I remembered why I want to live. Joseph's story on being bullied
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- Опубліковано 23 вер 2012
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Joseph's remembers why he wants to live...
Joseph share his pain and courage of coming out openly gay as a teen living in Tennessee.
Backstory
I spent the Summer researching on what it is like to be an LGBT teen in rural USA for a script. We traveled to ten states and met some incredible people.
I met Joseph outside of Knoxville for an on camera interview. The moment I left, I could not get him out of my mind. He told me his story with such innocence that I knew that he needed to present it to the world. To show teens that it is ok to be who you are.
I returned to meet Joseph twice and filmed his day to day life.
It is Joseph's life experiences that has helped shape the main character in our film script. We want to present a character with real situations that happened to Joseph. Our goal is to raise the funds to shoot the feature in spring. Of course we will want Joseph on set with us as his input on re-creating a teenage world is vital.
This is so moving. Joseph, you are beautiful and fierce. There is a whole world of people who accept you for who you are!
Joseph, thank you for staying strong! I unfortunately lost my cousin, my best friend when he was 19 years old and I think about him every day and wish he was still with us! He took his life because he was bullied, and in todays world videos like this are touching people all around the world and helping the fight against equality and the ending of bullying!!!
Adam Lambert tweeted a response to your video. I watched it & I cried for the pain and anguish you went through. You got past it all through your own strength. You're much stronger than you know, Joseph. Stay strong. Remember, you're not alone. Your mom & little sister must be damn proud of you! You are a source of great inspiration to others who are going through the same situation.
It breaks my heart to hear about the pain you have gone trough Joseph!
I myself have been a victim of bulling - for different reasons, but I know how MUCH it hurts and effects your life!
You put a smile on my face though! You have been so far out that you considered taken your own life, but you fought your way bake and you know what sweetheart? That tells me that you're a strong, brave, loving and warm person! Love yourself 'cause who you are is beautiful in so many ways!! Love from Denmark!
Joseph, I am SO glad that YOU were born. And I am so HAPPY that you stayed. And I am BLESSED to hear your story. Thank you for making this video. I saw it when Adam Lambert shared it on Twitter. I love him. And I have love in my heart for u too. You ARE a good person, will make a WORTHY husband & father, and I WILL ALWAYS ACCEPT THAT. ur str8 ally, Caris.
Joseph, thank you for sharing your courage and strength, you are a beautiful bright light in this world. You are helping so many and so many are with you. Stay strong, you deserve the best.
Well done Joseph. May your courage inspire others to show the same strength. You're mother and sister must be so proud. I know I would be.
Adam Lambert sent me hear. Joseph you should be proud of the person you are. Stay strong and love yourself. Adam is such an inspiration and so glad he has helped you.Your future will be wonderful and I hope you get your dream of having a happy loving husband and children someday. People like Adam and you are helping to change things one step at a time.
Beautiful boy. So thankful Adam gives young people like Joseph a layer of strength to combat hatred and bullying.
Joseph...I wish I could give you a big hug. Your message is so positive and endearing. You are loved !!!
Thank you for sharing this video Sweet Joseph. There are so many people out there who are on your side. Continue to rise above the ignorant and live your life as happy as your deserve to be. Best wishes and love!
Joseph, you are a beautiful human being. I am so glad you decided to live. I wish I could give you a big hug. Thank you for sharing your story. I see a bright future ahead for you!
You are blessed Joseph, and do not anyone tell you otherwise. You are one of the chosen. Be brave!!!!
I love you Joseph! Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you Elliot for letting Joseph tell his story.
You are amazing Joseph! And your story is just as great as you are!
Keep strong Joseph. Thanks for sharing you story!
Thank you very much for your story and for your courage in being you. Things do get better.
You have shown tremendous courage here. I certainly hope that this helps other people in the same situation. Nobody has the right to tell you that God doesn't love you. Thank you for this.
I'm so glad and thankful that you are still alive today! You are beautiful inside and out. Just remember that those who tease and bully you are probably hiding some insecurity and you just happen to be their outlet for their frustrations. PRAISE GOD YOU ARE STILL ALIVE!
