Gabi Clayton's Guestbook #47 - From 9/7/03 to 11/4/03
Note: This guestbook reads from the bottom of the page up. -- Gabi


Tuesday 11/04/2003 7:09:51am
Name: Ben Mills
E-Mail: elvax84@hotmail.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: NSW, Australia
Comments: I've been trying to think of wat to write here and there is just so much i want to say that i dont know were to start. All i know is that i feel so much sympathy for you and your family Gabbi and i wish there was some way to take away your pain. I read Bill's story off Mogenic and whilst he may have lived a short life it seems to me that he acomplished so much in the time he was here and that his legacy shall hopefully acomplish even more. There is so much more i want to say but i just can put it into words (really, i've been at this for half an hour writing and deleting :) So i think ill just end this with a thankyou. If it wasnt for brave people like you telling yours and Bill's story then the world would never know of some of the horendous things done by so called normal people and it would be a much darker place to live. So thankyou for making it a safer place for all of us who are born not wrong just different.

Saturday 11/01/2003 6:41:38pm
Name: Katie Kottemann
E-Mail: klkhrk@hotmail.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: New Orleans, La
Comments: I'm crying. Thank you for sharing this story. My best friend is gay and has been assaulted many times. I don't know what I would do if I lost him.
~Katie

Thursday 10/30/2003 2:18:26pm
Name: francis ryall
E-Mail: Fancis R yall76@hitmail.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: NF Canada
Comments: Gabby: I am crying after reading Bill's story. I AM SO SORRY THAT SUCH A BEAUTIFUL CHILD WAS TAKEN FROM YOU,AND THE WORLD. WE MUST BELIEVE THAT HE NOW HAS PEACE AND JOY. THANKYOU FOR THE COURAGE, AND THE LOVE IT TOOK TO TELL THIS STORY AND THE WORKS YOU HAVE DONE. PRAYERS FOR YOU.

Thursday 10/30/2003 2:02:02pm
Name: Frank R.
E-Mail: xavrush89@yahoo.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: Illinois, U.S.A.
Comments: I came across your story via a link from hatecrime.org. How fortunate Bill was to have had parents lile you and Alec, and a kind brother as well. Some of us had to take years to get our families to the point of acceptance at which your family STARTED! Thank you for sharing your son's memory with us.

Monday 10/27/2003 4:44:50pm
Name: Cody Bacon
E-Mail: basktcase12@yahoo.com
Homepage: xanga.com/basktcase12
Homepage URL:
Location: hudson falls, new york
Comments: this was a very toutching story. im very glad that some people out there can recognize these things and acctually try to stop it. i only really knew the story of matthew shepard, but i am proud to say that i am now educated even further in this. thank you for opening my eyes to what i didnt want to believe- that there are so many tagic events that happen to/against gays (of all sorts)

Monday 10/27/2003 4:39:02pm
Name: Steven K. Embree
E-Mail: PapaSmurf4429@hotmail.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: Florence, KY 41022-1431
Comments: Words cannot even begin to describe my feelings for you and your family with Bill's death. I am 47 years old. I have been having a most challenging and difficult time on dealing with coming to terms with my own sexuality. Only our Heavenly Father knows how difficult it was for Bill. I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like Bill was one really fabulous person to know. This is the reason I am working on being a Big Brother/mentor - to be a source of light and inspiration for other young people who are questioning or coming to terms with their sexual orientation.

My prayers are with you. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.

Steven K. Embree (PapaSmurf4429@hotmail.com)

Friday 10/24/2003 7:58:33am
Name: Joni Younginer
E-Mail: jyounginer@windsordoor.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: Little Rock, AR
Comments: Congratulations on a great memorial and tribute to Bill. As a lesbian, this site really touches close to home. Bill should be remembered for his bravery and love for others and I think that your site displays his will to make things better very well. We should all have a little bit of "Bill" inside us and remember that hate should never be acceptable. We should all continue to join together to fight for equal rights for the GLBT community, including strict Hate Crime Legislation. Bill's story will live in my heart for a long time to come.

Thank you,

Monday 10/20/2003 5:37:27pm
Name: Debbie
E-Mail: deblvtt@yahoo.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location:
Comments: Thanks so much for sharing your story it is very moving and I am very touched keep up the good work

Saturday 10/18/2003 2:00:54pm
Name: Johannes
E-Mail: reg1701@msn.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: Germany
Comments: My sincere condolences.
Bill's story really makes me sad. How can people do something? If I watch a photo of Bill on which he is laughing and then a photo from the day after I'm moved to tears.
I'm myself gay (14) and it isn't an easy situation.
Our world needs people like you!

