For the Self-Injured

Hate Murder In Russia

Crisis in Russia: two brutal murders for being gay within weeks. One man was stabbed to death by neighbours, and a younger man was beaten to death with rocks after coming out. The rise in attacks is happening as President Putin wages war on gays and lesbians. His government has banned Pride marches and is trying to bring in a new anti-gay law. And tomorrow, a major Russian gay organisation will go on trial to fight closure. Putin is getting away with the crackdown because there’s little international media attention and no real pressure from other world leaders. But if we start with a massive petition, we can work to get the crisis on the to do list of every world leader and onto the front pages of newspapers. Can you sign before the trial starts tomorrow? http://www.allout.org/russia-attacks Putin has shown he’s sensitive to international pressure about his treatment of gay and lesbians. When he visited the Netherlands recently, he was greeted by a big protest and media coverage. He was later forced to claim publicly that he doesn’t support discrimination. Russian human rights workers told the All Out office team that this led directly to their finally being given a meeting with the Ombudsman for Human Rights - a big boost to their work. Sign now and share the petition with friends and family: http://www.allout.org/russia-attacks President Putin thinks gays and lesbians are an easy target to help him crackdown on human rights and democracy, in his quest to hold on to power. He sees them as a tiny minority who can't fight back. But what if instead of facing only the handful of people in Russia brave enough to stand up to terrifying violence and state power, he faced a movement of millions of us? We’ve spoken up together about Russia before, but All Out has grown fast in the last two years. There are now 1.6 million of us in every country in the world - and there’s nothing we can’t do together for love. Please sign now: http://www.allout.org/russia-attacks

JUSTICE - For Now

Wow – after just 24 hours the gay 'cure' app has disappeared from iTunes! Only Google is left with the harmful app still available in their online store. This amazing response came after more than 37,000 of us asked Apple and Google to pull the dangerous app "Setting Captives Free" from their online stores. Google has a great reputation for doing what's right, and if even more of us speak out they'll pull the app. Will you forward the email below to your friends and ask them to join us? If we all pitch in right now, we can get "Setting Captives Free" off of the two most popular places to download apps within 48-hours. Help set a powerful precedent for others who want to push their harmful practices and make people think being gay is a disease or a sin. Forward the email below to your friends and family now: Less than 24 hours ago I joined a campaign to get Apple and Google to drop a dangerous app from their stores that thinks it can 'cure' people of being gay. The 60-day course tells gay people they are not "born this way" and offers to help find "freedom from the bondage of homosexuality." And, after just 24 hours the app has disappeared from the iTunes store! Only Google is left with the harmful app still available in their online store. Tell Google to pull the app now: www.allout.org/gaycureapp This amazing response came after 37,000 All Out members asked Apple and Google to pull the dangerous gay 'cure' app "Setting Captives Free" from their online stores. Google has a great reputation for doing what's right, if even more of us speak out they'll pull the app. Will you sign the petition to ask Google to join Apple and drop the gay 'cure' app? www.allout.org/gaycureapp If we all pitch in right now, we can get "Setting Captives Free" off of the two most popular places to download apps within 48-hours. Help set a powerful precedent for others who want to push their harmful practices and make people think being gay is a disease or a sin. Sign now: www.allout.org/gaycureapp Google has yanked apps like this before for violating their user agreement, which bans hate speech. If thousands of us sign right now, it will generate massive media buzz and pressure this major global company, who is proud of its pro-equality brand, to act quickly. Tell Google – drop "Setting Captives Free" now before anyone else gets hurt: www.allout.org/gaycureapp Major health organizations like American Psychiatric Association and Pan-American Health Organization, as well as many governments, have denounced all gay 'cure' practices as dangerous and discriminatory. There's overwhelming evidence that these so-called treatments can cause terrible harm to lesbian, gay, bi, and trans people, or anyone forced to try to change who they are or who they love. Google should be stopping hate like this at their gates. If "Setting Captives Free" gets away with it, soon others will be pushing their dangerous 'pray away the gay' practices further. We need to make it clear to these powerful global companies that they have to act fast and to pull this dangerous app and others like it from their stores immediately. Ask Google to stop the hate and drop the app today: www.allout.org/gaycureapp All Out members are known for standing against dangerous gay cures all over the world. Because we've spoken out, officials in Argentina, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and beyond have denounced gay cures. It's getting harder for anti-gay opponents to push their 'cure' agenda through governments, so now they're resorting to corporate channels. Will you join in sending Google a clear message that they can't allow "Send Captives Free" to use their stores to spread the wrong-headed and dangerous message that being gay is a curable disease. Sign now: www.allout.org/gaycureapp