Joseph, you are an inspiration. The world is extremely fortunate that you changed your mind about taking your own life. It's very likely that your story of hope and courage will save other lives by inspiring them not to give up either. You are an extraordinary young man. Always remember to think positive and keep moving forward.
I'm glad you're still here Joseph! I too was once where you were. I made it through as well.
You sound like an amazing guy. I hope you find much love and happiness in your life!!!!!!
Your honesty and kind heart SHINE through your pain and your words are so beautiful, Joseph. Adam Lambert has helped me understand so much more about what a gay person in this world goes through, so on top of his amazing talent, Adam is reaching out to young gay people to let them know they can be proud to be exactly who they are. He is helping the straight community gain more understanding - and with that, fear of the unknown is erased.
Joseph, Adam's Tweet brought me here. You're so brave, honey. You're perfect the way you are. Thank you for telling your story. I wish you the best in life, you deserve it. You're an ispiration to me. Please, always remember that you are not alone. A big hug from Spain.
Amazing video! Than you for posting it.
So glad you shared your struggle. Stay strong and ready for the wonderful life ahead of you. Adam Lambert is a great role model for everybody. His heart IS gold. The world would do well to embrace his philosophy.
Joseph, thank you for sharing! Remember this. You are better than they!!
Bullies are cowards. I have come across bullies during my life, and found
they are all the same.
Adam Lambert is definitely a great role model for any young gay man.
You will know Christians by how they treat other people. If they use the
bible to hate, they are not followers of Jesus Christ. They use religion to
hide behind. You are blessed to have a terrific mother and sister.
Stay strong and proud!! With love.
Thank you for sharing your story, Joseph. May all you wish for come true!
Thank you for being brave! It does get better and your video will help others.
Joseph, don't ever be ashamed to cry. You are so brave to share your story. You have so much living ahead of you. Last week I almost killed myself. I am 54 years old and felt my life was not worth living.. Adam's song "Underneath" helped me through this last week. I realized that we can all put on a front, but underneath it all is an insecure person barely hanging on. We need to realize that it's much more common that we think it is. Adam knows this and this is why he touches so many people.
Thank you for sharing your story, Joseph. I'm so glad that you defied the bullies who brought you to the point of wanting to end your life. There are many of us out here who support your right to be who you are. I hope your dreams come true. You're a strong young man who deserves a happy life.
Hugs to you Joseph! You are such an inspiration! Hope all your dreams come true!
Thank you for sharing. You've made a difference.
Thank you for sharing your story Joseph! Stay strong and I wish you that your dream will come true! xoxo
So happy to see that you did a the video. I was bullied all my live. I tried to do the samething that you did.......I think that you made the right choice. You are an inspiration to may other.
Joseph,
You're a very courageous young man. Keep fighting the good fight love. You have many more people on your side than you could ever imagine. Sending you a big hug and much love.
you have a wonderful strength within - thanks Joseph for sharing this strength - wishing you all the very best for a wonderful future... never let anyone or anything get you down........
Awesome, man. Stay strong. Life has its struggles but it's worth it :).
You are amazing, Joseph! And so much of adult to be so young!
You're a brave guy, Joseph, and an inspiration to others! I hope all your dreams come true~
Joseph YOU are an inspiration. Be Joseph and don't let anyone try to make you be someone that you are not.
this video made me cry .... thank God you are still with us honey ... you are an amazing person!!!!
I am a christian too and I know that God loves you exactly as you are! I wish you a long and happy life xxx
Oh my goodness, this story is heartbreaking, and Joseph, you're so sweet. I'm so glad you decided to stay.
Heartbreaking, yet inspiring and encouraging and full of hope
AW I love how you shared this! KEEP LOVING ADAM
your such an inspiration to all....continue to be yourself and proud and your dream will one day come true..thanks for sharing.
In your beautiful future, some lucky man and lucky child will be yours. Please give updates on your life - there is so much love and light coming your way. I hope you feel the love pouring your way already!!! What a brave and loving young man you are, to share your message.
