Tomorrow we wear purple

Lexington, KY  (Official Statement from the Founder, Jordan Palmer) --  Tomorrow on Wednesday, October 20, 2010 we wear purple across the Commonwealth in loving memory of the teen suicides and those who have suffered school bullying. We wear purple to announce to the world that we are proud of who we are, and perhaps a child or teenager will see someone wearing purple and realize they are not alone, and that we love them. Our community will be strong for those who cannot be.

As we move forward, we must teach our children about diversity and tolerance.

Every time someone speaks out against the LGBTI community such as Kentucky Whitley County Judge Executive Pat White, Jr., State of New York Governor's candidate Carl Paladino, the Republican Party of Texas, or Montana Tea Party Leader Tim Ravndal, a child is listening.

Children watch TV, listen to the radio, read the news, and have access to social networking.

Tomorrow we wear purple to show our LGBTI children and teenagers they are not mistakes, they are not alone, and that we stand ready to assist them.

Over 1.5 Million people have pledged to wear purple tomorrow through the following Facebook initiatives:

1. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=148505385191248&index=1
2. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=159017510783875&index=1
3. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=122462384475928&index=1

To me, Bette Midler said it best on her website:

It is a sad, sad day for America when young people would rather die than endure one more day of hatred and relentless persecution. As a mother, I am ashamed of all the parents who have failed to teach even the most basic human lessons to their children, "Live and let Live" and "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." The normal, everyday kindness that we took for granted just a few years ago is a thing of the past, and I for one, mourn it deeply. Technology, the Internet, with its anonymity, have allowed people to behave like beasts, pouncing on the weak and howling with laughter when they inflict a wound, that only the strongest could survive. What are we doing to ourselves? How are we to survive as a nation, when hate seems to be the only thing that motivates us??

Four children are dead by their own hand because they just couldn't take any more. How many more are we going to sacrifice to the hyenas? Isn't it time to stop?? -- Bette Midler