|
Gabi Clayton's Guestbook #46 - From 7/21/03 to
9/4/03
Note: This guestbook reads from the bottom of the page up. -- Gabi
| Friday 08/29/2003
9:11:46am |
| Name: |
Mary Ryan |
| E-Mail: |
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| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Lincoln, NE |
| Comments: |
Gabi, I am so sorry
for your loss. Bill sounds like such an amazing young man, and
it is heartbreaking to learn what hate and intolerance did to
him, and to all of you.
I join your fight for tolerance. I feel fortunate to have found
your site, because it illustrates so clearly that
gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered individuals are up against
challenges that require ALL of us to help them overcome.
My thoughts are with you,
Warmly,
Mary |
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| Friday 08/29/2003
0:28:30am |
| Name: |
Neil Meyer |
| E-Mail: |
unlov_ed@hotmail.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
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| Comments: |
I feel as though I've
lost a friend. I feel your family's pain, and I want you to know
that you have my love, and Bill will live on in my heart, until
I die.
Love, Neil |
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| Thursday 08/28/2003
8:44:57am |
| Name: |
Joshua Paul |
| E-Mail: |
playboy5672002#yahoo.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Tennessee |
| Comments: |
That is really sad
That someone would do that to a person like that. I just wish he
caould have had a better time when he came out. I done the same
thing when I came out but they brought me back to life( Thnk
God). But I just wish that Bill was still around |
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| Wednesday 08/27/2003
1:53:19pm |
| Name: |
Gary McMillan |
| E-Mail: |
stormlord@ic24.net |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
United kingdom |
| Comments: |
As a straight man with
many gay friends I found the story very moving. Thankyou for
sharing it - I hope it makes some people stop and think. |
|
| Tuesday 08/26/2003
10:17:29pm |
| Name: |
Arron |
| E-Mail: |
bb_referee@yahoo.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Minneapolis, MN |
| Comments: |
I just finished
reading the book "Prayers for Bobby" and decided to do
a little searching on the 'net about gay teen suicide. It's so
much worse than I could have imagined. Thank you so much for
sharing Bill's story. |
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| Monday 08/25/2003
6:17:07am |
| Name: |
Veronica Stepp |
| E-Mail: |
Miztweeted@aol.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Baypoint California |
| Comments: |
What a touching story
thanks for sharing Bill's life with me. God bless you and Bill |
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| Sunday 08/24/2003
3:04:37pm |
| Name: |
Debra Ann Kohlrust |
| E-Mail: |
debrakohlrust@aol.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Lacey, Washington |
| Comments: |
Don't know what to say
... don't hesitate a second if I can be of any help. |
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| Sunday 08/24/2003
2:54:31pm |
| Name: |
karla |
| E-Mail: |
lakarran@aol.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
ohio |
| Comments: |
had a simular
experience as a mother and my son was traumatized . your site
was very deep and truly touched me
thank you |
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| Sunday 08/24/2003
8:20:11am |
| Name: |
David Wagner |
| E-Mail: |
renwag@intrstar.net |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Lumberton, North
Carolina |
| Comments: |
Ouch! I see myself in
Bill's Story. Brings back so many memories of living a life so
shunned by an ignorant and hatred society. Being gay is not an
easy life and I only wish people out there could really
understand the life that I, as well as countless others, endure
on a daily basis. "GAY" is not a life that I chose and
people, especially those that don't even have a clue as what
this life is about, should not even ridicule it because they
really don't know what it's all about. They are the ignorant
ones!
I am 49 years old and I was "born gay" and I can only
say this because of feelings that I look back now and remember
when I was only 7 years old. I don't expect anyone to fully
understand this, but I am living testament as to what I am and
what I was born to be. How can the so-called normal society know
what it is like living gay?
I went through a discreet life all during my grammar grade and
high school years - it was hell! It affects your whole entire
life growing up and having to hide behind this wall that doesn't
have a door in it. No person could ever imagine what my life and
Bill's life have been like on a daily routine basis.
Now, I write about gay life - it's pain, it's joy, the ridicule
that is endured, the hate that is instilled in people's minds
and the sad end that sometimes comes to a life that is
constantly being bombarded by thorns and spears in a society
that only has thinking of "one way".
I reach out to gay males, especially the young males , that are
struggling through this life being gay and having bad thoughts
because we live in a society that, I feel, will never accept it
as it is.
