Gabi Clayton's Guestbook #33 - From 7/6/01 to 11/13/01 Note: This guestbook reads from the bottom of the page up. -- Gabi   Tuesday 11/13/2001 12:33:03am Name: Tina E-Mail: pigletonbrandy@yahoo.co.uk Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: London Comments: I am sorry to hear about your son, i know how he must feel as i have tried to commit suicide several times i know that if i was to actually do it and not be found then i would make sure that my family knows i love them and that theydont blame themselves. I am so glad that you show how much you love your son so much i hope if in ten years time when i am 25 if i have any children then i hope i love them as much as you show your love Thanks love tina   Sunday 11/04/2001 3:56:46pm Name: Graham Hughes E-Mail: graham@queerattitude.com Homepage: Graham: Speaking Out Homepage URL: http://queerattitude.com Location: Stirling, Scotland, UK Comments: I'm not sure why I've waited till now to sign this guestbook... I've read these pages a million times since I found Bill's Story a few years ago. I cry every time I read it - I regard it as the most touching, most angering, most powerful site on the internet. Very emotional. Gabi, I think you're an amazing woman, and Bill was so very brave. Never let this story be forgotten, Love Graham   Friday 11/02/2001 4:37:50pm Name: ben E-Mail: www.ben_brainerd@hotmail.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: dixon.. ill Comments: that really tuched my heart. and im going throught the same things bill went through.. im bisexual and im getting a hole bunch of shit about it . and to tell u the truth im on the verge of suicede. so i can relate to what your son went through... sorry!!!!   Friday 10/26/2001 2:31:01pm Name: Steamer E-Mail: Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Wisconsin Comments: I stumbled upon your website and read your story. It brougt tears to my eyes. My heart goes out to you for your loss and I commend you and your husband for your steadfast love of your boy. I am 41 yo married man with 3 children. I am also closeted and bi. I don't have the courage at this point in my life to come out. Sometimes I feel I am living a lie. I love my family very much and am a very devoted father. Your son's courage gave me hope. Thank you for sharing your story. God Bless You   Tuesday 10/23/2001 7:41:50pm Name: DL McGee E-Mail: davemcgee@hotmail.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: McCleary,WA Comments: Hi Gabi,Hi Alec, Neat site! I wish such wonderful sites weren't so badly needed. re:your opening statement... for the 1st few weeks after 11 Sept, I kept wondering why so many people were so very shaken, then it dawned on me; they were just now awakening to the fact that it CAN happen here, that some people are so scared and/or hate-filled that they will do evil to innocents (and to innocence)! Sadly, these things have been known to survivors (of all sorts) since time immemorial. My best wishes, thoughts, prayers and energies to you & yours, Dave   Monday 10/22/2001 3:51:53pm Name: Helen Stoutnar E-Mail: hmsgreener@yahoo.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Olympia, WA Comments: My husband and I had the most pleasant experience as exchange student parents for a young man from Quebec. It was our first time as parents of an exchange student. Alex had been 'tossed out' of his first home when the family found out he was gay. I was asked at work if I knew of a host family. I said I would look into it. Well, a week later we were the proud parents of a 18 year old bouncing boy! We have not had kids at home for 10 years. What a shock! Alex was involved with the theatre at River Ridge High School, so I got involved. We went to plays, shows and always had a house full of kids after opening night. We also experienced the Prom. Alex had been asked to go to the prom with another young man. Boy, did my motherly insticts come out then. I wanted to protect him and at the same time have him experience ALL that he could while a guest in our country. We went and got a tux and the happy couple left with the rest of the kids. I carry a picture of Alex and his date in my wallet. What a handsome couple. Alex in now in his second year of college in Quebec. We email each other every week. He came to see us right after he got out of school and before he started his summer job. We are trying to find out how me and my husband can go and visit his parents. The only speak French. I have a feeling we will do just fine. I am so sorry for your loss. When Alex was with us, we experienced the mood swings with him. We would talk for hours and late into the night with him. I feel sor sorry for those who don't take the time to LEARN about people with