Saturday 10/18/2003 6:13:12am
Name: Ray Wiltfong
E-Mail:
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: Portland OR
Comments: I am so sorry about your loss. The story of Bill's life has, does and will serve as a lesson for all that read about him.

As a society, I think the way we respond to sexual abuse is often as damaging as the abuse itself.

Why is it that society places such a low value on the life of a child?

Why do we allow recruters into our schools, our children to enter the military at 17 but not allow them to vote until they are 21?

Why do we a allow child preditors to walk our streets and ride our buses?

When will we DO something to change it?

Hugs to Bill's family

Wednesday 10/15/2003 9:35:34am
Name: Chrystina Rupnick
E-Mail: fallin_angel1703@yahoo.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: Redding California
Comments: Your son's story is amazing, and it has inspired me to keep beliving in what i belive in. Thank you it only made me feel stronger about my beliefs.

Wednesday 10/15/2003 6:11:58am
Name: David Harris
E-Mail: harrisd1@ntlworld.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: United Kingdom
Comments: Sorry for your tragic loss.

Tuesday 10/14/2003 5:40:38pm
Name: Brandy Mays
E-Mail: babygirlfrommbk@aol.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: chesterfield, Va
Comments: Growing up I have met many gay/bisexual individuals, and they are some of the most compasionate and giving people that I have ever met. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Bill seemed like a great kid! EVen though we do not know each other, I want you to know that you and your family are in my prayers. God Bless

Tuesday 10/14/2003 11:15:13am
Name: Mat
E-Mail: matwick@hotmail.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: United Kingdom
Comments: My deepest sympathy for your loss. I think what you have done and how you turned something so terrible into something so helpful is so touching and remarkable. Im a 17 year old and am gay. I have had points in my life when I just feel I cant go on. Storys like this do help, I know because they have helped me so much. Good luck with your work

Monday 10/13/2003 11:28:02am
Name: Brad Johnson
E-Mail: bjohnson@greenriver.edu
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location:
Comments: As an educator, I will share your sorrowful story with my students in an attempt to humanize and give a face to the consequences of hate crimes. I applaud your courage to turn this most painful saga into a galvanizing gesture
that will foster understanding. Thank you.

Sunday 10/12/2003 11:00:28pm
Name: Kat Eichacker
E-Mail: boobsmagoo@aol.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: Iowa
Comments: So sorry for your loss

Saturday 10/11/2003 7:01:03pm
Name: Jayson Clark
E-Mail: jayson18@slingshot.co.nz
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Comments: Hello Gabi, thank you for sharing bills story, it has touched me deeply, and Im saddened by it, I don't understand how people can hurts others.
I live in the South Pacific, In New Zealand, And I feel lucky that this sort of stuff has stopped here, back before 1985 it used to happen alot, but the Gay/Bi/Les/Trans Commuinity stuck together whith help of loved ones and friends to fight our Government and force them to change the law.
I was only 13 when I came out, and when my family found out, the did'nt want much to do with me, but I was happy with that, my father disowned me, at this stage my mother had already passed on, so she never knew, but I guess if she did she would have accepted it with open arms.
I've been reading your website now for the past 4 hours, and have been crying since the first page I read, I just can't beleive people can do that to others and not feel guilty or remorse.
It sounds like bill ha some really loving and caring people in his life.
The law over here was changed back in 1984-1986 somewhere round there, to make it illegal to discriminate against sex, race, religeon, and sexuality, we have 2 or 3 members of parliment who are openly gay/Transgender, and also fight on for our community.
The gay/Bi/Les/Trans Community and their friends and family world wide have to keep together and keep fighting for ourt rights.
To end this I'd like to post a little poem and friend sent me.

"Friend's are quiet Little Angles who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering who to fly"

Peace for everybody

Thursday 10/09/2003 11:26:51am
Name: Lisa J
E-Mail: crazziej@alltel.net
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: United States
Comments: I found alot of inspiration on this great website. I can truely see the love and strenth you have.

Wednesday 10/08/2003 4:35:24pm
Name:
E-Mail: davidwilly@excite.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location:
Comments: Sorry, put my email address in, stupidly I put my last name in where my email should have been. David

Wednesday 10/08/2003 4:30:22pm
Name: david
E-Mail: williamson
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: england
Comments: I was saddened by your son's story, my thoughts go out to you and your family. I know what it like to live in a world full of hate because of your sexuality. I am away from that now, I realise how lucky I was to come through the other end of it, not only do homophobic people give you there hatred, they teach you self loathing, I am sorry your son and anyone in the world has to suffer that. I hope other young people realise you can come through it, you just have to be strong. I thank you for telling your son's story. Kind regards. David Williamson

Monday 10/06/2003 6:38:35pm
Name: Jayme
E-Mail: lilhockeybiatch@hotmail.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location:
Comments: At our school we do something called a "Silent protest against hate" and while looking for someone to honor I came across your son and your web page and not ever hearing about this before and reading what happen brought tears to my eyes, I cannot believe anyone could be so horribly hateful to make someone so special end thier life. I am so sorry!

