Brandon Shire

Author of Contemporary Gay Romance

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Facebook a danger to LGBT Youth?

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lgbt flagBack in September when Facebook started announcing and putting all their new changes into place, specifically the timeline, I had a talk with my online advisor. At that time we were discussing the fact that most LGBT Youth organizations do NOT communicate with teens through the medium they use most: their cell phone. In fact, most LGBT Youth organizations’ online info isn’t even accessible to at-risk teens if they aren’t sitting at a PC. Simply, website and contact info is nearly invisible if the organization’s website is not mobile friendly. (Or if they don’t have a mobile app.)

This came to light (to me) when I was trying to send some emergency contact info to an LGBT kid that needed immediate resources and help. I sent several of the most prominent national LGBT youth website URLs (and multiple local ones)  only to have him tell me that he couldn’t read or access any of it on his cell phone. (The only thing available to him.) That’s a pretty big fail for LGBT Youth organizations, especially those trying to help homeless youth.  If we can’t connect with the kids, how are we going to help? [Read more…] about Facebook a danger to LGBT Youth?

Helping LGBT Youth – January 2012

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As many of you already know, I am a LGBT Youth advocate and donate half the proceeds from The Value of Rain to help two local nonprofit organizations whose dedication and goals match my own. Occasionally I post updates here about what they are doing and how they are affecting the LGBT Youth community.  Considering the age of both of these organizations, what they have done in such a short time is nothing less than phenomenal, and it is exactly why they will continue to get my support. [Read more…] about Helping LGBT Youth – January 2012

Our Youth Deserve Love & Respect

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Guest post by by James Robinson, Director GLBT  Advocacy &  Youth Services

lgbt, gay youth, nonprogit, lgbtyouth, gay teens

Young people need to know they are loved and that they have our support. 

I believe those of us who have survived into adulthood  have a responsibility to support and encourage youth who are struggling with many of the same issues we faced at their age.  The fact that we understand these issues based on our personal experiences makes us uniquely qualified to provide this critical support.  Our society is in a state of crisis brought about by a basis lack of love and respect for each other.  Simply put, all people deserve love and respect regardless of any of the circumstances our society uses to segregate us into various sub-groups.

Fighting Bigotry and Hatred 

 My heart hurts each time I hear that another young person has committed suicide because they felt they were not important, less than human, sinful, ugly, or alone.  Recently, after working all week dealing with local bullying issues and other concerns shared with me because of my work, I saw online that another young girl only 12 years old committed suicide here in Alabama.  It is suspected that her death was caused by bullying.  When I saw this I broke down, cried, called friends, and looked for personal support because I was tired and angry.  How many of these beautiful young people have to die before we say as a society, “No More!”. 

How Writing Makes a Difference

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writing, author, prose, writerTwo Steps Beyond Prose

Words are power. Anyone who is a writer, or a speaker, knows this instinctively; as do those that try to suppress the words they don’t agree with.

Words can change geography, nations, politics and move an entire people to action. But sometimes it is those small changes; those seemingly insignificant burst of prose that make a difference and touch lives that you, as a writer, will never know about or see. Two steps beyond your prose is an action, a caress, a thought that changes even the smallest part of history and you may never know that impact. [Read more…] about How Writing Makes a Difference

Stepping Up to Bullying

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There’s been a lot of discussion about bullying in the recent weeks since Jamey Rodemeyers death. Once again, it is in the international spotlight after a tragedy that should have never happened.  As offline and online communities (of all ages) step up to the plate and tackle the issue I am especially heartened to see the youth of the world move to make changes within their own environment.

As a parent, I knew that I could not police my sons’ actions all the time, nor be there to protect them every single minute of their lives, and so it falls to those whom we seek to protect to take action with the full knowledge that we support them in their endeavors to aid those people less able to help themselves. Teaching them respect for all  is a great part of that, but teaching them by example is an even greater part.

So there is also a point where we, as adults, must step forward beyond our own homes and say NO, this is not how you treat people.

I saw a shining example of that this morning and wanted to share it with you.  Ali you have my utmost respect.

Sometimes a few words is all it takes to change a life.

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