Bullying in the Schools: The Future of our Children

Thomas Krever -- As part of the recent American Psychoanalytic Association's National Meeting held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York, Thomas Krever, Executive Director of the Hetrick-Martin Institute, home of the Harvey Milk High School, participated on a panel to discuss the psychodynamic impact of being bullied. In particular, Krever addressed the experience of homosexual or transgender children who are bullied.

Bill Carpenter -- Bill grew up in Memphis, TN where in his early teens, he witnessed much of the civil rights movement, including nonviolent demonstrations and marches led by Dr. King, Rev. James Lawson and his brother Phil and other of his present day heroes. After graduating from the University of Alabama, he worked in business and marketing in retailing and real estate.

Coming out as a 40 year old, he shifted his attention from a traditional business career to a life of service. Presently, Bill is an active student of Truth principles, active at his Unity church and as a trainer in welcoming diversity and in principles of nonviolence. Bill says one of his greatest Soulforce experiences was early in Soulforce history at the UMC convention in Cleveland, OH in 2000 hearing two of his s/heroes Bob and Jeanie Graetz tell about the "second time their house was firebombed" while living in Montgomery, Alabama.

"Today, I call upon every LGBT person to reach deep within and connect with the joyous truth of who you are and declare, once and for all, I will not accept being treated as a 2nd class person or citizen of my country. Today, I stand with all oppressed peoples of the earth and declare: I am whole and worthy and loved – just as I am!"