differences. They have so much to teach us. Again, I am sorry for your families loss and YOU WILL be fine again one day. Keep up the good work and God Bless your family and Bill's friends. Helen   Wednesday 10/17/2001 9:13:40pm Name: Matthew J Wilson E-Mail: mattwi74@hotmail.com Homepage: Matthew's Anti-hate page Homepage URL: http://mattwi74.tripod.com Location: Pueblo, Colorado Comments: I have been here many times, and have often read and re-read your articles. It still brings tears to my eyes, and while I am sure you are in no way completed in the grieving process; I hope you can take some solace in knowing that there are a lot of people that admire your courage, your family, and Billy. Most of all I admire you... Thank you again... Love, Matthew J Wilson STOP THE HATE   Wednesday 10/17/2001 4:03:59pm Name: Gayle A Carbonneau E-Mail: nod.sister@verizon.net Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Comments: That story just broke my heart. I am also gay and have been harrased. Nothing like Bill. Thank you for sharing your story. My heart goes out to you and your family. Gods love to everyone. Gayle   Wednesday 10/17/2001 10:39:15am Name: Nicolette E-Mail: londoncat_2512@wanadoo.nl Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: The Netherlands Comments: Dear Gabi, My good friend Tom send me the link to your website along with a link to a newly published article about Bill. I was moved to tears while reading the publication and your website. I admire your strength and the way you spread love around this world. Reading through your guestbook seeing all these lovely people sending you and the rest of the world their love and support, made me feel really happy because it shows that there is still a lot of love in this world. Too bad there was one signature that stood out of the rest and made me feel really sick... I could not believe that someone was capable of putting a note filled with so much hate on this website - or any other publication for that matter. There is too much hate and violence in this world and it is sad to see that even the leaders of the large nations in this world are not capable to stay peacefull and feel the need to fight violence with even more violence. It is about time that this world starts focussing on love and you have made a wonderfull start. Much love and peace! Nicolette   Tuesday 10/16/2001 10:49:58pm Name: Rick Hindman E-Mail: rhindma@home.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Comments: Hi Just reread Bill's story. I am listening to Steve Schalchlin's CD "The Bonus round Sesseions. I ordered it about six months ago after I heard about it from somwhere. I have started to read Bill's story a couple of times, but never got all the way through it. This time I did. I have so many things going on in my life right now it helped release all of the pent up pain in my heart. It helped me to cry. Thank you. I am a gay man who came out late after being married 17 years. I raised my 2 girls myself after the devorce. Last week I was at the hopital because my exwife had her second brain surgery for a mulignant brain tumer. She came through OK. Yes I still love her very much and her husband and I are friends. To me she is still part of me. I am layed off and now am hoping to go to a job in California. I bought a used motor home and my brother's are helping me to get it ready. I am lucky because I have a loving family like yours. I could not have gotten this far if it were not for them. Just wanted to thank you for being there for all to read and help to understand. May God and piece be with your and yours.   Tuesday 10/16/2001 2:38:33pm Name: ember E-Mail: xrabidkarmax@aol.com Homepage: na Homepage URL: Location: valrico, fl Comments: i wanted to tell you that bill's story has really touched me. i'm 17 years old and i identify as queer/bisexual/asexual, but i'm too scared to come out to everyone because of the harassment i've watched other people face. one of my very good friends, also 17, tried to commit suicide a few weeks okay, and i am so thankful he was unsuccesful...but it's stories like his and bill's that make me realize how awful it can be not to just be straight...but instead of dwelling, i've been trying to turn it into a call to increased action on my part...as well as a second chance to tell people the things i've been hesitant to tell them. anyway, thankyou for sharing your story, and bill's story. i don't know that homophobic people could read it and stay homophobic...and that's a damn good way to end homophobia. i'm soso sorry you had to loose your son in all of this- but i'm glad you've been fighting the good fight.   