Bullies-they're everywhere!

I won't soon forget my time in middle school and high school. Some twenty years later the memories of what I endured during those years are forever etched in my mind. I grew up in a time when "gay" was just beginning to pick up momentum and "turn heads". Yet, I was still too young to realize what I was feeling.

When I started middle school, the very first day-Scott Woodward began to call me "faggot". That would be the beginning of what would cause me to become a chameleon of sorts and begin the process of trying in earnest to blend in and adapt so as not to be noticed. It was a fretful way of living. In the years leading up to middle school, I was a popular kid. Even through the divorce of my parents, and my father's poor handling of our family business and his desire to be involved with the "ladies" (yes in quotes-because they weren't really ladies in my mind rather-they were those -ummm what'dya call 'em begins with a w---and ends with an e) which torn our family to shreds-I maintained a bright exciting childhood.

On the first day of sixth grade, I hadn't been in the school and in my home room more than an hour until Scott started his name calling. I didn't really know what to make of what he was saying nor was I even sure of what it meant. At lunch that day-he took ketchup and squirted it all over my brand new shirt and shorts (my mom had worked hard to provide) and all the kids laughed. I didn't cry although I wanted too-rather I sat there and ate my lunch.

When I got to school the next day-Scott and one of his friends, Stanley met me in the front hallway. Once the bell had rung and we were walking down the hall to our first class-Stanley came behind and picked me up and carried me down the hall and threw me in the ladies restroom and stood in the doorway so I couldn't get out. Once I finally was able to get past the crowd of kids laughing at me-Mr. Simpson, the school principal walked past me. I got in trouble and was told to go to the Principal's office. After sitting there for what seemed like forever, Mr. Simpson asked why I was in the restroom-I tried to explain, but he wouldn't listen. I got in trouble and was required to go to in school suspension that day. This was only the beginning.