Internet Raises Over $50,000 For Gay Youth Disowned By Family

[kpete]

Posted this Video Yesterday:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017211933
SO HEARTWARMING TO SEE THIS RESPONSE!!!

..........


This week, a video went viral of 20-year-old Daniel Ashley Pierce experiencing an intervention of sorts by his Georgia-based family, who disapprove of his being gay. In the video, his family blatantly tell them that because of his “choice,” they can no longer provide him with any support and that he is no longer welcome at home. Individuals across the internet have rallied behind Pierce, raising over $50,000 in living expenses to compensate for the support his family will no longer provide.

In a note posted on the fundraising page Thursday, Pierce extended his gratitude to those who lent their support. “I didn’t realize that this was even set up for me!” he wrote. “I don’t even know how to thank y’all! I wish I could give each and everyone of you a huge hug!”

Many of the nearly 2,000 donors left supportive comments along with their donation:

“God loves you, just as you are.”

“The best thing you can do is make a break and surround yourself by a new ‘chosen’ family of friends that love and support you.”

“You should be proud of yourself for standing your grand and being proud of the WAY YOU WERE BORN.”
“You are not alone in the world — there are many good people watching out for you.”

“You are a precious, brave person, Daniel. I’m so sorry your family can’t see that. But know that millions of us out here love and support you and others who bravely own their truth.”

http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2014/08/29/3477218/internet-raises-over-50000-for-gay-youth-disowned-by-family/

[Enrique]

1. is it too late for my family to disown me?

is there an age limit

[closeupready]

2. No age limit, so that's some good news for you!

However, no money after the age of 18 - you'll have to actually work for a living, so that sucks, huh?

[hamsterjill]

3. Parents at their worst; people at their best.

That video is alarming to put it mildly. I'm glad that the general public has offered support, both monetary and emotional, to this young man.

I hope he runs like hell as far away from those abusive parents as he can get, I hope he understands his own self-worth, and I hope he ultimately can have a happy and productive life.

[Brickbat]

4. I'd love to see his "family's" face when they find out about this.

[dickthegrouch]

8. They'll probably try to claim some of it :(

It was not for the family, it was for him. Something else for him to stand his ground about.

I hope he invests in some good tax advice before letting anyone else touch a single cent.

[mnhtnbb]

5. Total donated stands at $61,340.

It is so heartwarming to see people respond this way.

Apparently, he is safely living with an aunt.

[Capt. Obvious]

6. If only he had shot and killed an unarmed black teen

the internet would have raised a lot more for him.

[cpwm17]

7. Congratulations to the family of Daniel Ashley Pierce.

You are now stars on the internet!!!!:

From the ThinkProgress story in the OP:

Published on Aug 27, 2014
2,258,587 views in two days

[hifiguy]

9. That made my day

just 24 hours after that video just about made me cry.

Lotsa good folks are out there, and I hope Daniel has a long, rich and happy life.