Sunday 10/14/2001 8:03:05pm Name: David E-Mail: renwag@intrstar.net Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Lumberton ,North Carolina Comments: I came across this site quite by accident in surfing and was touched by Bill's life and his struggles with his lifestyle. I'm a 47 year old gay guy that struggled with this lifestyle all my life -the lies and the living of two lives -one as gay and the other as very straight-acting. It's a difficult life for me but I deal with it on a day to day basis. I only just came out to my only sister, who is 7 years older , just this past April 2001. She supports me wholeheartedly, but my mother never knew that her "perfect son" was actually a "gay son". She died knowing that her son was so perfect and I guess that's the way I wanted it to be. I struggle each and every day of my life trying to "cope", just like Bill did, with this lifestyle. The pain, the guilt and the low self esteem that most gays endure , is sometimes overbearing, but we, as "gay", have to carry forward and try to make the best of life, only as we know it. Bill should set an example of the pain and agony that the rest of the gay guys have deep within themselves and we should carry on no matter what life has to throw at us. Afterall, we are only human- just like everyone else. I'm a writer and I live by this everyday of my life: "DREAMS are always in the back of our minds.HOPE is in our hearts.DETERMINATION is with us constantly. FULFILLMENT is an assemblage of all the above.." My quote of course. I only ask that society accept us for who we are - not what we are!   Thursday 10/11/2001 4:06:53am Name: Bonita E-Mail: Homepage: Homepage URL: http://www.angelfire.com/stars3/bonita Location: New Zealand Comments: A graphic of your son, used in an anti-hate message, caught my eye and I wished to learn what happened to this unknown but kind and pleasant looking young man... I am sorry for your loss. Hateful attitudes and acts make me feel incredibly sad and angry, but thankfully there are many loving, non-hating people out there, and people such as yourself doing positive things to help make changes. @>->-- bonita   Thursday 10/04/2001 7:17:14pm Name: Deia Arnholt E-Mail: deiaarnholt@aol.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: North Vernon, IN Comments: I am a MSW graduate student at the university of Indiana. My class has to do a presentation on an oppressed population. Our group choose homosexual addolescents. I appreciate the hard work you have done in trying to get the problem of discrimination heard against this population. You are truely an inspiration. Thank you again. Sincerly, Deia Arnholt   Saturday 09/29/2001 4:55:50am Name: mike E-Mail: mjoc99@hotmail.com Homepage: (none) Homepage URL: Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands Comments: I happened upon your site today: I want to add my voice to those who have already spoken. My spirit is as one with Bill, with all you good people. Bill showed more strength in his short life than most of us will ever have in a lifetime.   Tuesday 09/25/2001 10:02:13pm Name: Braden E-Mail: broder13@broder13.com Homepage: Broder13 Dot Com Homepage URL: http://www.broder13.com Location: Michigan Comments: You are an inspiration for all... thank you.   Tuesday 09/25/2001 2:01:55am Name: les reilly E-Mail: lesreilly@hotmail.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: sydney australia Comments: as a gay man 47 years old who did not come out until i was 37 because of my very homophobic upbringing,and as a father of two beautiful teenage boys,who have had to understand and accept my gay life, and who live with me and are my joy in life, i would like to say that I was very touched by your sons story. the world has lost another wonderful man.   Monday 09/10/2001 4:41:38pm Name: Mark Goring E-Mail: pleasedtobemarkyg@hotmail.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: melbourne, Australia Comments: Hello there Gabby, Some words you can find quite easily, and then there are times like this where I think...'what do i say?' I think of how since learning of the life of your family and son through a magazine here in Australia called 'DNA', I have been so inspired by the clarity and determination that you all have. Your son was an amazing man, and has made me see that remaining true to yourself helps others. See, I don't think I am being clear with what i want to communicate, but I just want you to know that I have been moved and inspired by your family. I came out back in 96 and 97, and have taken for granted the way my life has changed from then. Feelings of freedom and pure honesty took form, it's the only way to bring the society perseption to new real levels, be yourself. You're son was that all along. Take care and thank you for caring. X Mark   Sunday 09/09/2001 4:55:17pm Name: Gunilla Pettersson E-Mail: ggugge@hotmail.