Ellen Page. Image: AFP/Robyn Beck
Ellen Page, Laverne Cox and other international celebrities were heartbroken over a 9-year-old boy who apparently committed suicide after he suffered homophobic bullying from his classmates.
Leia Pierce said that her son, Jamel Myles, died in their home in Denver, Colorado last Thursday, Aug. 23. He just started fourth grade at Joe Shoemaker Elementary School last week, KDVR reported.
Page, star of the hit indie film “Juno” and a gay rights advocate, said on Twitter last Tuesday, Aug. 28, that the news “broke my heart.”
“This needs to change,” Page appealed. “I’m sad & angry but trying 2 keep my heart warm & open 2 continue 2 strive 2 help eradicate this suffering.”
The news re #JamelMyles broke my heart.I have traveled around the country & the world & have been witness 2 hope & joy but also deep pain & horror.This needs to change.I’m sad & angry but trying 2 keep my heart warm & open 2 continue 2 strive 2 help eradicate this suffering. ❤️
— Ellen Page (@EllenPage) August 28, 2018
Singer-songwriter Kehlani called Jamel a “little warrior” who had “confidence, pride and eagerness” to show how proud he was being gay at such a young age.
jamel myles’ confidence, pride, and eagerness to share his new found freedom with his parents and then classmates at 9 years old is beautiful and hope that is the memory celebrated continuously. rest in peace little warrior.
the lessons here are clear.
— Kehlani (@Kehlani) August 28, 2018
Netlix’s “Orange is the New Black” star Laverne Cox expressed the same sentiment: “This has to stop happening.”
“It just must stop. Our bullying culture is killing children,” Cox added.
“This beautiful soul took his own life after being bullied for being gay,” entertainment journalist Perez Hilton wrote.
Pierce said in the KDVR report that after her son came out as gay, he became more confident to dress like a girl. She said, “He went to school and said he was gonna tell people he’s gay because he’s proud of himself.” Katrina Hallare/JB
The Department of Health has opened a hotline, named Hopeline, for those going through depression or other mental health issues.
Hopeline may be reached through the following numbers:
Landline: (02) 8044673
Mobile number: 09175584673
Globe or TM subscribers can also dial 2919 to reach Hopeline.
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