totally where Bill was coming from. I know a lot of people that are homophobia and don't care for me because my friends are homosexuals and bisexuals. There is so much hate in the world that it's a wonder that suicide is the top leading cause of death among people. It's said that people can be so cruel and think so little of other people. Everyone is human, and everyone should be treated like humans not like an individual because of what their race, gender or sexuality may be. Thank you for putting the Bill's story on line so I could read it, it made me open my eyes to how cruel and rude people truely are in the world today!
Trish
Thank you for Bill....not just the story about him.....but for Bill himself. I promise to help....Please let me assure you that your faith that we will all be brothers and sisters, in a world wherein we were placed to love, is quite evident. Bill is lucky to have(the tense is not in error) u as parents and family. God Bless.
Chris
I am crying for Bill at the same time I am enraged at our culture's lack of maturity. Partly because I have many GLB friends and partly because I am human I will continue to fight for human rights for all of us. there are too many Bill's in this world-I hope for the day when there are no more.
Kathy Simmons
I am doin a paper on gay hate crimes and Im asking permission to use your son's story in my report. Bill's story has touch so many people including myself and I want to thank you for building this page. It has opened my eyes and some of my friends up to this hatred and what it can do. I felt what it could do. Being an 18 yr old gay young man is not easy. I've known ever since I was 9 or 10, didn't tell my parents till i was 11 that I was messed and they reassured it was just a phase but now we know different. I don't know why I'm tellin you this but I feel that I can trust and we more people to trust. Sometimes I feel like Bill and don't think I could go on much longer in this world of hate, but his story is a modle for what hate can do and I'm ashamed of that part of humanity, but theres no getting past it; we can only fight it. I use to think gay parades and stuff like that were stupid but they aren't I know now what they are fighting for. I'll keep Bill and your family in my prayers. Email me at your convenience giving me permission to use your story. I would be honored to present it as fashionably as you, but it won't have as much emotion. It will on my part but those receiving may not, but don't underestimate the basic goodness of people. You've seen it at the ralley which Bill talked at...Thanks again Gabi for listening...
Anthony
hey.
robromano
Gabi, I could not go to bed tonight without commenting on "Bills Story". I am 46, and the father of two teenage sons. I came out 3 years ago to my family. My 14 year old has now come out as a bisexual. I feel for your loss contemplating the agony and knowing what lies in store for my son. I have vowed to do all in my power to assist him, his brother, and sisters, and friends to be able to freely express who they really are. I have a dream similar to Martin Luther King, Jr. but worded differently; I dream of a time when love can be freely expressed in all of its infinite varieties without labels. It will just be called "love". Your efforts surely hasten the day when that dream will come to pass. Your love really shows. Thanks from Joe in Juneau.
Joseph Geist, Sr.
What a loss for the world. My condolences to you and your family. Like your son Bill, I also struggle with suicidal thoughts (I am in therapy, but it is still a struggle at times.) I remember what my aunt said to me when I had shown her my firdt grade report card. "You got an "A" for conduct and effort. The other grades do not matter as long as you behave yourself and try your best."
Rob Ploski
What a wonderful tribute to your son. This really moved me and I feel your pain. I am out to my family but wish the rest of the world would just try to accept this as it is not a choice that we make. If anything, in today's society I would choose to be straight. But, I am proud to say I am gay. Again, this is a great tribute and I am sure Bill will be remembered forever.
Loren Merrill Jr.
Gabi:
Wilson Justice
I love the story. Even thought I could not understand all the words.
Jordan
Gab - Just read your newest letters and if they aren't the most touching words that I have read in a long time! Your words are making a difference-rejoice in that! Love, Linda
Linda
Gabi,
Ed "Broph" Brophy
Very stirring!
Bill Dickinson
I am Bi-sexual since age 16. I grew up with so much presure that I too was
about to end my life. I was afraid to tell anyone of my family members, they
would notice my friends coming over were all males and would ask me the big
question and only deny.
G. Andrew Jasangas
I am sorry about the loss of your son. I
Lynn Gibson
I was told by a friend of mine to
Kevin Gumm
I think that Bill's life was very struggling and that he had it hard until he
came out...his life is basically like mine...meaning I am a 19 year old lesbian
who was very afraid of coming out and at one point I wanted to commit suicide
cause of the fact I didn't think anyone would except me for me and judge me and
my lifestyle...which I think now is very wrong...cause of the fact we are equal
people but have different lifestyle and I wish I could have said what I am
saying now to people who judge me because I am a lesbian.....I am so sorry to
hear about what had happened to Bill...May God Bless Him
Tina Campos
Gabi, I wish I had the opportunity to have known Bill. He sounds like such a wonderful person. I recently told my family that I am gay and they have all been very supportive. Now that I have told them, I can begin to live my life the way I want and not how society would prefer. I have always been afraid to speak my mind about being gay, because I feared the reaction of others. Bill's story has really touched me, and I will remember him on May 8, 1997, my thirtieth birthday. I will add a link to your site to my home page in hopes that others will visit and speak out against the hate.