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Comments:   Saturday 09/08/2001 9:51:34pm Name: Daniel Michelson E-Mail: Daniel1218@aol.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Comments: I don't really know what to say. I was really moved by this story. I can only say I am truly sorry for Mrs. Clayton. It's hard for me to express myself, but I think that reading this really gives me a new sense of the job that needs to be done to stop this kind of thing from happening again.   Thursday 09/06/2001 7:16:35am Name: E-Mail: Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Comments: thank you for your story, its bring tears to my eyes, and make me feel sick to hear that people out there are still narrow minded. My mother always said "what go arounds and it will come back twince it hard, so always be nice so its never come back to you" and i hope its will come back to those, so they can feel the pain, sorrow mentally stay with them for the rest of their life.   Friday 08/31/2001 9:02:14pm Name: damo E-Mail: loki__au@hotmail.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Launceston, Australia Comments: It brings tears to my eyes, but thank you for letting me be able to read Bills Story. I am 20, just come out and had considered suicide many times during my teen years. What a waste of such a beautiful life. In my thoughts forever.   Friday 08/31/2001 1:53:33am Name: Wendy Korotkin E-Mail: w18k@aol.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Burlington, VT Comments: I was very touched by your web page and am impressed at your endurance and your willing to fight for your son. I am a lesbian myself and have had an ok time with my family, they love me it just took them a while to understand that this is who I am.... I found out about your site through a book I am reading for one of my classes at the University of Vermont. The book is called friends & family, and the class is a sexual identities class.   Thursday 08/30/2001 3:16:49pm Name: ande E-Mail: andebsaskatoon@hotmail.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Comments: Thank you. I can't say anthing else because I'm too close to tears to speak. I work with young offenders and am trying to make our area offices safe spaces for glbtg and questioning youth. It's a tough battle. I'm also the mother of a 10 year old daughter who came out to me over a year ago. I worry constantly about her safety. You and your family are in my thoughts.   Tuesday 08/28/2001 8:22:21pm Name: Janet Tan E-Mail: janettjc@cyberway.com.sg Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Singapore Comments:   Monday 08/27/2001 5:44:45pm Name: Rodney Smiley E-Mail: rodney.smiley@bcbsga.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Atlanta, Ga Comments: Bless your heart ... Thank you for your wonderful tribute site, as well as actually using the site to educate and help. Maybe one day there will be more people like you in this world. My heart to yours, Rodney Smiley   Thursday 08/23/2001 9:32:03pm Name: Amy R. E-Mail: Lavender45@excite.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Olympia Comments: Gabi~ Your story was really moving. Bill sounded like such a great guy. It is sad that he is not in this world, because we need guys more like him in it. I'm friends with people who are lesbians and gay people, myself not being a lesbian, and I just accept them for who they are. And these friends of mine are really great people. If people weren't afraid of gay and lesbians, they would see that most gay and lesbians are terrific people. I don't like all the hate and prejudice in this world. I just wish it weren't here. Best of luck in the future, Sincerely, Amy, 16   Tuesday 08/21/2001 9:53:15pm Name: Vanessa E-Mail: yolandab30@hotmail.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Comments: I just want to say that i was very touched by this story, and my regards to the family and close friends. I, too, have just felt a painful experience, but from my own mother. Although i am 26, and have had a bi-sexual relationship(3 years ago), i had my friend(ex) over to visit, we are no longer together, but only friends now, and my mother came over. She was very angered and disowned me. I now have no family for something i wasn't even doing. I now know the feeling of hatered. It really hurts though, when its your own family who hates you, and would prefer you dead. She said she was ashamed of me for along time, and she wished i was never born, along with saying i would do everyone a favor if i just killed myself. She not only hurt me with words, but then tried to physically hurt me with a bat. Theres alot more to this story, but i think i may run out of room to tell it. Anyways this happened just 3 days ago, i am feeling mad, upset and very depressed. It seems in my most time of need, i have no one. My mother and i were very close, she was my best friend. Now i am stuck with my own thoughts. This has been very hard for me. Its really nice to know that there is parents out there who actually love unconditionally. Thank yu for sharing your story, and thank you for hearing mine. Vanessa.   