EARLIER THIS WEEK, a nine-year-old boy in the United States made international headlines after he took his own life due to homophobic bullying.
Over the summer holidays, nine-year-old Jamel Myles revealed to his mother that he was gay. Jamel’s mother told him that there was nothing to be ashamed of, and that if anyone in school had any problem with him being gay, he should just tell them that he’s “proud”.
Meet 9 y.o. #JamelMyles. This summer he came out to his mom as gay. Then, he went back to school, 4th grd. The bullying came quickly. His mom said, “My son told my oldest daughter the kids at school told him to kill himself.” On the 4th day he did just that. I’m so sick of this! pic.twitter.com/ivhYf9qK3j
— Charles M. Blow (@CharlesMBlow) August 28, 2018
Speaking to the BBC, Jamel’s heartbroken mother explained what happened:
Him and his older sister were so close, he would just tell her everything. My son came home and told her that kids at school were telling him to kill himself. He didn’t come to me, and it hurts, because I would have understood and I would have defended him.
Jamel’s mother, Leia Pierce said that she feels guilty and responsible.
I should have felt his pain, I should have knew he was hurt, and I didn’t.
At the end of her BBC interview, Leia wanted to tell other children coming to terms with their sexuality that they are “beautiful, special and there’s nothing different about them that should be pointed out to make them feel any other type of way, other than loved.”
Teach your kids love. Teach them that it’s okay to have differences, because we’re all different. Nobody’s the same.
Since the news broke, several LGBTQ celebrities have taken to social media to pay tribute to Jamel.
Orange Is The New Black star Laverne Cox wrote, “This has to stop happening. It just must stop. Our bullying culture is killing children.”
This has to stop happening. It just must stop. Our bullying culture is killing children. #JamelMyles
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) August 28, 2018
"A 9-year-old boy died by suicide after being bullied for coming out as gay" https://t.co/BlrS7BqBxK
23-year-old queer singer Kehlani said “The lessons here are clear.”
jamel myles’ confidence, pride, and eagerness to share his new found freedom with his parents and then classmates at 9 years old is beautiful and hope that is the memory celebrated continuously. rest in peace little warrior.
— Kehlani (@Kehlani) August 28, 2018
the lessons here are clear.
British theatre director Andrew Keates said that “Children around the world should be introduced from day one to society’s rich tapestry of diversity and to greet LGBT+ children with love and acceptance, especially at school.”
This story has crippled me. Children around the world should be introduced from day one to society’s rich tapestry of diversity and to greet LGBT+ children with love and acceptance, especially at school. I’m so sorry for the family of #JamelMyles https://t.co/4I54HqEXY6
— Andrew Keates (@andrewkeates) August 28, 2018
Actress Ellen Page also spoke about how Jamel’s death has ‘broke her heart’.
The news re #JamelMyles broke my heart.I have traveled around the country & the world & have been witness 2 hope & joy but also deep pain & horror.This needs to change.I’m sad & angry but trying 2 keep my heart warm & open 2 continue 2 strive 2 help eradicate this suffering. ❤️
— Ellen Page (@EllenPage) August 28, 2018
Lesbian singer Hayley Kiyoko also said that ‘People need to understand the power of their words’.
This BREAKS MY HEART. People need to understand the power of their words. Wow. I’m so sorry for him and his family. https://t.co/YTvQMPgsfB
— Hayley Kiyoko (@HayleyKiyoko) August 28, 2018
Celebrity drag queen Vicky Vox said “Enough is enough.”
I am in full tears! I know this Child’s pain. It is my own. I’m sick of this shit. I’m living for you, #JamelMyles!!! This has to stop. Please!!! Children are taugh to hate. We must teach them compassion. NINE YEARS OLD!!! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! https://t.co/Of88vXtoG0
— VICKY VOX (@TheVickyVox) August 28, 2018
