"Someday, maybe, there will exist a well-informed, well-
considered, and yet fervent public conviction that the most
deadly of all possible sins is the mutilation of a child's
spirit." Erik Erikson "This issue is not about a 'different' way
of life; it is about life itself. I know that every teacher and
every parent in this Commonwealth fundamentally agrees that no
young person -- gay or straight -- should be driven to take her
or his life because of isolation and abuse. This is a tragedy we
must all work together to prevent. We can take the first step
toward ending gay youth suicide by creating an atmosphere of
dignity and respect for these young people in our schools.
Governor William F. Weld, speaking at a Gay and Lesbian Youth
Commission Teacher Training, Arlington Street Church, June 30,
1993. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Youth Suicide Overall
Youth Suicides Suicide among adolescents is a national and
statewide tragedy. The Massachusetts Department of Education
asked more than 3,000 students in 199