Sadly LGBT youth suicide appears to be increasing across the nation.

Oklahomans, in 2004, successfully passed by approximately 90 percent a constitutional amendment banning equal access to marriage responsibilities and benefits (along with several other states); however, Oklahoma took this ban a few steps further. The constitutional amendment also prohibits all "incidents" of marriage. Essentially this means that if you and your same sex partner have opened a joint checking account, have reciprocal Wills bequeathing the surviving partner any or all property (Real or otherwise), have purchased a home a car a houseful of furniture, etc. both or just one can be taken to court under the ban and have any or all instruments dissolved because of constitutional violation. Clearly this law was designed to demean and discount to the most obscene levels possible partnered LGBT couples. By the way this ban could, theoretically, apply to gender discordant couples who have similar living arrangements. The ban could also apply to mere roommates who, for whatever reason, have established similar legal provisions ... including Living Wills.

Oklahoma is easily one of -- if not the most -- repressive states in the nation regarding LGBT rights. In 2008 Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern (R) made the comment that "gays" are a greater threat to the US than both terrorism and Islam (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_y3-ckuM3E&feature=related). Was this representative of the people censured by legislative leaders or even the Democratic governor, Brad Henry? NO. To this day nothing has changed in Oklahoma. It remains a Red state, the only exception being the color is deepening to a bloody red.

My thoughts are with Zach's friends and family. My thoughts are with all of the loved ones who have lost someone because death, in the end, became their closest and most compassionate companion through which the only way to escape the hatred, the bigotry and the fear directed at those of us who are members of the LGBT family was the only viable solution.

I live in Oklahoma. I am Gay. To the Sally Kerns and the bashers of this nation
I will say this: I REFUSE TO LEAVE THIS BACKWATER STATE. I REFUSE TO SUCCUMB TO YOUR HATE AND YOUR FEAR.

LGBT people are among the brightest, the most resilient, the strongest, the toughest and the most innovative and talented people to ever walk the earth. Zach and all the others who took their lives were all those things, I feel certain. They were also the most caring and sensitive. I'm very proud to say they were my family.