You are a beautiful person! I'm glad you didn't commit suicide, the world is a better place with people like you on it. It was so brave of you to share your story and I'm sure it will help other teens. Stay strong and lots of hugs your way.
Joseph, you are the inspiration. Stay strong.
Your story just breaks my heart to think someone full of life thought about taking his life due to bullying. Thank God you didn't, so proud of you. Adam Lambert is an inspiration to me too.
You're very strong, and watching you talk about your struggle with everything almost makes me cry as well. I know I don't know you, I know you don't know me, but I'm very proud of you! Your mother did raise a very strong man, and I'm sure she's very proud of you as well! I hope your dream comes out some time. You sure deserve to be happy! You're an inspiration to a lot of people, so thank you! I'm sure a lot of teenagers will get strength out of this. :)
What you did was sooo brave, telling your story like that. There are so many young people out there that feel the same way that you do, like they are all alone and like it's their fault, I know this because I was bullied. But by telling your story you have just helped so many people by being brave enough to speak out and tell your story, because there are kids that feel just like you do, that now know they are not alone, I that things will get better. xoxoxo
I'm glad your still here. It gets better. xoxo
Adam Lambert is an inspiration to us Glamberts and so are you, sweetie. God loves you....we all love you and we appreciate the fact that you´re still here with us. Stay strong, be brave, and carry on with your life cause it will get better. Sending light and love your way!!!!
Joseph, altough your story is really sad she is also really pretty, you got over so many problems and you kept dreaming and wishing for a better future and that's awesome! Remember you are a huge inspiration to a LOT of people and that you are brave, honest and most of all: LOVED. Keep dreaming and I really hope all of your dreams come true one day. And congratulations! Adam just tweeted your video thanking you for your bravury and honesty! You must be a proud Glambert! :)
Love to you, Joseph. You're strong and beautiful and by being that, you're helping to bring the change that's coming. xo
Way to remain strong Joseph. I hope that your dream of a family comes true. Just remember that God loves everyone/everything, including you. EXACTLY as you are.
Joseph, stay strong, there is a wonderful future ahead of you. You will find your love, people who accept and love you for who you are, and a life full of joy.
You are amazing guy, Joseph. I wish the best ti u. Let all your dreams to come true
So sweet - Very proud of you...!!
Joseph, your video was so touching and inspiring. Be proud of yourself. One day in the future you will be an amazing husband and father. I wish you every happiness. ♥
You are brave beyond belief. Only the best will come your way.
Joseph, thank you for thinking of your baby sister. Thank you so much for that.
No one should suffer this much pain...know you are loved by many.
As Adam Lambert inspired you, you are now an inspiration to countless others. How brave, bold and generous of you to share this video. You're a beautiful person inside and out. I wish you all the best for a very bright and happy future.
im bullied and i wonder why people can be so mean. Even a joke these days can really hurt someone. :'(
I cry almost every night because of the haters. i just wish that i would be accepted. You are an inspiration. i wish there were hundreds of people like you. God bless you and your family.
we're SO GLAD you didn't go through with it, Joseph, SO GLAD, the world would be diminished without you in it, STAY STRONG, and I love Adam Lambert too
Feel all the love Joseph. Take it all in. Peace and love.
Seconding Jennalisa1's post: Heartbreaking, yet inspiring and encouraging and full of hope. Praying for the best for you, Joseph. May you find the right man and establish a loving family. Keep on keeping on!
you are so strong! It really goes get better! I promise you that
I hope you get what you wish for, you deserve it. We'll all stand behind you. I'm happy that you didn't take your own life. Be proud and hold on, it will pay out in the end. You know you'll be alright in the aftermath ;)
Joseph, your speaking out in this video will serve as a role model for other kids, just as Adam serves as a model for you. And it does get better. :)
You are an amazing young man Joseph, stay strong. My son is your age and gay and he is also an amazing person. The world is changing slowly but surely and there are many of us who are there for you an doing all we can. Also, I found a church here in Seattle that is not only welcoming to the LGBT community but very supportive and active in the support of same sex marriage and other issues. They are out there, so don't give up on faith either. Sending love your way.
im with you all the step of the way we support you
Stay strong young man. You ARE BEAUTIFUL.