There's An App For WHAT???

There's a new app available in both the Apple iTunes Store and Google Play called "Setting Captives Free" that thinks it can 'cure' people of being gay. The 60-day course tells gay people they are not "born this way" and offers to help find "freedom from the bondage of homosexuality." Multiple people have reported the app but it's still available for download – even by young people. We need to get Apple and Google to pull it before anyone else is taken in by its lies and hate. Apple has rejected ex-gay apps like this in the past, and Google has yanked some for violating their user agreement, which bans hate speech. They shouldn't be making it easier for anti-gay groups to get away with their lies in this case either. Will you sign the petition asking Apple and Google to pull the app from their stores immediately? If thousands of us sign right now, it will generate massive media buzz and pressure these major global companies, who are proud of their pro-equality brands, to act quickly. Tell Apple and Google – drop "Setting Captives Free" now before anyone else gets hurt: www.allout.org/gaycureapp It's almost funny that anyone thinks an app can 'cure' someone from being gay. But it's not a joke – gay cure therapies are dangerous and prey on vulnerable people. Major health organizations like American Psychiatric Association and Pan-American Health Organization, as well as many governments, have denounced all gay 'cure' practices as dangerous and discriminatory. There's overwhelming evidence that these so-called treatments can cause terrible harm to lesbian, gay, bi, and trans people, or anyone forced to try to change who they are or who they love. Apple and Google should be stopping hate like this at their gates. If "Setting Captives Free" gets away with it, soon others will be pushing their dangerous 'pray away the gay' practices further. We need to make it clear to these powerful global companies that they have to act fast and to pull this dangerous app and others like it from their stores immediately. Ask Apple and Google to stop the hate and drop the app today: www.allout.org/gaycureapp All Out members are known for standing against dangerous gay cures all over the world. Because we've spoken out, officials in Argentina, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and beyond have denounced gay cures. It's getting harder for anti-gay opponents to push their 'cure' agenda through governments, so now they're resorting to corporate channels. Will you join in sending Apple and Google a clear message that they can't allow "Send Captives Free" to use their stores to spread the wrong-headed and dangerous message that being gay is a curable disease. Sign now: www.allout.org/gaycureapp

STOP HATING WHO YOU ARE - YOU ARE WORTH THE LOVE INSIDE OF YOU

FREE KATE

A Florida high school student could go to prison for years – all because her girlfriend's parents were furious she was dating their 15-year-old daughter. As soon as Kate Hunt turned 18, the angry parents reported her to the police. Against her girlfriend's wishes, she was arrested for "assaulting" a minor. But this isn't about a crime. It's about a high school romance between two teen girls – and the angry, homophobic parents who want to destroy a young woman's life. Florida Assistant State Attorney Brian Workman has offered Kate a terrible choice: accept a deal that could brand her a criminal for life, or face a trial and possible jail time. She must decide by Friday. But if thousands of us speak out now, the pressure will grow on the State Attorney to drop the charges completely. Please sign urgently: www.allout.org/kate The Assistant State Attorney has the power to end this crazy situation. It's his job to prosecute cases that are in the public interest – not teen romances. And public pressure can help show Kate’s relationship isn’t one of those cases. Kate is an excellent student with a bright future. She won an award for the "most school spirit" at Florida's Sebastian River High School. If found guilty, Kate faces years in prison or house arrest, and would have to register on a national sex offender registry.

