It seems like we see a new story every day about teens who are bullied, beaten or dead because of one word! "GAY"! Growing up in a predominately southern part of Florida where the Rebel flag was flown daily made childhood very difficult for me. I was born in 1971 and I was born "GAY". Yes, I was born that way. I grew up with the snickers, the assumptions, and yes the bullying that so many of today's youth deal with. It has been almost 40 years and these teenagers still go through the same humiliating  torment that I endured. I tried to go to church and pray to be like everyone else. I dated girls, I even "finished the deed" hoping this would turn me "Straight". None of this worked. I was destined to be who I am today. There were many times that I wished I were dead, but something told me that it was not the way to resolve the sadness and anger I held inside. I met my first boyfriend when I was 22 and I couldn't celebrate this with family because they didn't understand why I chose this lifestyle! They didn't understand it was never a choice. There were no big celebrations, no wedding bells, no blessings from the families. We all deserve these things, yet because I was "GAY", I was denied! Today's youth have seen more acceptance than I did back in the 80's and 90's but the pain that they feel is the same. They still get bullied, they still get called names from, not only their classmates, but even the politicians who are suppose to represent them. Our leaders bully just as much as those classmates. Our congress, church leaders and even television pundits are saying that being "GAY" is wrong! Being "GAY" is a sin! Being "GAY" is against God! Being "GAY" is a choice that voids any rights to equal freedom! I want to let those that are contemplating suicide to think about the void that will never be filled once you are gone! Realize that you are loved by more people than you know. You are worth living this life. Yes, it is hard, we deal with so much in our lives because we are gay, but it makes us stronger. You have so much life ahead of you. You will meet an amazing person to share your life with, you will be able to enjoy what we are working so hard to accomplish! Society has made the word "GAY" evil because they are told by the very people in power that it is wrong to be gay. Society has put their trust in the government, church leaders and the media. The first step at stopping the senseless violence and untimely deaths is to make those people in power accountable. The blood is on their hands for the injustices that we have experienced. It will get better, and you are not alone!