Gay teen in reeducation camp blogging

I think someone has already posted about the protests happening outside the place. This is the kid that attracted all the attention. I'm not real sure what to say about this. Best to let him speak for himself.

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=7428306&blogID=29364299&Mytoken=20050611171510

:cry:

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This is simply wrong on every level. Poor kid. I want to go bust him out of there and bring him home with me. How can people do this? Do they really think this will change him or help him in any way? I simply don't understand.

Gay teens need to be wary of so many things, including their own families.

I don't mean to sound callous, but gay teens should wait until they are old enough to support themselves, and have the means to do so before they come out to their parents. So many kids get kicked out of their homes.

I think this kids' parents are the ones who belong in a re-education camp.

As the mother of a gay daughter, I wish there was something I could say to him. Words fail me. This is so cruel. You love you children for who there are, not who YOU want them to be. Children are not clones of their parents. They are just lent to us for a short time and then they are on their own, to live their lives as they see fit. I just cannot understand how a parent can want to control their child in this cruel way.

I cannot help but think of the Nazis and the Hitler Youth Camps. Send them away for indoctrination. Sorry, if that offends anybody.

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It is sad, especially to see people have their families join in an agenda against them like that. That is probably the hardest part -- being told that 'it's you' and not having anyone else to turn to.

This kid was smart to put it out on the web. Sounds like he could really go places if he has got that down at 16!

(I didn't send this in the message to him, only that he should get a lawyer and sue those folk as soon as he gets out of there for their last penny. I would add that it could also be presented in the mass media, and help others, if it isn't too painful (not something I would suggest to him when he's going through hell like that). But in the meantime, I think expressions of support at that link are worthwhile, if he gets to read them.

I can't even IMAGINE. Think of how powerless you are at 16.

I really wish I could be there to protest.

He deserves so much better than he is getting. I wish something could be done but sadly we give children no rights whatsoever in this type of situation. I can only hope he knows how strongly so many of us are praying for him.

You're right - maybe there are not grounds for removal.

But surely a worker (I was one from '93 to 2000) could talk to the parents - that might help.

And, more importantly, couldn't the worker get some help for this kid's suicidality?

And ... couldn't authorities take a look at whatever licenses this facility has ... because they definitely aren't monitoring suicidality appropriately.

doesn't even have a license to operate (which is required, and religious issues won't get them out of it).