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, NO MATTER YOUR SIZE

R.I.P

A friend of mine, of many people died yesterday. Please pray for the Wilder Family. Rest in Peace Mike, we'll miss you something fierce!!!!

TO ALL

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Not A Fact, But Some Tips: For Cutters

Here are some subs in place of cutting; - Leave or rub ice on your skin. It will numb your skin for a while, then creates a kind of icey burn leaving your skin pink. - Get a red inked pen or red marker and leave marks on where you usually cut. - Rubber bands or hair bows are really good to leave on your arms or legs so when you feel the urge, you snap it on your skin. - Get some glue, rub it on your skin and when it looks like skin peeling you take a red marker and rub across it leaving a "scab" on your skin. If you have peeled your scabs before, peel this one and it'll be like peeling a real one. If you don't want to use a marker or pen you can also use paint. It'll still create a fake "scab". - You can always take a hot or a really cold shower, leaving your skin red. - Take up exercise, running or even punching a punching bag. - Or if you want to be creative, write it out whether it's poetry, songs, or just journaling. - You can always take paper and write out why you do it or who causes the action. Burn the paper when you are done or rip it up. - Or listen to music that expresses how you feel. - You can also go on Google to find self-help websites or depression chat rooms or find support groups in your area.

Helplines - Depression/Disorders/Suicide Prevention

These are for anyone who is suffering from depression; http://www.depression-chat-rooms.org/ (This website is a support group, you can choose your country/state and it will show you a(or more) number(s) for you to get help) Depression and Bipolar Support 800-273-TALK (8255) Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week http://www.dbsalliance.org National Hopeline Network 800-SUICIDE (784-2433) Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week http://www.hopeline.com Suicide Hotline Listings by State http://www.suicidehotlines.com Suicide Prevention Services Depression Hotline 630-482-9696 Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week http://www.spsfv.org/hotlines.htm Teen Help Call Toll Free: 1-800-355-8336 Covenant House Nineline Suicide Hotline 800-999-9999 Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week http://www.covenanthouse.org/nineline Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) 1-800-999-9999 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255) Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org Perinatal Depression Hotlines If you need information or help for perinatal depression, you may contact: Evanston Northwestern Healthcare (ENH) Jennifer Mudd Houghtaling Postpartum Depression Program 1-866-ENH-MOMS (1-866-364-6667) Area codes that can access the ENH hotline: 312, 630, 708, 773, 815, 847 NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) Help line 1-800-950-NAMI (1-800-950-6264) Postpartum Depression Illinois Alliance 1-847-205-4455 If you are suicidal, you must get help. Don't ever feel like your life isn't worth anything. Because you are WORTH EVERYTHING!

