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  WINDY CITY TIMES

IT GETS BETTER: Caleb's Story
by Ross Forman
2010-10-13

This article shared 5246 times since Wed Oct 13, 2010
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Caleb Laieski knows all too well about the dealing with bullies and suicide—he's personally dealt with both, even though he's only 15.

Laieski, a high school sophomore in Surprise, Ariz., first endured bullies about four years ago, while in middle school.

"I have been called 'faggot' more times than I can count," Laieski said. "I've been followed home, shoved into lockers. I have even received death threats in person, as well as via email, texts and through phone calls."

Laieski said things hit rock bottom for him this past May—and that's when he decided to take a stand, to not let the bullies triumph.

"I decided to take this to the public and went on [ the ] NBC-TV [ affiliate in ] Phoenix to bring attention to this issue and to also put the Dysart School District and every other district on notice that anti-gay bullying does happen in their schools [ and ] will not be tolerated."

Laieski sued his school district.

"The school district did update their anti-bully policy to include sexual orientation, as well as ban usage of slang on campus; gay in a negative context," he said. "The lawsuit may still be proceeded with, if the district fails to enforce the new policy; I will be sure to pursue prompt legal action."

And what about the bullies?

Well, some have transformed and now are "friends" with Laieski, he said.

"Many folks who are hateful and intolerant are [ that way ] simply due to a lack of education," Laieski said. "If you show respect to all, even haters, as I do, it also shows that you are the one with wisdom and tolerance."

Laieski said he is "saddened" by the five recent suicides and "over 1,000 attempts within the month of September."

Laieski is now the founder and executive director for Gays and Lesbians United Against Discrimination ( GLUAD ) , a group dedicated to equal rights for LGBT families and individuals through various means.

"I have lost close friends to suicide and countless have attempted," he said. "I still get random hateful stares and a few derogatory comments, but I'd say this activism has made a major difference in this city and been a wake-up call for all.

"It's very important for all members of the LGBT community, especially our youth, to acknowledge that they are normal and unique in their own forms; that's what makes them, who they are.

"The Dysart School District [ in Arizona ] has changed its policy to specifically prohibit bullying on the basis of sexual orientation. Numerous teens have contacted me and other staffers, when they have felt lonely or suicidal, and I offered them help. Further, we have contacted every teacher and principal in the Anoka, Minnesota and Greensburg, Indiana school districts to inform them of LGBT issues after they experienced recent suicides and it's just the start."

Laieski said GLUAD has "countless" volunteers and about 10 non-paid staff.

"Although that sounds like little staff, we have made more accomplishments than organizations with a body for 30+ staff," he said.

Chicago-based Casey Cameron leads a lot of GLUAD's national and Illinois approaches.

"We are currently in the process of contacting candidates in all 50 states to educate them on the issues being faced by the LGBT community, including the alarming issue of bullying and suicide," Laieski said. "We will be making contact with every school, school district, teacher and principal in every city and state, to educate them on how serious LGBT issues are. In our contact, we will be recommending protections and threatening lawsuits if they fail to follow, intervene, or protect all students.

"We will also work closely with local and national media to inform the public of current events and local situations. We will also soon update our website to include resources for suicide hotlines, resources to report discrimination and hate crimes, coming out guides, how to handle bullying, accept suggestions for homeless shelters, provide contact information to lawmakers and including a quote of the month."

IN THIS ISSUE [ LINK HERE OR FROM THIS ISSUE'S MAIN INDEX ]

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php Anti-suicide project reflects on cases

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php DePaul vigil remembers teen suicides

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php by Kirk Williamson

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php by Tracy Baim

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php by Toni Weaver

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php by Amy Pirtle

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php by Bobby Pirtle

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php by Eric Marcus

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php by Alexandra Billings

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php by Karlis Streips

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php by John R. Cepek

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php by Judy Shepard

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php by Lee Lynch

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php by Kristi Keorkunian

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php by Joshua Plant

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php by Chris Hill

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php Trevor Project Chicago events

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php Stopping Bullies in Illinois

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php Mother of Slain Teen Gwen Araujo Addresses LGBT Youth Suicide by Sylvia Guerrero

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php by Carl G. Streed Jr.

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php by Thom Bierdz

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php by Kit Duffy

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php by Vernita Gray

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php by Wancy Young Cho

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php RESOURCES

www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php QUOTES


This article shared 5246 times since Wed Oct 13, 2010
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