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12 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday March 12, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com `We're losing some kids because of who they are' Continued from page 11 came out when he was in Grade 10. Stacey eventually transferred to the Etobicoke School of Arts to finish high school. He made the move for two reasons: first, there were more courses that suited his interests; and two, he said he felt more welcome there. Stacey felt he had it easier than most gay students when he attended Nelson High School. "I lucked out. People respected my dad," he said of his father, Bob, a phys ed teacher at Nelson. "I think it could have been hell." Bob Stacey said older genera- tions seem more likely to react negatively to someone being gay. "Even though they accepted (Brock at school), this isn't a community where it's accepted," he said. "That sounds like a hypocritical statement, but the kids at school accepted him, but the community didn't because there were adults that would say, `You don't go near that kid. He's gay.'" Stacey's wife, Joanne, founded the Halton chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Where to find support There are resources available in Halton for gay and lesbian youth as well as their families and friends. · Halton Organization for Pride and Education, 905-632-4551, info@haltonpride.org, www.haltonpride.org · Social Networking and Pride committee, 905-632-4551, info@haltonpride.org, www.haltonpride.org · Halton Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), 905632-6664, haltonon@pflagcanada.ca KENMORE PRE-SEASON EVENT $ 400 off ®/MD All installed Kenmore 14 S.E.E.R.** central air conditioning & heat pumps **Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio Lesbians and Gays) in 2005. As she found out, families and friends are in need of support as well. After her son told the family he was gay, she said the family lost several friends - or acquaintances as she calls them, "because you really find out who your friends are." The family also received anonymous e-mails that said things like "How's your faggot?" "When a kid comes out, the dynamics of the family, your siblings, your parents, your grandparents, your neighbours -- it messes them up," she said. "People thought we should have kicked (Brock) out." "When a kid comes out, the dynamics of the family, your siblings, your parents, your grandparents, your neighbours -- it messes them up. people thought we should have kicked (Brock) out." Joanne Stacey, co-founder, Halton Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Also, $ All installed Kenmore high-efficiency, variable-speed furnaces 350off g Now featurin e exclusiv Sears 1p0-sYEAR art & labour warranty; re details in sto Look for the ENERGY STAR® logo on our products. It shows that the product meets ENERGY STAR specifications for energy efficiency And many parents do, only confirming the fears about coming out and adding to the feelings of isolation that many gay teenagers feel. For many, those feelings of isolation become so great that they turn to suicide. Marcus Logan, the executive director of the Halton Organization for Pride and Education (HOPE), said he knows of six youths who have taken their own lives. "We're losing some kids because of who they are," Bob Stacey said. "That's wrong." And not all are by their own hand. Last month, Larry King, an openly-gay 15-year-old student in Los Angeles, who had been subjected to persistent taunts, was shot in the head in front of other students by a 14-year-old classmate. Through sharing experiences, the Staceys hope to help other parents to be supportive. Amanda says her mom has been supportive but she regrets telling her father because it has become a source of tension between the two of them. Bob Stacey said many parents qualify their support -- they are fine with their child being gay, as long as nobody else knows. "Isn't that sad?" he said. "Your parents know who you really are -- and you're a person -- but they're not able to share in how proud they are of you as to who you really are." "When I see how well Brock has done," adds Joanne Stacey, "and then I see other kids who don't have that opportunity, it breaks my heart." When you use your Sears Card or Sears® MasterCard® on all installed home improvements, you can choose... 0 financing for 2 years or Collect Points* % Pay in 24 equal monthly installments, interest free. This transaction will post to your account following the completion of installation ("Posting Date"). The first installment will appear on your first account statement produced after the Posting Date and will be due on the date set out in that statement. Subsequent installments will be due on the dates set out in subsequent statements. On approved credit, only with your Sears Card or Sears® MasterCard®. Minimum $200 purchase. $70 installment billing fee and all applicable taxes and charges are payable at time of purchase. When billed, any unpaid portion of your Sears Card or Sears® MasterCard® account balance will attract credit charges, commencing on the billing date for such unpaid portion. Excludes Home Services. Ask for details. Payment options and plan details may be changed or discontinued at any time without notice. Ask about other payment options. Unless otherwise stated, optional financing programs do not qualify for Sears ClubTM Points or Colours® Points. *Purchases made on the Sears Card will receive Sears Club Points and purchases made on the Sears® MasterCard® will receive Colours® Points when finance option is not chosen. Sears Club Points do not apply to taxes, installation charges (where applicable) or protection agreement charges. Sears® is a registered Trademark of Sears, licensed for use in Canada. MasterCard® is a registered Trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. Colours® is a registered Trademark of Sears, licensed for use in Canada. NE032H108 © 2008. Sears Canada Inc. Humane society needs donors Show you care in 2008 as the Oakville and District Humane Society reaches out to the community by launching its new monthly giving program. This year's challenge is to recruit a team of 1,000 caring individuals who will demonstrate their compassion for animals by signing up. A gift of $10 a month will make a difference. Monthly supporters of the shelter will help provide a profound impact on the animals in the society's care. To join the 2008 Challenge and make monthly donations to the Oakville and District Humane Society, contact the humane society at 445 Cornwall Rd., or 905-845-1551. Offers end Fri., March 28, 2008 Sears will arrange installation by qualified contractors. Offers do not apply to previously signed contracts. 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