Myths & Facts About The LGBT

(This is complied by Youth Pride Inc.) Lesbian, gay and bisexual people cannot be identified by certain mannerisms or physical characteristics. People who are lesbian, gay or bisexual come in as many different shapes, colors and sizes as do people who are heterosexual. Sexual experiences as a child are not necessarily indicative of one's sexual orientation as an adult. Many lesbian, gay and bisexual people have early heterosexual experiences, but are still lesbian, gay or bisexual; many avowed heterosexuals have had sexual contact with members of their own sex, but are still heterosexual. No one knows what causes sexual orientation. Many lesbian, gay and bisexual people know that they are attracted to members of their own sex at an early age, sometimes as young as 6 or 7 years old. Others learn much later in life, in their 30's, 40's or 50's. Some research indicates that sexual orientation is determined between birth and age 3, but no one is sure what causes particular orientations. Many people accuse lesbian, gay and bisexual people of "flaunting" their sexuality when they talk about their partner, hold hands or kiss one another in public. These are activities that heterosexual couples do all the time. Due to homophobic reactions, some lesbian, gay and bisexual people are actually forced to hide their sexuality in public, not flaunt it. People who are lesbian, gay and bisexual work in all types of jobs and they live in all types of situations. They belong to all ethnic and racial groups. They are members of all religious communities. They exhibit a range of mental and physical capabilities. They are young, middle aged, and old. Sometimes oppression based on sexual orientation escalates into acts of physical violence. In surveys of lesbian, gay and bisexual people, 52-87% have been verbally harassed, 21-27% have been pelted with objects, 13-38% have been chased or followed and 9-24% have been physically assaulted. Most lesbian, gay and bisexual people are comfortable with their own biological sex; they don't regard themselves as members of the opposite sex. Being lesbian, gay or bisexual is not the same as being transgender. The majority of child molesters are heterosexual men, not lesbian, gay or bisexual people. Almost all studies show that over 90% of child molestation is committed by heterosexual men. Homosexuality is not a type of mental illness and cannot be "cured" by psychotherapy. Although homosexuality was once thought to be a mental illness, the American Psychiatric and Psychological Associations no longer consider it to be one. Psychiatric and psychological attempts to "cure" lesbians and gay men have failed to change the sexual orientation of the patient. These "treatments" may help change sexual behavior temporarily but also can create emotional trauma. There is no definable gay “lifestyle”. Similarly, there is no standard heterosexual lifestyle. Some people might like to think that a "normal" adult lifestyle is a heterosexual marriage with two children. Less than 7% of all family units in the U.S. consist of a mother, a father and two children living together. The most accurate generalization might be this: lesbian, gay and bisexual people are different from one another in the same ways that heterosexual people are different from one another.

USA

We have 50 states and yet we only have 9 states that allow the one thing we all long for; marraige. Gay/bi/lesbians don't get to bond themselves with each other in this wonderful commitment. Marragie is more than "I do". It's some thing that brings two people who love each other very much together forever. But there are still 41 states that won't allow them to do so. It's great for those nine, thank you ME, MD, MA, CT, IA, VT, NH, NY, and WA! But the other 41 has several if not hundreds of people who still cannot get married. It's not fair and they need to face the fact that the only way we can truly start loving one another is for all of us to accept each other and create equality. Love is a beautiful thing, shouldn't everyone have a chance to fully live in it? I support 100%, do you? (For more information you can go to www.hrc.org)

Make Friends - Of ALL Races!

Teenagers & Self Abuse: Cutting

Cutting, deliberate self-abuse on the skin on any part of the body. Statistics (from DoSomething.org respectively) about one in every 200 teenager girls between the ages of 13 - 19 or in percentages, 1/2 of 1% cut themselves on a regular biases. Cutting includes impaling the skin with any sharp object and/or tool that can cause the slicing of the skin. Most of the time, cutters cut themselves on the legs, stomach, anywhere that it can't be spotted. Some do their arms but mostly other hidden areas. People think that cutters do this to get attention. This isn't true, msot of the time cutting is a result of depression and/or tramatic events. Cutting is a way of coping with harsh situations like bullying, family troubles, or things dealing with friends. It can get so bad that it becomes an addiciton, an impulse that is hard to control. It becomes an everyday thing to the point where they only see it as their only outlet. Around 1% of the whole population of the US 2 to 3 million people do self-abuse. Terrible isn't it? There is nothing wrong with getting help girls or boys, men or women. It will help you get over the addiciton. It's hard, maybe you think you're crazy for doing this in the first place. But that's not true. It's something you tried to get the pain away, even if it might be painful to do self-abuse. You are not alone, look at the statistics. These people are probably feeling the same way you are. 2 to 3 million, that's a lot of cutters. Please, get help. It will help and you'll feel a lot better. Your life is so valuable, you are so valuable. Don't ever, EVER forget that. To know who to contact, go to www.dosomething.org and look at their resources for numbers and organizations that are happy to help. Parents, family, and/or friends please don't get angry at your cutters. They aren't doing this as a punishment on you, most do this as punishment to themselves. They are angry at themselves. They feel empty and lost because of the complicated things they go through. It will only hurt them worse, your angry words or actions will make it hurt more than any cut. Please get them help they need and be supportive. It will help more that way when they feel that you are there for them. Save your daughters, sisters, sons, brothers, friends of both sexes or any other family member(s). They need you, nto just through this hard time(s) but forever.

