The funeral I can't get out of my mind this week

[trickyguy]

5. Thank you for recognizing the value of the life of young Jamel. It is as worthy as John and Aretha.

And just 9 years old and in 4th grade. I think many of my fellow DUers don't realize that
a child of his age can be very aware that they are different, that they are gay.

And yes, the big question is why did his classmates hate him so much?
For me the answer lies in learned bigotry. At home and in our culture. Why else would
children of that age act like that.

My heart goes out to his family and my hope goes with those who are trying to right
this wrong by starting a gay straight alliance and by beginning to educate those 4th graders
and the communities in which they live.

R.I.P. Jamel