A large number of bullying-based youth suicides and murders have been profiled in the media recently. The youths in each case commonly experienced some form of gender-based violence from fellow students or peers.
Gender-based violence is never acceptable. When homophobic and other bullying based on a person’s gender or sexual identity leads to a teen’s suicide or murder, the result is truly tragic.
So tell your friends, family, co-workers and neighbours about Spirit Day. Ask them to wear purple on Wednesday!
Spirit Day is dedicated to the memory of:
Asher Brown, 13, Cyprus, Texas
Seth Walsh, 13, Tehachapi, Calif.
Justin Aaberg, 15, Anoka, Minn.
Billy Lucas, 15, Greensburg, Ind.
Cody Barker, 17, Shiocton, Wis.
Tyler Clementi, 18, Ridgewood, N.J.
Aiden Rivera-Schaeff, 18, Maryland
Raymond Chase, 19, Monticello, N.Y.
Jeanine Blanchette, 21, Orangeville, Ont.
Chantal Dube, 17, Orangeville, Ont.
Chris Skinner, 27, Toronto, Oct. 18, 2009
Shaquille Wisdom, 13, Ajax, Ont. Oct. 20,2007
