U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
tells gay teens to “hang in there” in a new public service
announcement for the It Gets Better anti-bullying campaign, which
reaches out to troubled gay teens.
Clinton says she was “saddened” to
learn about the recent spate of gay teens bullied to death.
“Children are particularly vulnerable
to the hurt caused by discrimination and prejudice and we have lost
many young people over the years to suicide,” she says. “These
most recent deaths are a reminder that all Americans have to work
harder to overcome bigotry and hatred.”
“I have a message for all the young
people out there who are being bullied, or who feel alone and find it
hard to imagine a better future: First of all, hang in there and ask
for help. Your life is so important—to your family, your friends,
and to your country.”
“So take heart, and have hope, and
please remember that your life is valuable, and that you are not
alone. Many people are standing with you and sending you their
thoughts, their prayers and their strength.”
“Count me among them,” she adds.
(The video is embedded in the right panel of this page.)
Openly gay celebrities who have also
joined the campaign include Project
Runway
celebrity judge Tim Gunn, talk
show host Ellen DeGeneres,
How I Met Your Mother star
Neil Patrick Harris and former 'NSYNCer Lance Bass.