“Intolerance is not genetically encoded — it is taught. It is learned at home. It is learned in the classrooms and it is learned anywhere else we gather as a group. But it is usually learned early and added onto from there. If there is nothing to feared, there is nothing to hate. If there is nothing to hate there is no pain.” — Colin Farrell on homophobia, STAND UP! campaign
I got your back, bro… Earlier this month Colin Farrell issued a statement speaking out against homophobia and bullying on behalf of Stand Up!, a campaign organized by BeLonG To, Ireland’s national organization supporting gays, lesbians, bi-sexual and transgendered teens. The actor’s brother, Eamon Farrell, is gay and he recalls the abuse his brother endured as a kid. The heart of the matter… Farrell pinpoints what drives the bullying: fear. The organization reports that 25 percent of Ireland’s LGBT teens face some form of abuse or prejudice. And, according to Mental Health America, gay teens hear anti-gay slurs such as “homo”, “faggot” and “sissy” about 26 times a day or once every 14 minutes, and 31 percent of gay youth had been threatened or injured at school in the last year alone. A new title… Farrell seems to be enjoying his role as an advocate these days. He was just named as one of the first celebrity ambassadors for the The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC). Founded in 1989, the nonprofit is Ireland’s oldest children’s charity and works to ensure love, happiness and safety for all children.
Double takes:
- Organize a Day of Silence in your town.
- Get the facts on gay bullying and get support.
- Support Ireland’s kids.
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Photo by PR Photos.