Anthony C. Reidler
i just read bills story and i hope you guys are doing okay because remember you can get through it
andrew frank
Hi I am a 17yr. old female who just started to "come out" to my family.I have already been harrased but luckily not phisicaly.Although words hurt very much.I read the story about your son Bill and I would like to say I am very sorry.I think that you are a very loving and caring person to understand "our" feelings and how you speak out I think there should be more peole out in the world that are like you.:o)
Alicia Messina
Gabi, it IS you. I'm so glad to have found you in this way. Your website is the answer to prayer. I'm starting a new series of journal therapy groups for people with HIV/AIDS thru Denver General Hospital and I've been wanting to find some HIV/AIDS journals to share. Willa's Journal led me to Steve Schalchlin, which led me to you... again! It's good to be in touch in this way. Prayers and blessings.
Kay Adams
Hi. Please don't use my name if you post this with other stuff, because I'm
really paranoid about people finding out about me. I'm nineteen years old and
I realized I was a lesbian when I was about 16. Now that I think about it, I
have always 'known' on some level that I liked girls. But I grew up in a
really, really conservative household. When I was 8 I asked my parents what
gay meant and they wouldn't tell me. Every time I go to their house they ask
me if I am a 'sexual degenerate' or talk about how the 'queers' are a bunch of
depraved individuals, perverts who want 'escalating levels of depravity.' Of
course I have to lie to them. All I want, really, is someone to love...
someone to plant flowers for, to make curtains for... lunches to pack, science
projects to help with.
Gabi, thanks for telling us about Bill.
Peter Chastain
It has been 17 years since my first lover committed suicide. I was 17 years old at the time and we had been together for six years (long story). Reading Bill's story reminds me that the pain is still with me every day, though in different ways. I look forward to the day when tragedies like this will be long distant memories. Peace be with you. You can be with Bill and I can help.
Vincent Irwin
End the angst. Join Bill forever. Come to Farmington, CT, to the Stacks. Soar off the highest bridge. Leap to Bill.
GeorgeLincolnHackwell
I am ever so glad, in memory of your son, that he had such a loving family to support him. I just wish that I did. You are a tribute to all that makes parents great.
Ronald Junho Hur
I'm 18 years old. I'm determined to become a Mental Health Counselor. And your
homepage ggave me more inspiration.
Alicia Adams
I am the mom of a 17yo gay son. My son came close to having a nightmare encounter with the first man he was involved with and after reading Bill's story, I realize how lucky my son was to have escaped without harm. I have started an online support group called Common Bond to ease the feeling of isolation during the coming-out process for families with a gay child. I am determined to help parents to support their kids with unconditional love by providing an understanding place for them to seek out other parents who have felt what they are feeling.
Barb
i just wanted to thank you for your wonderful story and the courage u seemed to have as a family it was remarkable.i have just come out and i have 3 kids and have been married for ten years i could no longer go on living a life of lies and also believed it to be selfish for my wife to live that way also,meanwhile we have gotten on with our lives and we have been very supportive of each other .again thank you for your story and keep up the good work let me know what i can do to help u in any way
rich laflamme
Bill's story should not remain an other example of homophobia, in the late '90s.
Christophe
Your son's story truly touched me! As a 21 y/o who's now dealing with coming
out of the closet I can relate to what your son went through. I have made the
promise to myself to always stand up to those who want to push me down...and I
will take your son's story as kindeling for my fire. Thank you for sharing
what I know was a true tragedy.
Matt Weston
I THINK IT WAS SO GREAT THAT YOU WERE THERE FOR YOUR SON WHEN HE NEEDED YOU THE MOST. MANY TRAGIC STORIES COULD BE AVOIDED IF ONLY PEOPLE WERE TO ALLOW THEMSELVES TO LOVE ANOTHER PERSON WITHOUT ANY PREJUDICES.
ALVAREZ
I am high school teacher in Gainesville, Ga. I teach art. I am in the middle of the bible belt.. I have some students who claim to be bi-sexual. As for as I know, non have been the victim of serious negative attacts. I know that their lives are not easy for them in that they live outside the local norm.
joe hall
I sorry to hear this story about your son. I am not Bisexual nor Gay, but I am
writing a book on the subject of Hate Crimes.