Joseph, I am so proud of you! Be yourself and be proud of who you are! You are a beautiful human being and a brave man! Stay strong! It gets better! With Love to you! :)
Yes, of course he should be a Dad. He has alot to teach a son or daughter about love and acceptance and courage, lessons you evidently never learned, daniellandgrens. You are a beautiful person, Joseph, and will make a great Dad someday. Thanks for sharing your story.
I cried so hard as soon as he started crying Thank you Adam Mitchel Lambert for making us know he is also a human and not to be judged by orientation
I'm so glad you're alive Joseph :')
Keep strong baby!
Stay strong Joesph! You got tons of people on your side.
Such a lovely young man. I am positive you will get your dream of being a dad and husband. Any man and child would be lucky to have you in their lives. I am happy that Adam Lambert inspires you so much.
Adam's my idol too! You are precious. Stay strong. You are loved.
Sososososo sweet and oh my goodness, I'm in tears.
Don't know how some people think they have been given the almighty power to judge others-hate only attempts to make the hater feel powerful so never give him/her that power. . YOU are inspirational Joseph and so is your idol, Adam Lambert.
I hear beautiful music! How nice!!!
Joseph, you are a beautiful creation of God, not imperfect or flawed and I am so thankful you you didn't give the cruel, misguided the power to judge you. You are a valued gift to the world with many great things to come.The world would be a darker, less joyful place without Adam Lambert and without you. There is no telling how many people will be touched and inspired by you, with unlimited things to come.Pity the haters, as their ignorance and cruelty is what trulutruly disappoints God.
You are beautiful just the way you are, Joseph. Never forget that. Keep up the good fight.
I shared your story. I know how that is being bullied all your live. I was in the same boat here and I hated it and tried to kill myself so many times. But I didn't want to give the bullies the upper hand in the battle.
You are so handsome and you will have what you want in the end.Just don't let them get the better of you. I think that you are kind and loving person. Those that try to put you down are just jealous of what you have and they wish that they had it. They are worth it.
You are amazing Joseph. ~Ali.
You are a brave and beautiful young man. You are making change happen.
there are many people love you! you are a wonderful man !
Dear Elliot... I hope you realize what a HUGE favor you have done to humanity by making this video. Hats off.
Joseph... people have said all that had to be said in the comments; so I'm just going to add a little sentence. For what you went through, for what you faced and with what you came to realize in the end, you interpreted the REAL meaning of MAN.
Proud of you Joseph...
Proud of you Elliot.
Beautiful!
Aww this is so touching. I'm straight and I fully support gay rights. I have a best friend who is gay - he just came out to me a few days ago after seeing this video. He said seeing someone like him who has faced the things he is afraid to face if he came out and still turns out strong like you gave him the inspiration and courage to come out. Thank you so much for sharing your story and at the same time unknowingly helping others. We will be praying for you and i hope ur dream comes true!
Joseph, you are so strong ang beautiful! Never give up!
Elliot your films are inspiring :O) Georgey
hang in there Joseph. We love you. We're fighting for you. Keep fighting with us to make it better.
And.... Adam Lambert tweeted this :)
You're a strong person Joseph, respect! Much Love! xx
i am so sorry and this is so heartbreaking for me to hear that such a beautiful and vibrant young man should feel this way about himself. As far as I am concerned the people who profess to be 'christians' will be judged for their actions. Being Gay is not a crime. I have Gay friends and i love them all equally. My heart aches for you Joseph. thank you for sharing your story with all of us
Joseph...as Adam Lambert's story became inspirational to you .....you now have become inspirational to others. Our society is slowly changing on understanding homosexuality, not fast enough, unfortunately, but your story has created one more crack in that wall of ignorance. There is a saying ... "It is easy to be brave from a safe distance"....there was no safe distance with posting this video....you should be very proud of yourself.
I hope lots of the kids at school see your video and begin to appreciate you for everything that you are, and not hate you just for the part they don't understand. I hope that lots of LGBT kids will watch the video and be encouraged, comforted, inspired. Stay strong. You are not alone.