Bill's life was not lived in vain. He tried , he struggled and
he wanted ot just be himself.................. |
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| Saturday 08/23/2003
8:14:23pm |
| Name: |
Jillian |
| E-Mail: |
Jaspora79@aol.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Harrisonburg, VA |
| Comments: |
I don't exactly know
what to write. My brother is currently going through the same
things your son went through. Our parents are very supportive of
him being gay, probably because I took the news rather easily
(being that I am very open minded and believe anyone can fall in
love with anyone), but I just wanted to let you know how much
your life has touched me. It's so amazing to hear a mother step
up for her son and let the world know how proud she is of him.
You and your family are truly amazing people. I hope time has
helped to heal some wounds, but I know they will always lay
open. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know how much I
appreciate you putting your story up and helping to educate
those that have no clue that being gay is not wrong, but hating
someone because of their sexual orientation is. |
|
| Friday 08/22/2003
2:50:40pm |
| Name: |
Karen |
| E-Mail: |
moonshadow3219@aol.com |
| Homepage: |
The Journey |
| Homepage
URL: |
http://moonshadow02.bravepages.com |
| Location: |
Tucson, Arizona |
| Comments: |
You and your family
are the best tribute to your son that there could ever be. When
kids do this to other kids you know that it is being taught to
them at home. I am 57 years old and I really thought that
racial, gender, sexual orientation discrimination would be over
by now or at least buried underground. It's sad that ignorant
parents continue to teach their children that it's ok to hate
anyone different.
My heart, thoughts, and healing energy goes out to you and
yours. |
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| Wednesday 08/20/2003
5:41:37am |
| Name: |
Mike Martin |
| E-Mail: |
mikewm@dmelor.com.my |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Comments: |
A correspondent passed
me the link to your web site. I have to say that your story is
one of the most moving that I have ever read. I am a mature gay
man, British, who has recently taken early retirement and now
living with my partner of 39 years in Malaysia, where the sun
always shines. We have lived through years of discrimination but
luckily have not experienced the despair that Bill did in his
short life. Perhaps we have both been strong willed enough to
ignore the bigotry and also luckily have not been subjected to
any "gay-bashing". I will pass on your URL to others
as I feel appropriate, as I feel it conveys so much and might,
just might make some of the homophobes and religious bigots out
there sit up and think. One can only hope for the future, one
that your Bill might be helping to shape, with your help and
that of others with like minds. Good Luck in your efforts. |
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| Tuesday 08/19/2003
12:03:22am |
| Name: |
krystal |
| E-Mail: |
oceanbabi23@aol.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
new jersey |
| Comments: |
am sry to hear about
your son. that story was wow it was really really good i wish
you the best of luck
krystal
16 year old and a lez |
|
| Friday 08/15/2003
6:32:30pm |
| Name: |
Amber |
| E-Mail: |
reesecupsweety@netscape.net |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
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| Comments: |
I just read
"Bill's Story", it touched my heart completely. I am
truly sorry for your loss. I understand how you felt about the
dicrimination. My sister is lesbian and I love her with all my
heart, her girlfriend is one of the sweetest people I know and
she is like my second sister. Although i am the youngest out of
us all, i feel responsible for fighting back against the hatred.
We walk down the street or a store and all you see is people
staring,whispering,and pointing, having people approach us
teasing the two about it. I have defended them in many ways
against it but I would love to help in many more ways.If you can
help me i would appreciate it very much. I give my prayer to
you, your husband, your son and Bill. Be forever strong. |
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Friday 08/15/2003 9:12:21am |
| Name: |
Patricia Melton |
| E-Mail: |
Pattymelt1970@aol.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Mineral City, Ohio |
| Comments: |
I just wanted to tell
you how moved I was by your son Bill's story. My heart goes out
to you, Ms. Clayton. My son Robby is gay, something I always
knew but that he revealed to the family when he was 16. We come
from a very small town and even though our community is very
close, I was afraid some ignoramous would make life hard for
Robby once his orientation got out. Well, to my great relief and
joy Mineral City loved Robby as much as it ever did and I have
had the pleasure of watching that awkward 16 year old grow up
into a fine, 27 year old gay man. I realize how lucky I am today
to be his mom and how fortunate I am our lives played out the
way they did. I am so very, very, sorry you never had the chance
to be where I am today. Bill's story really brought tears to my
eyes and makes me want to do something. When Robby was younger I
used to be part of PFLAG but I have since drifted from that
group as Robby got older. But, stumbling upon Bill's story has
made me want to get back into the community and help anyone I
can. Thank you for sharing this all with the world. I hope time
has made things a little easier for you to bear. I will pray for
both you and Bill, I promise you. And the next time I see my son
and he gets the biggest, strongest, and most tearful hug ever,
he won't know what's going on, but I'll be thinking of you and
your son, wishing you could feel the joy I feel in having such a
terrific, gay 27 year old son. God Bless and keep you!