Dan
Hi-
Stephen Bryant
This story is still on my mind, almost a month after i read it. I am so sorry to hear about the tragedy you had to go through and i wish you best of luck.
rob romano
Credo in unum Deum! Et iternum ventúrus est cum gloria judicare vivos et
mórtuos. Cogito ergo sum. Dominus vobíscum.
Mark Pinson
my heart weeps for the sufferings bill at to put with. to think a boy of his age had under gone such a suffering makes me wonder what the human society has come to.i will always say a silent prayer for bill in my prayers.
sheela thirumoorthy
Gabi,
Steve Schalchlin
I'm sorry for your loss. This is a beautifully written aticle on an important issue....HATE. There is just no time for it. Although I am not gay, I have many friends who are. I love them all dearly, and although their sexual orientation is not something I understand, I still love them for the wonderful people they are. You son sounds like a wonderful person and your story has touched me deeply! Best wishes always to you and your family!
Marianne
I just want to really say that I have been deeply touched, like never before,
when I read Bill's story. I read it twice and I cried each time I read it.
Carrey Lim
i would just like to say that i am very sorry about your losses,and only a
short
shaun
Dr. Mrs. and Mr. Clayton,
Kathleen
I would just like to say that the story has really opened up my eyes. I was only doing a report and just wandered in to the story. As I read it , I get an overwhelming surge of sympathy and anger from reading this story. Thank you for putting this up and sharing it with everyone . It has given me a lot of insight.
Joe Tang
Incredible what a courageous man Bill was, I pray all the time that those Acts of haterd will one day no longer be accepted or even tolerated by the world. Bless you! :)
Meghan
Ok, so it's not exactly a home-page yet. It'll come...
Mark
As a gay teen I attempted suicide 7 times. I has never unhappy with who I was
or what I was, just the fact that I had alot to face trying just to be OK, fit
in, be a respected, contributing member of society, etc.
Tim Lugo-Lucchetti
Dear Gabi,
Tim Lugo-Lucchetti
Gabi, this looks wonderful and I'll be back to read your page in more depth
after I get caught up with my P-Flag talk email...I've been visiting with the
space aliens who are currently inhabiting my parents bodies and am recovering
slowly...Have a great Mother's Day from a new surrogate son
Jonathan Carver
Wonderfully written, Sad, God Bless You.
John Smith
Dear Gabi,
Cliff Simpson
I cried when I read Bill's story, and as a gay man, I hurt when I hear of this type of tragedy. I've been fortunate to never have experienced this first hand and my heart goes out to you. You are all a strong and brave family and I pray to God that you can change the attitude of just one homophobic person. God bless you.
Chris Kaelin
Thank You very much for your story.
Johnny Andersson, Sweden
I am glad you got to meet Steve S up close and personal, Singing behind "When you Care" has been one of the most moving times in my Life. I wish sooooo much that we could be there in New York to see his Currican production. I'll have to wait to see it on Lifetime. Thanks for the chance to chat. Karl
Karl Haight-Boyd
Michael Roessler
Hi Gabi,
Jean-Pierre
Hi Gabi! I thought I'd drop in and sign this thing since I haven't yet. I am
so glad we finally got to meet this weekend -- what a lucky kid Billy was and
how lucky I am to call you friend!
Tracey Thornton
I came across Bill's site by accident today, and have spent over an hour
reading. Several times I had to push back and cry until I could continue. No
one should have to endure what Bill and yourself have been put through, no one
at all. I work with the Gay Student Alliance at the U of AR at Fayetteville,
and plan to add your site to our online resources. As our website and resource
quide is one of the few sources of information for gay, lesbian, and bisexual
people in this area, I know it will be useful to many here both young and old.
I am feeling a lot of emotions at the moment, and am not sure exactly what I
want to convey to you. Just know that there is a love that binds us all and
keeps Bill's memory and dreams alive.
Chris Jones
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Kim Wyatt
Hi Gabi,
Denis
I JUST TYPED A VERY LONG "ESSAY" BUT IT GOT CUT OFF AFTER THE FIRST 1/3. I
GUESS THE GUESTBOOK LIMITS THE LENGTH OF ENTRIES.
DENIS
I just finished reading Bill's story and am still in tears. If my writing is
incoherent, please forgive me. First, thank you for putting the story here for
everyone to see. It pains me to hear that Bill felt he couldn't take all the
hatred at age 14 because I thought the same at that age and still do sometimes
now (I'm 30). I admire your strength to do what you have done and thank you.
I don't think I'll EVER forget Bill's story. Thanx again.
Hoover Zariani
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