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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsLast week: "Gay Teen Kicked Out...Directs Funds Raised Online to...LGBT Homeless Shelter"
This came out on September 3, 2014 but I missed it. This is the follow-up to the "How NOT to react when your child tells you that he's gay" video a few week's back which you can view here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017211864
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/09/03/1326819/-Gay-teen-kicked-out-of-parents-home-directs-funds-raised-online-to-finance-LGBT-homeless-shelter
Gay Teen Kicked Out of Parent's Home Directs Funds Raised Online to Finance LGBT Homeless Shelter
Last week, a heartbreaking video surfaced of Daniel Ashley Pierce "coming out" to his family, who went on to disown him and kick Daniel out of their home.
An online fundraiser went viral and within six days, nearly $100,000 has a been raised to help Daniel get on his feet in a new home. Overwhelmed by the support and understanding there are many others in the same predicament, Daniel asked people to stop donating to him and turn their attention to an organization called Lost N'Found, which is renovating a building to serve as a homeless shelter for LGBT youth. Thus far, the organization has received roughly $10,000 from his post and plans to open in spring of 2015:
"I would say we're right at $10,000 (through Pierce donations), said Westbrook. "Daniel is an incredibly bright and courageous young man. He is the epitome of who Lost n' Found is here to serve."
In an interview, which can be seen here, Lost N' Found Executive Director says roughly 50 percent of gay teens in the southeast who come out to their parents are disowned and kicked out of their homes, calling it an "epidemic."
50% -- !!!
But to the brave young man who took his pain and made it make a difference....
Nuclear Unicorn
(19,497 posts)IdaBriggs
(10,559 posts)I would be proud to be mother to such a son.
And I don't mean that except for it's original meaning.. So be it.
This young man has my back.
joeybee12
(56,177 posts)if the hospital switched babies in some sort of mix-up.
FSogol
(45,491 posts)TexasMommaWithAHat
(3,212 posts)I can't fathom kicking out my child for being gay. If he's a minor, they should be forced to pay child support!
Nuclear Unicorn
(19,497 posts)Yeah. Nothing in any reports seems to indicate he's prone to criminal / incorrigible behavior. I can agree with that.
IdaBriggs
(10,559 posts)I remember they also kept his car.
riqster
(13,986 posts)Good on the young man!
Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)All of these parents who do this have neighbors, church mates, and family that support them in these acts of cruelty and who join them in the rejection of the kids.
raven mad
(4,940 posts)I despise this kind of person; the parent types. No thought but what Da Preaachah put there.
IdaBriggs
(10,559 posts)NYC_SKP
(68,644 posts)IdaBriggs
(10,559 posts)You are kind of being my hero lately!
Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)...thank you for some happy news. It's been a crappy day for me. I love knowing that there are still beautiful people in the world.
IdaBriggs
(10,559 posts)and back at you!
Behind the Aegis
(53,961 posts)IdaBriggs
(10,559 posts)I really appreciated meegbear's original post. In the same thread, Half-Century Man quoted Kipling.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017211864#post13
DU has some wonderful posters.
stevenleser
(32,886 posts)Will try to fit this story into my radio show this week.
IdaBriggs
(10,559 posts)hifiguy
(33,688 posts)That brave young man is a real hero.