More Comforting Words From Obama

Day Of Loooooove

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL YOU LOVERS OUT THERE!!!!

Comforting Words From Obama - State Of Union

HRC - Human Rights Campign

HRC is doing something big for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender) community. It's called Take The Pledge 2014. Learn more at: www.hrc.org The website also shows on their blog and website about everything dealing with or helping with the LGBT community. Help to give equality to ALL PEOPLE!

Domestic Violence In Relationships

There is about 1.3 million women are affected by physical assault by their partner every year. Unbelieveable yes it it, but it happens. Why is that? Why do people do that? It's just horrible and wrong. I think one of the reasons is that their partner might have anger problems and maybe women just love the person so much they think they can change so they can stay in it. But the worst part about it is, the best thing to do it to get out of it fast. It's dangerous to stay in something that only harms. Maybe it can be saved by going to a psycologist and try to figure things out. But I can't judge what I've never gone through. But I've known others who have. It's best to either go get help or get out before you get major injuries. Stand up to domestic violence in relationships. It's uncalled for and it has to stop. Find help and you can stay safe.

Man On A Mission

One man is determined to get equal rights for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender) and to stop gender discrimination. What's this guy's name? Alan L. Bounville. At the moment he's doing a walk called "Into The Light Walk." His goal is a total of 6,000 miles walking from Seattle to Washington DC for gender and sexual orientation equality. You go dude! His website is: www.intothelightwalk.com Check out his Bio and how you can help out with this cause. Stand up, no walk, for the people who are discriminated against.

Boy Scouts - Quick Fact

I saw on The Times-News that people are thinking about lifting the ban on gay scouts and gay troop leaders. This is a sign that people are finally taking the step towards accepting what anyone cannot control. This must be passed. Everyone should have a chance, everyone no matter their sexual orientation. I hope this ban is lifted for all the gays out there.

Give ALL Rights

We live in a world with a lot of people. Some call a portion of them "different." Some call them "immoral" or "wrong." But the one thing they look over is this, they are HUMAN. Yet, they are treated poorly. Who are they? LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender) students. How much of them are neglected and have NO PROTECTION what-so-ever? 75% Yeah, that's an outrage and it needs. To. STOP. All of these students have no state laws that protect them from any form of harassment because they are so called "wrong." You know what really wrong here? The treatment they are getting. No one, not gay people or bi or transgender should be treated in any offensive way. It's terrible and it drives me crazy. I don't care who you are, you don't have the right to tell someone they are wrong or that they choose to be "that way." Who wants to choose something that you get picked on for? No one wants to be bullied, even straight people, and yet you're going to do it to them because you don't understand them?

Drop Outs

Year after year the same thing happens, teenagers drop out of high school. But I never knew how mmany do. Over 1.2 million students drop out of school in the U.S. 1.2 MILLION. So when you calculate it, it equals out to a student each 26th second. That's about 7,000 teens a day. This has got to stop. I understand that school is hard, it can suck like crazy. I hated math and history. It was so hard to keep up with and it was hard not to quit. But you have to keep going. I know that some probably quit because of bullying. And that is not fair to the ones being bullied. Homeschooling may not be what you want, but it does help get away from things that harm you. Talk to people you trust, it can be anyone not just your parents. Some drop out because of family, they have to take care of them mroe by getting a job. That makes me sad. I wish there was some way they didn't have to worry about their family like that. It;s the parent/guardians job but every family is different. I don't think most want to quit but some just feel like they have too. Don't do it before figuring out a way to try and stay because school is important. Don't ever feel like you are not worth the time to get help with homework or someone to help you with your problems taht are causing these thoughts of leaving. You can keep going, trust me I know.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Let us remember the man that stood up for race rights. He made what we got possible. Everyone deserves their rights because we are all brothers and sisters of Christ. AMEN!

