In a follow up assembly to the “Laramie Project,” the Matthew Shepard Foundation visited Langley this afternoon to provide an eye-opening presentation and discussion about tolerating all types of people and stopping hate crimes.

Guest speaker Thomas Howard Jr., programs director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, discussed his struggles with hate growing up as a gay child.

“I prayed to God every day to change me,” he said. “I used to wake up every morning and try to make myself sick so I wouldn’t have to school [and face teasing.] And when that didn’t work, I started trying to kill myself so I wouldn’t have to go to school.”

He went on to say that the only person in his life who helped him get through the rough years of middle school was his chorus director, in whom he could confide. “I would go in her room and just break down and cry.”

Howard’s presentation also included several videos and slideshows that showed examples of horrific hate crimes that have been committed against gay teens.

After showing the video, he asked the audience how many people hear hateful things being said on a monthly basis. Several raised their hands. He followed up by asking how many people hear hateful things on a weekly, daily, and hourly basis. A few hands disappeared, however, a large number were still present in the end.

As the program, and the school day ended, Howard encouraged Langley students to be kind to their peers, and stick up for those being bullied.

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Photos by Blair Purdy