Friday 08/17/2001 4:09:09pm Name: Norma J. Williams E-Mail: biggrandma55@yahoo.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Comments: My fears are not that one of my children or grandchildren might be gay, but the fear of the ignorance of the people in this world who does not accept that gay people are really no different than we are. I am afraid of the hate and violence, and I could not live with the fact that someone would hurt the ones I love most dearly. You have my deepest sympathy and I know your son is with angels now....and will never be hurt again...   Thursday 08/16/2001 7:51:52pm Name: "Mystical Angel" E-Mail: Firepunk04@aol.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Comments: I want everybody to know I am 15 almost 16 and I changed my name for personal reasons, Mrs. Clayton I know how you feel my best friend Micheal commited suiced because of hate people showed towards him I miss him very much I read an article about how most males hang themselves or they do drugs well Micheal hung himself someone I was friends with calledhim a stupid fag well he was bi but whats the difference If he was purple pink blue or green I will alway's love him most of my friends are either gay, lesbian, or bi me I love them for who they are I just wanted to say I'm sorry you have lost a beautiful person he sounds like a great person and if I knew him I would have loved him also. Thanx for putting this on the net people need to realize every one gay straight lesbian bi god loves us. Thank so much you made me realize these people are even more special and beautiful in different way's. Love "Mystical Angel"   Sunday 08/12/2001 7:26:46pm Name: mary ann leaf E-Mail: maleaf@wmonline.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: pinetop, az, 85935 Comments: i am a relative and feal for you. it took a long time for my mother to come to terms with my life, but she did. mary ann leaf   Monday 08/06/2001 1:05:39pm Name: John M .Johnson E-Mail: jj_hooch@yahoo.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Comments: Consider me joined! Thanks for making my day. After serving 10 years in the Air Force and being kicked out for who I chose to sleep with, I know how bad a person can feel. My thoughts are with you and your family. John   Monday 08/06/2001 12:16:18am Name: Joe E-Mail: bandit@renegadeisp.com Homepage: Ribbons of Steel - Life On the Track Homepage URL: http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Lakes/7907 Location: Northern Ontario, Canada Comments: The URL for your site was forwarded to me, and after reading about Bill's story, I felt compelled to write, and to offer my condolences to the family. I caught a couple of line sin a move just recently, and it keeps atnding out - " if I grab a woman's butt, and she slaps me, she's doing it in self-defence. If I punch a guy that is grabbing my butt, I am considered homophobic. " It can be taken a couple of ways when you think of it, but bear in mind I am bi, and agree, that this hatred of sexuality has to stop. We don't judge hetrosexual couples as to what they do behind closed doors, so why would anyone judge two gay/bi men as to what they do behind closed doors. Is it really any of their business? The hatred has to stop, and if everyone pulls together, it will end one day. Joe   Friday 08/03/2001 1:46:46pm Name: josh conner E-Mail: joshconner@aol.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Comments: Bill's life is my, and thousands of other's, life. I sufferred through, and continue to struggle with, the pain caused by experiences similiar to your son's. How tear-wrenching your son's story. To have the beautiful, kind and creative spirit of a boy tortured and teased and beaten so it becomes unbearable to live is indescribably heartbreaking. I completely understand his feeling that it was too much to cope with and am deeply saddenned at what it did, and does, to him and so many others. I continue to try to understand and make sense of why so much hate is directed towards such sensitive souls. I share the pain of your son's loss and the continued crimes committed toward others like him and myself. You must really be a wonderful mother and human being to continue to make the efforts you do to end these injustices. It warms my heart and gives me hope. Thank You, josh...   