New Gun Laws

Obama has cracked down on the gun laws because of the Connecticut tragedy. ***This is a group of quotes from the website: www.dosomething.org*** 1. "A ban on assault weapons and armor-piercing ammunition." •"Capping ammunition magazines to a 10-round limit." • "Creating serious punishments for gun trafficking." •"Providing schools with resource officers and school counselors." •"Ensuring that health insurance plans cover mental health benefits." People are saying that Obama isn't doing enough. What more can he do??? No matter how many restricitions he puts out he's never going to be able to stop everyone from getting a gun. There will always be guns out there floating through the wrong people who uses them for the wrong reasons. You can't stop all trouble or illegal activites but at least Obama is TRYING. Obama isn't perfect and the world isn't either.I'm all about standing for equal rights and all but having guns and using them for the wrong reason is nothing to fight for. Guns don't kill people, PEOPLE KILL PEOPLE. Think about that before insulting the President.

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL

65% of teenage girls are unsatisfied with their body. I have to admit, I can be unhappy about my weight or my acne so I'm guilty of it. But I'm not as extreme about it as I used to be. I've come to accept my body and keep it healthy. Girls: no matter your weight, acne, hair, or any other part of you on the outside or in, YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL! Think of all the things you have. You all are going to be amazing women in this world. Please don't feel the need to anything to make yourself lose weight or anything else. People, please tell your sisters, nieces, granddaughters your girlfriends, and gal friends that they are beautiful and so special. They need that voice so they won't do anything they'll regret. You are beautiful girls - women! Never forget that.

Disorder NOT Abnormal

There are other things that happen that we cannot change. But that doesn't mean we can't make it better. Around 40 million adults in America are affected by Anxiety Disorder every year. That's about 18% of the population. Almost every time they develop symptoms as kids but a lot of the times it is overlooked or misjudged. They won't get treated and end up carring it with them into adulthood. This is when you need to talk to your doctor so you can get to know the signs. Mental and emotional disorders are "abnormal" so don't treat it like it. But it is good to get medication so it'll be less stressful and it can control it better. The symptoms won't ever really go away. But you will have a lid on it and be able to live your lives better.

Two Too Many

Did you know that 2 out of 3 teenagers get verbally or physcially harassed every day? Yes, I know. Unbelieveable and something that cannot be stand for. Stop being a bystander. Be the one to stop it. Talk to someone. A teacher, a student counselor, an adult that you trust, a friend. Stick up for people who cannot. Don't be the one to watch. Be the one who makes that person's life better by showing them you care. I'll say it again and I'll say it every time I end a post on this blog. No matter who or what you are, you all have a right to be who you are without being mean to any one. We are who we are. Not matter if we believe in a God or none at all. No matter if we're straight, bi-sexual, gay or transgender. Black, white, Hispanic, it doesn't matter. You are all humans with feelings and rights. And what right is the most important? TO LIVE. Stand up for the 2 out of 3...they need it. Give it, before it's too late.

Homeless Teens

All facts are according to DoSomething.org. 1 out of 3 homeless people are teenagers under the age of 18. 25% of LBGT (Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Gay, and Transgender) teens are rejected by family and many of them end up on the streets. 1.6 to 1.7 million people under the age of 18 will experience homelessness every year. Half of runners (runaway teens) left their homes because of disagreements with their parent(s) or legal guardian. In this year one out of 260 runners or homeless teens will either die from assault, illness, or suicide. This has got to stop. Parents and/or legal guardians, talk to your children and listen to what they have to say. Please help in anyway you can. Teenagers you are not alone. Soup kitchen that provide food are everywhere. so are homeless shelters. If you no longer live at you home with a parent/guardian try to find a family memeber that will take you in. If not, a friend. Get the facts. Get the help. Give to others who need it.