Saturday 10/04/2003 10:37:55am
Name: Janet Lutz
E-Mail: four.wheeln@verizon.net
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: Seattle,WA
Comments: The Story touched my heart. I will always remember it.

Friday 10/03/2003 8:34:03pm
Name: Angela
E-Mail: angbirth@yahoo.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: Hubbell, MI
Comments: I grew up down the street from Oly High- you could see it from my house- and as a girl I would play at Oly High often. I graduated from Tumwater High in 97 and I remember this very well. I was shocked at how people my own age could do things with such hate- we (my generation) were the open minded type- I am very sorry for your loss, I myself have a newborn daughter and I pray that whatever choice she makes in her life she is happy. I hope no matter what she is loved and them most respected even if not understood. It is sad that our children grow up to be so hateful they can bring people to what Bill found as the only way out. Open arms to your family and everyone who loved Bill. I wish you understanding and peace. I pray that your story will change people and make them kinder and at least educated on personal choice and personal right to have any life they chose.

Thursday 10/02/2003 4:53:31pm
Name: Robin Williams
E-Mail: pleasetalktorobin@yahoo.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Comments: Thank you for putting your family's experience out there. Hopefully it will raise awareness for those who don't face the constant discrimination that gay and bisexual youth deal with all the time. I can feel your love for your son eminating from the story, he was so very fortunate to have you in his life. Unfortunately other parents are not as smart as you. Thank you for sharing.

Wednesday 10/01/2003 8:52:03pm
Name: Lorina
E-Mail: Lorinabear13@yahoo.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: washington
Comments: hello~
I am a 16 y/o bisexual female. i know it isnt that rare anymore to find us ( bi fems) but i am doing a class project about teen trials and tribulations. i have found your site more usfull than any newspaper or any other website. i am very sorry about your loss and thank you for letting me use the information about your son.

Saturday 09/27/2003 11:54:16am
Name: Alexandra Selintino
E-Mail: alexandra_selintino@yahoo.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: Jersey City, New Jersey
Comments: I have been researching information on the story of Brandon Teena, and I came across Bill's story. I am profoundly moved. I hope that other's will read about Bill, and find it in their hearts to be more compassionate. My heart aches for Brandon Teena and Bill..they will remain with me as long as I live. And I will do everything in my power to help those in need, to know that there are people out there who love and accept them, just the way they are. Again, thank you for sharing your son with us. -Alexandra Selintino

Wednesday 09/24/2003 3:33:26pm
Name: Anne
E-Mail: slumberingfear@yahoo.com
Homepage: FaintlyFeeling.net
Homepage URL: http://www.faintlyfeeling.net
Location: USA
Comments: No one deserves to be treated like Bill was. I can understand both your pain and his, and if I could comfort you in any way I would with all my heart. Hopefully there will be a day where things like this won't happen any longer. Your son did not deserve his pain, and I'm sure he was a beautiful person.

Love, Anne.

Monday 09/22/2003 12:11:50am
Name: Kris Carpenter
E-Mail: carpentek004@hawaii.rr.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location:
Comments: I found your link on a web page i found by searching "brandon tenna". I just watched the movie "Boys Don't Cry" last night, and although I am not gay, I am different. Aren't we all? Isn't that what makes the world so wonderful? I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could have made a difference in Bill's life.

Saturday 09/20/2003 3:12:53am
Name: Matej
E-Mail: nohhec17@yahoo.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: Slovenia
Comments: -

Friday 09/19/2003 8:02:08pm
Name: Grace
E-Mail:
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location:
Comments: I really enjoyed reading Bil's Story, I have many friends who are biseual or gay, and being bisexual myself, we fact hate from people who don't even know us. I wish somehow that everyone at my high school would read your writings and maybe understand that we don't choose they way we are and we aren't bad or wrong because of the way we are. It amazes me still how much hate has been so deeply engrained into my fellow high school students - if this is now, what are we in for in the future? Another Holocaust? I certainly hope not, although it does seem that we are repeating history, as we obviously have not learned from it.