Tuesday 07/31/2001 7:34:37am Name: Trevor E-Mail: trevmanox@yahoo.com.au Homepage: Homepage URL: http://trevmanox.tripod.com Location: Melbourne, Australia Comments: I have no words to express the way in which Bill's life has influenced my own. One of the bravest people i have ever known of.   Friday 07/27/2001 2:10:47pm Name: ArtheaMae E-Mail: ArtheaMae@aol.com Homepage: The Official ArtheaMae Webspace Homepage URL: http://www.artheamae.musicpage.com Location: Cashmere, WA Comments: I recently told my mother I was wiccan and she almost disowned me. This makes me even more frightened to tell her I'm bisexual. I just hope she continues to love me as much as you loved your son. He will not be forgotten.   Monday 07/23/2001 9:31:44pm Name: Michael LaMontagne E-Mail: mlamontariter@aol.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Palm Springs, CA Comments: I just wanted to let you know how much I was touched by your story and Bill's life. It has helped to inspire me to continue on my book "I Can See Clearly Now, A Spiritual Journey with God to Understanding Being Gay." You can be assured that Bill's life will not be forgotten, just as the many others who were not able to overcome the prejudices and judgement of an uncaring and unloving society. But in every darkenss a light beckons and just as the death of Matthew Shepherd brought to his parents a love they had never known, so to is the love that you have gained in your loss. May God Bless you all.   Monday 07/23/2001 10:32:02am Name: Clark Minns E-Mail: blueviper57@hotmail.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Comments: :( :| :)had ur bad timez,had ur good timez,it'll all have a positive out come *i don't know how my parents will react when i tell them....*(i hope they are as good about it as u were)   Friday 07/20/2001 1:32:59am Name: Rob E-Mail: BoiWndr91482@aol.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Groveland, MA Comments: I just got done reading your story, and I just wanted you to know that as an openly gay teenage male, that as parents you did the best that you possibly could for your son, both before, as well as after his untimely death. Although I have never been physically assaulted because of my sexual ORIENTATION (because it's Not a preference), I have, on more than one occasion felt physically threatened. For example, as I was eating with my best friend and her boyfriend one night at the Merrimac House of Pizza last year, a young male in his early twenties who was with his friends who were also biggots, slid next to me in the booth, pushing me against the wall so I couldn't leave, and in a friendly, scary, fake way asked how I was. He told me that he was going to take me outside and show me what happens to guys like me in the marines, since he was one. He ended up "taking it outside" with my best friend's boyfriend, Sean. After bobbing and weaving, and jabbing at Sean, the biggot-kids left. This was a marine...I was so disgusted that my tax dollars go to pay for his employment in the military, but I realized that not all marines are like him.(Believe me!!!) I guess the reason for my writing this is to tell you that the story of your son gives strength to the youth of the gay community, and makes us even more determined to stop this epidemic of discrimination. I'm sure it was hard for you to look back at all of your memories with Bill, but by doing so may have made it a little easier for a person like myself. Thank you.   Wednesday 07/18/2001 4:48:15pm Name: flowerpower67 E-Mail: Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Pennsylvania Comments: it takes alot of guts to come out about be bisexual or gay. some of my friends did the same, and were attacked and assaulted because of it, and so was i at one point and time, being harassed for being a frined to them. i know exactly how u feel, and maybe one day mankind will evole enough to show respect towards gays, bi's and lesbians.   Wednesday 07/18/2001 11:09:43am Name: E-Mail: Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Silver Spring, MD Comments: I am very moved by your story and I identified with you son. I really wish he did not have to die, it sounds as if he had some great gifts and traits to share with the world. I will always remember his story and I promise you I will do my best to get involved with the good work you and you family are doing. May you be happy and may your son and brother rest in peace.   Tuesday 07/17/2001 10:44:43am Name: Russell Sehn E-Mail: RJSehn@aol.