Hillary Clinton addresses gay teen suicide

[FreeState]

http://pageoneq.com/news/2008/Hillary_Clinton_addresses_gay_teen__0125.html

Senator Hillary Clinton, during a question-and-answer session, addresses the following question submitted over the Internet:

"Considering the extraordinarily high incidence of depression and suicide among gay teenagers, what action will you, as President, take to encourage a more accepting and healthy educational experience for LGBT teens?"

Clinton says she sympathizes with the burdens LGBT teens face, mentally and emotionally, and says that she, as President, would support a community in which its members are valued and supported as whole people.

In schools, Clinton calls for mentoring and health programs, along with efforts to instill understanding and tolerance among administration and students to combat bullying and foster acceptance.

Im glad at least one candidate is aware of this problem - hopefully all the candidates can come out with a statement on this as well.

[fenriswolf]

1. well she didn't come out with a statement

it was an answer to the question. Her answer did not have any actual proposals or anything just thatt the lgbt teenargers have her support. Oh and a reminder to schools that we are a kinder, gentler nation.


*edit jeezus, alright its IMHO.

[FreeState]

2. I didn't say she did - I said they all should n/t

[Maven]

3. ...

"In schools, Clinton calls for mentoring and health programs, along with efforts to instill understanding and tolerance among administration and students to combat bullying and foster acceptance."

Not terribly specific, I'll give you that, but the question was about the educational environment and she stated a clear position.

[FreeState]

5. True... but its a start

the problem is she cant do much about education - she outlined what she could do - but as Im sure most are aware anti-bullying laws and tolerance programs in the public school system are run on a state level.

She gave a good answer IMO though - she seems to at the minimum have thought about the issue - meaning she is aware of it.

[Maven]

6. Agreed.

[Bluebear]

22. Me too.

[ccpup]

7. and she didn't throw the gay and lesbian community under the bus

to make a quick buck in a fundraiser like Barack did.

[FreeState]

8. The teens that were present at that event did not get the leadership

they needed. Wouldn't it have been amazing for those teens to see a candidate that stood up and said "no" to hate and bigotry - its sad to see a chance to make real change slip away for what appears to be pandering. Anyone know if Obama has addressed the teen suicided problem among our GLBT youth? Or Edwards?

[rodeodance]

4. Thanks. Sen. Clinton.

[Maven]

9. Actually if you watch the video there's more to her statement.

"It's such a serious problem...and I've done a lot of work on this in New York because I'm well aware of the depression and anxiety and frankly the high rate of suicide, comparatively, among gay teens. Well first, number one, we've gotta do everything we can to send a clear message that we value you, we value you as a person, as a total person, and we want you to feel accepted and respected in your community and you'll certainly have a president who feels that way. There need to be more services. Sometimes it's difficult in school and there's not a lot of sensitivity or understanding. We've got to do a lot to prepare school officials and frankly your peers at school. You know, just because someone doesn't understand doesn't mean they should be a bully. They need to really be taught and guided to be more accepting and that's something I feel very strongly about. There's even a school in New York that I've supported that is just for gay teens because it is very difficult in many areas for people to find any acceptance whatsoever. We need more health services, we need more mentoring and assistance so that you don't feel so alone."

[Solon]

10. Hillary just raised herself up a notch in my view with that answer...

above Obama even.

[Jamastiene]

11. Thanks, Hill...

It's good to know that one of our candidates does care about us enough to at least speak out again violence against us, instead of perpetrating it by hiring an "ex-gay" thug to campaign for them like some people.

[Armstead]

12. She should support same-sex marriage then

If she really wants a community in which gays are whole people, she ought to enable them to marry like whole people.

[FreeState]

13. Yes she should - as so should Obama, Edwards etc n/t

[NMMNG]

14. Bravo

:applause:

[applegrove]

15. Glad she is highlighting one of the true costs of gay hating.

[Politicub]

16. THANK YOU HILLARY!!!!

:)

This post makes my day.

Screw McClurkin and his ilk that contribute to gay suicide with their ex-gay spew.

[avrdream]

17. Hillary is very clued in to anything that affects our youth.

I also truly believe she cares about the gays.

The most painful part about the whole Donnie McClurkin-you-don't-really-have-to-be-gay-anymore thing is the effect on gay teenagers. They are already struggling so much with this issue - people like Donnie aren't helping.

[FreeState]

19. This is just one of the many reasons I have chosen to vote for Hillary - for our children n/t

[bigwillq]

18. She can do better than that.

She could fully support equal right for all people, including same-sex marriage. Obama too.

[Danascot]

20. Hillary opposes teen suicide?

Damn! There goes the Kevorkian vote.

[tishaLA]

21. Good for her

I'm not a supporter, but I'm very glad she understands the gravity of the problem.