Six weeks ago, a Centennial high school student opened up about being gay, and on Tuesday, he found an anonymous threatening letter in his English class that's prompting a police investigation.What caught me, beside disgust that this incident occurred was something my friend wrote, "Brave. And I commend his speaking up! I also commend the school district and police for taking it seriously as it merits serious attention,,, I guess I should not need to thank the police and the school district for doing their jobs by granting the serious attention the threat deserves. I understand why I do. Due to the residue of past experience, I still have a pleasant sensation of surprise and hope whenever such cases are treated appropriately rather than ignored or met with hostility or further victimization by the authorities."
"I'm really proud to be out and be myself. I get to do what I want without having to hide anymore," Centennial High School senior Ryan Eichenauer said.
Eichenauer insists the threats won't change who he is. He is gay and he is done hiding it.
"I know there are going to be people in life who don't agree with it. But that's who I am," he said.
Eichenauer had no idea the hate and venom that would soon follow after he posted this heartfelt, videotaped message to friends, family and classmates on Facebook just before the New Year.
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"The first threat I cried a lot. A lot of tears and emotions. Even though that was less threatening. Then this one came along. Is this what I am going to get forever, from now on?" Eichenauer said.
It made me think back 25 or so years ago, when we were that age and in college. Both "struggling" to gain acceptance in a place that was not kind to those outside of the mainstream fundy box. I think we have come a long way, though more needs to be done as this story attests.
Gay Minnesota student receives death threat in virulent letter - KMSP-TV
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