Mom of 13-year-old Asher Brown, who killed himself, begs parents to stop bullying
Thu. September 30, 2010 7:43 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
Houston -
The parents of 13-year-old Asher Brown, a gay middle-schooler who killed himself last week after coming out of the closet, are pleading with other parents to be vigilant about bullying.
Asher Brown was subjected to more than a year of torment at his school, where other kids made fun of his sexuality, his religion, his shoes, and his clothes.
He came out to his mother and stepfather, who described themselves as "understanding." But later that same day, he shot himself in the head.
Asher's parents said they complained repeatedly to school administrators about the bullying. The district denies it, but other students and parents commenting on myFOXhouston.com say teachers witnessed the emotional violence and did nothing.
Asher's mom and stepfather went on CNN on Thursday and spoke directly to other parents.
"Please, if you have children that you think may be bullied, if they seem sad or withdrawn, and you ask questions and they say 'I'm fine,' push past that," said Amy Truong. "Push past the 'I'm fine.' It's extremely important. These kids are worried about retribution for speaking up--not only speaking up for themselves but speaking up for their friends who have been picked on.
"We've got to make this stop. I do not want my son to have died in vain. And I can't bring my baby back, but if I can help some other family to not have to go through this then it's worth it."
The Truongs have invited the public to Asher's memorial service. It will be held on Saturday in Houston at 13734 Lakewood Forest Drive. Attendees are asked to wear flip-flops and shorts if they want, because that is the way Asher would have wanted it.
Asher Brown was subjected to more than a year of torment at his school, where other kids made fun of his sexuality, his religion, his shoes, and his clothes.
He came out to his mother and stepfather, who described themselves as "understanding." But later that same day, he shot himself in the head.
Asher's parents said they complained repeatedly to school administrators about the bullying. The district denies it, but other students and parents commenting on myFOXhouston.com say teachers witnessed the emotional violence and did nothing.
Asher's mom and stepfather went on CNN on Thursday and spoke directly to other parents.
"Please, if you have children that you think may be bullied, if they seem sad or withdrawn, and you ask questions and they say 'I'm fine,' push past that," said Amy Truong. "Push past the 'I'm fine.' It's extremely important. These kids are worried about retribution for speaking up--not only speaking up for themselves but speaking up for their friends who have been picked on.
"We've got to make this stop. I do not want my son to have died in vain. And I can't bring my baby back, but if I can help some other family to not have to go through this then it's worth it."
The Truongs have invited the public to Asher's memorial service. It will be held on Saturday in Houston at 13734 Lakewood Forest Drive. Attendees are asked to wear flip-flops and shorts if they want, because that is the way Asher would have wanted it.