We Belong

Congratulations for getting out of that place. I know first and second hand how backwards school systems can be in rural america. If you had continued to merely complain on the principle's level, you would likely be a "criminal", not a hero.

Keep up the good work man! And hopefully we can get some people to pull their heads out of their asses

Thanks for your courage, CJ. And thanks for your wonderful video, Joe. I had to take my 10-year-old son out of school to prevent him from being tortured by bullies. His crime? He was smart. In America's public schools, anything that makes you different can make you a target. And for the most part, nothing is done about it. I can't imagine the guts it took to take on these people.

It hurts my heart that this kind of thing exists in today's society. congratulations to the makers of this film for their courage and openness. It is only through public awareness and organizations like GSA that we can hope to overcome the ignorance, fear and violence.

To all that made this possible....much respect.

I saw the film short through a link on GAY. com and was very much touched that such a young person would have to face the ugly realities that adults reasonate. It takes a brave soul like the young men in this film for us realize that hate and discrimination is taught and learned at such a young age.

Tolerance is not even in the equation nor considered. The sad thing that is shown in the film is how ignorant the the community leaders are in this small community.

Fortunately they are a small community in a bigger world. There are communites that don't share that same sentiment.

Once again, congrats on the film and to the two young men......Thank you for telling your story.

The discrimination hasn't changed one bit at this school. My friends and I are still being harassed and beaten and scolded. If you wear a pride shirt, they say "it's your choice, so you have to pay the consequences."
the principal, Forster, is calmer with all of this now. He doesnt ridicule half as much as he used to, btu when it comes down to the kids, they are just as bad as they used to be.
Forster will take one look at you and judge you and if he doesn't liek you, then there is no hope for you ever achieving anything in this school.
I just thought I would let you all know that NOTHING has changed.

No Way...!!!

Hmmmm...well. For someone that is so young you have experienced alot of the world's ugliness. But believe me, this adult is only one man.

Soon he will be out of your picture and you will have to move on. But mind you, what happens to you today (whether be good or bad) only makes you a much stronger person in the future. If push comes to shove, just remember that the whole world is not all
composed of bigots.

You take care and always stay safe.

Much love and respect always.

I applaude the two boys who were able to step outside the box and be who they really are... I envy your courage... You're standing up for yourselves and not afraid to go against the "norms" of society... I'm from Meadville, Pa (just west of Titusville). This area of the world seems to lack any true sense of reality when it comes to relating to the basic needs of us, as human beings. I hope your pursuit for justice continues and you are well compensated for your injuries (emotionally & physically). You're truly apart of/changing history! One day @ a time!

Nothing has changed in Franklin. Oh, except that Forester has been promoted to Principal.

Very important film, and sorry to hear that there are still problems.

Kudos to the subjects and the filmmakers!

CJ seems like a very smart and likable teen. It's so sad that the school let that kind of treatment occur. He's 16, and home schooling now. So he'll graduate in a year or so and move on with his life. I think he has a very promising life ahead of him. He should move out of that small town and into a more "gay friendly" location. Philly, San Francisco, P town, NYC. He has the whole world to choose from!

These young people have far more guts than the retards who attack them. They have displayed courage far above their years

The principal and tutors should be named and shamed then slung out of their jobs

Tims father shows how stupid he has been through the years and finding his boy is gay must have been a great shock.

I am pleased he is slowly changing his attitude and not turned on his son who seems a decent kid

EriePAGuy,

While your point that Joe can move is true, __it's not right__: *every* town should be a "gay-friendly" town. Franklin should be just as "gay friendly" as any other place on the planet.

The truly brave folks are the GLTBQ folks who *stay* in their small towns, their own communities of birth and socialization, and CHANGE things just by existing.

Existence is resistence.

C.J and Tim Dahle are true heroes. I was devastated to learn of the ugly brutality and discrimination these wonderful young people had to endure. It was particularly infuriating to learn that C.J. was blamed for the unconscionably discriminatory behavior perpetrated by his fellow students. How appalling to blame the victim rather than protect him! This is the definition of injustice. Galling! Aren't we supposed to be protecting our youth?
I'm a New Yorker who watched the documentary with a group of friends in the East Village. I can tell you that we all loved it and were incredibly moved by the truly heroic sense of fairness, decency and justice displayed by C.J. and Tim. We were also impressed by the lovely parents who stood up for their children and chose love over backwardness and hate.
Don't let anyone ever tell you that your "less than" because you're gay. You guys are brilliant, amazing people who are helping to lift the entire gay community out of degradation and into a place of strength and power. You guys are awesome!!!!!!
New York City loves C.J. and Tim!!!!!!

CJ and Tim, I went throught the same stuff 30 years ago, I am sad to see it is still going on here, be strong find your people, I came to SF in the 70's and finally felt I was home

Namaste~

Frank

Thank You everyone for your kind words! They really mean a lot to me. I still wish there was more that I could do. I would love to be able to travel and speak to schools and to people. Through Education We Can Overcome Homophobia!

Tim Dahle