Wednesday 09/17/2003 5:45:56pm
Name: Beth Winner
E-Mail: jwinner@insight.rr.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: Ohio
Comments: what a very sad story...my heart goes out to you...Its a very mean ruff world....

Wednesday 09/17/2003 3:57:02pm
Name: Ray
E-Mail:
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: hayward ca
Comments: i read the story i thought it was very sad i kinda going threw the sae thing its not a good feeling eing treated cause your different

Wednesday 09/17/2003 7:52:54am
Name: Lainey
E-Mail:
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: San Francisco, CA
Comments: I was very touched by this story.

Monday 09/15/2003 4:06:05pm
Name: Stephen Fitzsimons
E-Mail: hayclose3_server1@msn.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: Kendal
Comments: You are still in my thoughts Gabi and Bill. Respect life as it is preshious.

Friday 09/12/2003 4:24:25am
Name: Caesar!!
E-Mail: Cpascuales@latinmail.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: Marseille-France
Comments: Hi, I don't know who will read this, but all I have to say is that bill's history is so sad, I can't explain it, but I'm passig trough the same pain that He must felt. It's grat to see how much his maother loves him in spite of his preferences, my parents loves me, but they don't want to accept me, I don't what to do...in one of you favourite quotes there's one that says: the pain never goes away, we simply learn, through practice, how to live in spite of it, or through it. To have that pain, it's so horrible, that you just want to lay on you bed, and never wake up, I just want that...but I'm so afraid!! I know what bill felt, believe me, I know why he did what he did...I can't write anymore, my tears don't stop, hope soon, I'll be better.

Thursday 09/11/2003 8:31:11am
Name: Michael Willbanks
E-Mail: Advacoteforus@yahoo.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location:
Comments: WHY ARE PEOPLE SO STUPID WHEN IT COMES TO SOMEONE BEING GAY?

Wednesday 09/10/2003 9:26:38pm
Name: Natalie Yabut
E-Mail: queenie@bwpsi.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: Illinois
Comments: I have a step-brother and he came out to us about 4 years ago. He has had a hard time in his high school years, but he got through it. I feel so lucky, because at one point he was also very suicidal. I sympathize with Bill's family as I know how this must feel. Why can't people be just open minded, and accept the fact that what ever sexual preferences have, they are still people, humans, just like you and me. That should be the last thing that we judge people by. Straight, Gay, Bi, Lesbians, we are all humans, with rights, feelings, emotions. They say having concience, and feeling guilt separates us from humans, but in turn people that commit hate crimes, don't have guilt, don't have conciences, they can't have a concience. Think about this: what would you do if this happened to a family member? People have every right to be negative, but keep it to yourself. People are entitled, and have a right to their oppinion, but they don't have the right to use that to degrade other people. In recent studies, people that degrade others want to feel better about themselves. So think before commiting something hateful, even calling people names. An open mind might help make the rates of hate crimes and crimes in general go down.

Tuesday 09/09/2003 1:15:44pm
Name: Peg Wielang
E-Mail: pwielang@charter.net
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: Washington
Comments: I wish everyone would realize that we are all here to fullfill experiances in this lifetime so our souls can advance & grow!
It doesn't matter what religion you are,what color you are,sexual preference{as long as you don't force your views on others}, or what financial status you have or don't have.
This world would be a much better place if we would all just be & let be.
I am sick & tiered of these, so called,religious folks pointing their fingers @ what they think is right or wrong.They are most often the very ones that should not be judging.
I,for one, feel that as long as you are not mean or hurting anyone else, you should just enjoy the differences in one another.
Have a great day! :}

Monday 09/08/2003 10:25:41am
Name: valerie
E-Mail: vtopacio@holynames-sea.org
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: seattle
Comments: I am Mimi's niece, and have heard a great deal about this tradegy. This should never happen to such a good, loving person.My prayers are with you and your family, god bless, Valerie

Sunday 09/07/2003 6:42:07am
Name: Malcos Ambury
E-Mail: malcs7@icqmail.com
Homepage:
Homepage URL:
Location: United Kingdom
Comments: I loose count of how many who think being Gay or Bi is a chosen lifestyle.

Some people will never understand that you don't choose this lifestyle that is fraught with difficulty.

Bill's story only confirms what I have always believed - that ignorance and fear reproduce ignorance and fear.

For Gabi, for telling the world this story, I have the greatest respect. I hope that it achieves what she set out to achieve by telling it. I know it is what someone like Bill would want.

 

Index of responses to "Bill's Story" -- Links to pages with all the past responses to Bill's story
http://www.youth-guard.org/gabi/respondex.html

DHTML Menu by Milonic