Patricia Melton
Mineral City, Ohio |
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| Wednesday 08/13/2003
12:45:56am |
| Name: |
Deborah Stinson |
| E-Mail: |
deborahstinson@hamiltonaidsnetwork.ca |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
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| Comments: |
I am a member of a
teen suicide prevention committee here in our community of
Hamilton Ontario Canada. So far I am the only person who brings
up the issues being faced by our lgbt teens. I hope you will not
mind if I make others aware of your website. I found it very
moving. Thank you for your courage in sharing Bill's story with
others. |
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| Thursday 08/07/2003
10:22:01am |
| Name: |
John Mark Lewis |
| E-Mail: |
admin@llpsv.org |
| Homepage: |
Life Line Peer Support
Volunteers |
| Homepage
URL: |
http://www.llpsv.org |
| Location: |
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| Comments: |
Thanks so very much
for sharing your tragic experience with the world. By sharing
and caring, we can ease the plight of LGBT and questioning youth
throughout world. |
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| Wednesday 08/06/2003
10:10:44pm |
| Name: |
mitch butin |
| E-Mail: |
mertz@optonline.net |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
ny |
| Comments: |
my heart goes out to
you. i came upon your story on the web, and i can only imagine
the pain you have gone through. it seems recently, there has
been some progress in acceptance of alternative sexuality, eg,
in canada, on tv, the election of the episcopal bishop in new
hampshire. however, there is a long way to go. by putting your
son's story on the web, you keep his memory alive. i hope others
read and are touched by the story, particularly people who are
compassionate, but never give this much thought. thank you. |
|
| Wednesday 08/06/2003
7:23:40am |
| Name: |
lucy newton |
| E-Mail: |
moosie61871 |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
georgia |
| Comments: |
thank you for allowing
me the priviledge to read your story. I'm doing a term paper on
hate crimes against gay's and lesbians your story will really
help me. thank you
your friend
lucy |
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| Monday 08/04/2003
5:53:52pm |
| Name: |
Paul Jaeger |
| E-Mail: |
jagmanboo311@hotmail.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
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| Comments: |
I use to have a hate
for gays. My mind and views have changed. I would just say, I
wish everyone would just stop fighting and just try to
understand each other! |
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| Monday 08/04/2003
1:18:55pm |
| Name: |
Mary |
| E-Mail: |
cro232@AOL.COM |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Ohio |
| Comments: |
I was just heart
broken to read about what happened to Your son. I have said a
prayer for Your family to help to try to ease some of Your pain.
He is with God now and He is not prejudice. |
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| Sunday 08/03/2003
4:00:34pm |
| Name: |
tina and jessie
langley |
| E-Mail: |
jesslovestina@aol.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Alabama |
| Comments: |
Your Bill sounds like
he was such a wounderful and brave boy. I know you are and will
always be very proud of him. We are two women inlove and we
would do anything we could to stop all this hate. Let us know
what we can do to help get rid of it PLEASE... |
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| Saturday 08/02/2003
3:51:48pm |
| Name: |
laura bulllough |
| E-Mail: |
sportylaurabullough@hotmail.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
england |
| Comments: |
this is a very
touching story it makes you realise you must love your family or
friends not matter what sexuality or if they are what some might
call "different" everyone should be treated equally |
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| Friday 08/01/2003
6:41:41pm |
| Name: |
Wanda Drummond |
| E-Mail: |
havinfun4me@aol.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Marion,Ohio |
| Comments: |
I wanted to just be a
part of this. I was moved be Bill's life and angered but not
surprised, by the way the world operates. |
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| Thursday 07/31/2003
10:12:19am |
| Name: |
Cris Elkins |
| E-Mail: |
criselkins@juno.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Fredericksburg, VA. |
| Comments: |
Thank you for telling
your story.
If we could get them to hear us,
the battle is over. |
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| Wednesday 07/30/2003
6:18:17am |
| Name: |
Sheria |
| E-Mail: |
smoore212@hotmail.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Albany, GA |
| Comments: |
I am really srry about
what happened to your son. It is a sad thing to say but society
is not always open minded and forgiving as we are. I am not gay
but I know several of the adversities people of different sexual
preferences endure. I wish you luck ans I pray for your strenght.
Continue to reach one by teaching one with this website. People
always fear what they do not know and you are making it known.