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Sacramento, CA Comments: I want to thank you for sharing your story...I was in search of love and understanding today and your web site showed me that people do still love each other...thank you, good health to you   Monday 07/16/2001 7:21:22am Name: Elyse E-Mail: hanabi_chan@sailormoon.com Homepage: Don't have one...yet. Homepage URL: Location: Brandon, MS Comments: Being six days away from thirteen years old, I still have a lot to learn about the "real" world. "Bill's Story" has made me more aware of not only the growing numbers of hate crimes but how stupid it is for an individual to hate another individual just because they're different. Are we not all different and unique in our own special ways? The story of your son inspires and touches so many of us today it's miraculous. May it long do so. Best wishes in these trying times.   Saturday 07/14/2001 4:49:40am Name: Stuart Graham E-Mail: stuballs@optushome.com.au Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Australia, Sydney Comments: It won't be a revolution It will be evolution one day it won't matter, which way today it does with so many without people like Bill the evolution will not proceed what an inspiration, what a waste I just hide accept a lonely life   Tuesday 07/10/2001 11:13:53pm Name: littletommy E-Mail: littletommy47@hotmail.com Homepage: somewhere on tripod! I'll find it!!!!!! Homepage URL: Location: USA midwest Comments: Gabi, you are one of the most interesting, most caring, loving people I have ever meant. I hope I can contribute worthwhile stuff here. I think I can. tommy   Tuesday 07/10/2001 4:54:19pm Name: Cindy E-Mail: lucinda@chuglug.zzn.com Homepage: Chuglug Email Homepage URL: http://www.chuglug.zzn.com Location: KY Comments: I have always found it overwhelmingly sickening how naive peole can be today. I am now researching for a paper on crimes committed against gays and lesbians: people who have done nothing to deserve the hatred that they receive. Thanks for sharing the story of your son so that at least a handful of people may realize that people are just people; it makes no difference skin color, heritage, financial status, sexual orientation, or anything else.   Monday 07/09/2001 9:08:46pm Name: Eugene E-Mail: Eugene.Alridge@verizon.net Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Ohio Comments: As a gay 18yr teen . I know that life can be tough . It always hasn't been easy for me and it still isn't . But my hope and strength comes from 1 . God who I know loves me with all his heart and soul for who I am . and 2. People like you that stand up and support me .=) Yes , you do help ... thank you for restoring my hope ... thank you for giving me reasons to live =')   Sunday 07/08/2001 6:07:38pm Name: Lynne E-Mail: Talk2MeNicely@aol.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Long Island, New York Comments: It is so very difficult to remain free from pain...I hurt for each and every one of us..I am a married lesbian..There are some changes. We really do need so much understanding. Things will be completely different one day..I encourage everyone to hang in..be strong..   Sunday 07/08/2001 1:52:05pm Name: Yoshinori E-Mail: Homepage: White Ribbon Campaign in JAPAN Homepage URL: http://www.wrcjp.org/ Location: Tokyo, JAPAN Comments: Hi, Gabi. How are you? Long time not to see you. I am doing fine. It's too hot in Japan. Many people have visited my site and have read Bill's Story in Japanese. I am proud of you and your site. Actually, Access counter did hit over 95000 ! I will keep up my job. Please take care of yourself. Sincerely, Yoshinori   Saturday 07/07/2001 5:03:47pm Name: debra collett E-Mail: dc1961us@yahoo.com Homepage: none Homepage URL: Location: rochester minnesota Comments: the lack of human compassion is unreal.nobody should die for who they are or for who they love.i came out three years ago.most of that time has been spent being depressed.two years ago i attempted suicide.i was saved and put in a hospital.sometimes i really regret that.i have been the victim of hate crimes.one i barely survived.my family has rejected me.as well as most of my friends.i have decided to fight back.i dont always win.who am i kidding i never win.my own child tried to have me put in jail.right now he is just putting me through hell.when things get bad i think of all the innocent people who were taken from us by hate.i survive in their honor. i wont forget   Friday 07/06/2001 6:56:00pm Name: Donna Dooms E-Mail: ddooms37forever@aol.com Homepage: Homepage URL: Location: Shelton, Wa. Comments: I am a student in Mark Hurst's "Crime and Community" class. I just want to thank you for speaking to our class. I have always hated prejudice of any kind, but when you put a face to a victim, it makes it personal. Please keep up your good work, you DO make a difference. Bill would be so proud of you!