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I just wanted to thank Lawrence O'Donnell for airing this clip on his show Thursday night. From The Last Word blog.
Councilman gives teary plea to gay teens:
Zoning laws, property taxes and school budgets typically dominate the conversation at city council meetings. But one councilman in Fort Worth, Texas used his podium to talk about the recent suicide epidemic among gay youths.
In a very emotional speech on Tuesday, Joel Burns pleaded with gay teens to re-think suicide as an option. At times, he even broke down and cried in the 12-minute appeal.
"Attitudes will change, life will get better, you will have a lifetime of happy memories if you just allow yourself and give yourself the time to make them," said Burns.
Burns, an openly gay man, says he struggled with his sexuality growing up. He also described what it felt like being bullied as kid.
"High school was difficult, coming out was painful," he said. "I want to tell any teen who is watching this, life will get better."
What a wonderful, brave man. Thank you Joel Burns for speaking out.
