A tribute to all that have been lost because of hatred and misinformation      
  
 
 

My Tribute

Written by: Gaywolf

Edited by Ambrosia Knight

There is so much hatred, intolerance, misinformation, grief and anguish in this world.

There is no way to cover it all. I wish I could touch every heart scorned by the loss of those that you loved and still hold dear. When, I ask, will this stop? After more taunting? After more gay bashings? When the last head goes under while people turn away from these atrocities? After the brim of the earth subsides in blood and that last spark of life is gone? When?

Open your eyes to witness what is happening all around you.

We see children on a playground that seem so pure and innocent swinging on the monkey bars. A beautiful black girl awaits her turn patiently and with great anticipation. Recess is almost over. In an soft, yet excited voice, she asks one of the children, "Is it my turn yet?" Her response is, "We don’t play with niggers!"

A boy in his preteens passes a note to his best friend addressing his big crush on the quarterback of the high school football team. One of the class pranksters intercepts the note and reads it out loud to his peers announcing, "Well, look here. We got a faggot on our hands."

Laughter at the entrance of the new girl with a mental disability. Here is where it all starts. Spreading like a virus to humanity. Ignorance is not bliss.

Because of this ignorance, people are gone. Several little lights have sputtered out into the night. Some who’s screams where never heard. Stifled in tears and a pillow at night. Some drowned out by the mingling of voices, crying out to be rescued. Until finally, the screams stopped with the last agonizing cry for help and that light
already dim, faded from those eyes and the night grew black.

Stories like that of Tempest Smith who’s misinformed childish classmates taunted her with Christian hymnals because she was a Wiccan until the day she kissed her life goodbye. Her lipstick smudges still adorn her mirror.

And, Mathew Shepard. The 21 year old gay college student in Wyoming who was beaten, taken to an abandoned road, tied to a fence, had his skull bashed in with a rifle, and left to die in sub-freezing temperatures.

These enormities are everywhere. People are still being harassed and hatred is still being taught. Eating away at the foundation of what this country once stood for, which is freedom. Freedom to be whatever religion you want. Freedom to say whatever you want. Freedom to be who you are. Freedom to love who you love.

What are you going to do to change the outcome of this roller coaster ride heading off track? How will you stop the taunting in the locker packed hallways of high school? How will you see to it that same sex lovers can be married? How will you stop the sickening looks you get when you're walking down the street, holding the hand of someone who is another race? How will you make a difference? Did Mathew die in vain? Will you shatter the last kiss of Tempest without looking into it and catching a glimpse of her face?

We Must Remember! Remember the love in the hearts of those who have passed. Remember what they stood for. They are no longer one, but many. They are the Gay Rights Movement. They are the Religious Rights Movement. They are the symbol of our prosperity, well being and happiness. Most of all, they are human. Did they die in vain only to be forgotten in dusty newspaper articles? Or will you hold them in your hearts? Make a difference.

In memory of anyone who has been a victim of hate and ignorance. Blessed Be.