Much Love,
Sheria |
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| Monday 07/28/2003
8:53:58pm |
| Name: |
vicki |
| E-Mail: |
vickimartin@attbi.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
olympia, wa |
| Comments: |
My thoughts are with
you as you continue to struggle with your son's death. I hope it
brings you comfort to know that he knew his family deeply loved
him. Not all in Bill's situation are so fortunate. Take care,
=> |
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| Sunday 07/27/2003
9:55:24pm |
| Name: |
Chris Meiners |
| E-Mail: |
www.Buddha_left@hotmail.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Cincinnati, Ohio,
U.S.A. |
| Comments: |
Gabi,
I read the story of your son. Though i never knew you or your
family, you have my sympathy. Though while i have not
experienced hate-crimes, i am dealing with my own sort of
persecution. I have recently come out to my family early in July
at age 21. While it as been rough and my dad saying it is wrong
due to being a catholic, i feel he is making progress in
accepting me. I think PFLAG and other organizations will be
useful in helping my family. In the end though, I just wanted to
thank you for telling the story of your son. It is helping me
realize who i am but also what i face in coming out.
sincerly,
chris meiners |
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| Saturday 07/26/2003
11:34:10pm |
| Name: |
Teresa |
| E-Mail: |
littlefeline2000@netscape.net |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Georgia |
| Comments: |
I ran across your
site, and read the story about your son Bill. It made me cry, it
has touched my soul. How can people be so cruel is beyond me.
People are people regardless of their sexual preference, or the
color of their skin, whether they are rich or poor, it does not
matter, we are all human being's. I am so very sorry for the
lose of your son Bill, my heart and prayer's go out to you and
your family...God bless you.. |
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| Friday 07/25/2003
7:52:35pm |
| Name: |
anthony king |
| E-Mail: |
king.anthony@ihug.co.nz |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
http://www.geocities.com/razorblade_romantik/ |
| Location: |
auckland, new zealand |
| Comments: |
i admire you all.
sharing your moving story with the world and demonstrating the
strength that you hold. thank you for the inspiration to make
the world a better place. |
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| Thursday 07/24/2003
5:26:34pm |
| Name: |
martin faherty |
| E-Mail: |
fah1973@yahoo.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
boston,mass |
| Comments: |
MY HEARTFELT
CONDOLENCES TO GABI CLAYTONS FAMILY.I CRIED WHEN I READ HIS
STORY.I AM A GAY MAN WHO GREW UP IN IRELAND AND EXPERIENCED HATE
THERE.YOU AND YOUR SON WILL FROM NOW ON BE IN MY PRAYERS.MAY THE
LORD HOLD GABI IN THE PASLM OF HIS HAND |
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| Thursday 07/24/2003
9:13:26am |
| Name: |
Carl |
| E-Mail: |
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| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
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| Comments: |
I can't write much
right now. I am so moved by Bill's story, and so sad. When I can
stop crying, I will come back |
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| Tuesday 07/22/2003
2:44:23pm |
| Name: |
Michael M. Coats |
| E-Mail: |
mmcoats@rapidnet.com |
| Homepage: |
www.bhgayyouth.org |
| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Rapid City, S.D. |
| Comments: |
Gabi: I just want you
to know how much I admire and appreciate the work that you are
doing. I recently started a G.L.B.T. youth support groups here
in the Black Hills of S.D. One of the areas we are working on is
depression and suicide amoung G.L.B.T. youth. Any information or
resources you or any one else may have that they think would be
usefull would be most appreciated. Anything we can do together
to provide a safer more nurturing environment for G.L.B.T. youth
will help build a brighter future for us all. Bill's light will
shine on and the world will be a brighter place for it. Once
again, thank you. Mike Coats |
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| Tuesday 07/22/2003
11:35:05am |
| Name: |
loren |
| E-Mail: |
lorenfrost@juno.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
yakima |
| Comments: |
Thanks to Bill and his
family, the world is already a safer place. Thanks |
|
| Monday 07/21/2003
11:25:09pm |
| Name: |
Shawn Kopel |
| E-Mail: |
shawnkopel@optusnet.com.au |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
Sydney, Australia |
| Comments: |
Remarkably moving.
Thank you |
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| Monday 07/21/2003
4:00:38am |
| Name: |
Rene |
| E-Mail: |
majhoul_66@hotmail.com |
| Homepage: |
handy |
| Homepage
URL: |
http://www.logos-jet.com/ |
| Location: |
Köln |
| Comments: |
Salut,Votre site est
trs bien organis et trs complet, trs prcis. Il est facile utilis.
:-) |
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| Monday 07/21/2003
0:47:04am |
| Name: |
christie |
| E-Mail: |
deirdre@eudoramail.com |
| Homepage: |
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| Homepage
URL: |
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| Location: |
philippines |
| Comments: |
while i was surfing
the net,i come across with your page.i was deeply moved
'cause i didn't expect that somewhere on
this earth people can do a thing like this.i hopw that people
would see the great value and worth of a person like your son.he
deserve the best of both worlds........ |
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