9-27-99

One year Later....

     Well it is hard to believe that it has been exactly 1 year to this day.  I think of all the positive events that have happened since then, but I am also saddened by what has not happened. 

     Matthew Shepard was beaten to death because he was gay.  People continue to walk around our nations schools, in their fog of ignorance, using the word "gay" as an adjective to describe something that is displeasing to them.  We have had several friends become distant from the group, because of both graduation and simple differences.  

    On the positive side, Centennial High School started a GLBT (Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender) group in an effort to better support those students who need help with discovering their sexual identity, and for the friends of students who are wrestling with similar issues. Don't misinterpret this as a session to convince people of what their sexuality is, rather it is simply an open forum where issues can be expressed in a safe environment.  (for more info, contact Ms. Eaton, Student Assistance Coordinator @ Centennial High School)

    What bothers me the most, looking back on the year, is that by and large, the world has continued on without pause.  I don't think a day has passed where I haven't at least thought of Brian one time during the day.  

Whenever someone mutters a gay joke, I think of how Brian used to walk down the halls of CHS and was made fun of. 

 I think of Brian whenever a Sarah McLachlan song comes on the radio, I remember when he was walking around with his portable CD player singing the praises of the newest CD.  

I think of Brian whenever I edit this website.  Brian had an interest in computers and he had just started a small business writing websites for local businesses.  

Think, 365 days of having something pass through your mind at least once per day.  I walk down the street, people do not know that I lost a friend to an unnecessary death such as suicide.  They don't know that I am bothered every time someone uses the word fagot or describes something as being "really gay."  

    I guess the only thing that has changed in this world are the people who knew Brian.  It is unfortunate that often times, in our society, it takes blood to make someone realize that something is wrong and steps need to be taken to fix the issue.  

How many people have to die before the general attitude of this country changes?  

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    I heard that a few of Brian's friends are going to both the tree where he died, and his grave site.  I am told by his mother that his headstone is now in place (as of 9-23-99).  The gravestone was placed just shy of one year to the date of his death.