I grew up in a small town. A very small town in a very conservative area. I didn't have a prom because dancing was considered "immoral." But I had an outlet to the outside world in the form of high school debate. And I loved it. Every weekend, we traveled to a new part of the country meeting new people, making friends, and seeing something different. And every summer, I went to debate camp.
It was there I met Bill. Bill was like no one I had ever met. Other people called him names. They were cruel to him in unimaginable ways. But still, he soldiered on. He was, without a doubt, the kindest, most considerate person I have ever met. A smile for everyone, a gentle word for anything. He opened my eyes to another world--the GLBT community. Which was, without a doubt, the most compassionate group I've ever met. And, for an awkward girl who's unsure of who she is and where she belongs, this was both magical and live changing. We became friends fast, and he was my most trusted confidante.
Then one night Bill was raped. As he ran into the dorm, bloodied and screaming, we tried to console the inconsolable. How do you repair these wounds?
He left camp early. Those of us that cared, which were many, sent him notes and emails. Those that didn't ignored his absence. A few months later he attempted suicide, but thankfully was unsuccessful.
But that next year he was back. He had found his confidence once again--not just in debate but in his self. And the old Bill was back. As he said late one night, "what has happened to me does not define me."
He was an ally and ambassador again--not just for GLBT youth, of which he was a proud ambassador--but of the best parts of humanity. He was always encouraging, always optimistic, and always ready with a kind word for anyone and everyone, particularly when they were feeling their worst.
And so he soldiers on today, a proud emblem of the fact that--no matter how hard it gets--it really does get better. No matter how awful things may seem during formative years, it really *does* get better. And now, he is the Bill that I know makes so many lives better every single day.
I can't say, personally, that I've experienced what so many GLBT youth experience--I haven't. Sure, I've had my share of bullying and hurt. But when I see so many out there experience so much pain, I remember Bill. He's a shining star in my life--not because he went through so much--but because he survived it and emerged for the better. When I think of him I smile, laugh, and recall all of the times he made me giggle at the silly things in life.
Because he's Bill, the most fabulous person I know. And he knows it gets better--it really does. As do I.
