In the latter days of September 2010, the cyber bulling craze took an all too serious turn for the worse.  Pennsylvania college student Tyler Clementi, 18, was pushed to the breaking point as a result of online harassment. After private videos of the openly gay Clementi and another man were supposedly spread across the Internet, Clementi decided to end his life by jumping from the Washington Bridge on September 22. The college freshman had reported his discomfort with his roommate, who supposedly leaked the video, to campus officials, and even asked to be switched to another room. Unfortunately, his roommate’s acts took a toll sooner than expected. Both his roommate and an accomplice are being charged with invasion of privacy.

Suicides of other young homosexuals also populated the days surrounding Clementi’s death. In September, two other gay teens, Justin Aaberg and Asher Brown, also took their own lives as a result of bullying from their peers. With the recent outspokenness against California’s Proposition 8, a ban on same sex marriage, it seems the country was on a road to acceptance of those with different lifestyles. With the recent jump in suicides as a result of bullying, though, it seems the country has taken a few steps back.

Many schools across the country provide the LGBT (lesbian/gay/bisexual/transsexual) community with help and support through clubs like the Gay/Straight Alliance. It is hopeful that instead of turning to self hate and self harm, those dealing with pressure and bullying because of who they are can express their feelings in these groups. As with anyone who is given a hard time for their beliefs and choices, there is always a way to overcome the adversity. The answer is simple: erase the hate, and spread the love.