Victor Cruz, the New York Giants wide
receiver, lends his support in helping a gay teen move past the hurtful
homophobia and bullying he experienced in high school, in a new public service
video from the USA Network.
The video is a part of the network’s
Characters Unite series, a public service program dedicated to addressing
cultural divides and social injustices.
In the latest inspirational
installment, Cruz talks with Joey Kemmerling, a gay 19-year-old who suffered
years of torment, especially in the locker room, after he came out in middle
school. As Kemmerling recounts his most upsetting memories, Cruz shares his
experiences of being bullied in his youth because he is half Puerto Rican and
half African-American before taking Kemmerling on a tour of the Giants locker
room to help the young man leave his painful past behind.
Though Kemmerling revealed he once
contemplated suicide due to the severe the harassment he experienced, he has
since become a strong voice in the battle against bullying by launching a
youth-led antibullying organization, speaking about his experiences to groups
of students, educators, and members of Congress, and becoming active with the
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network.
Kemmerling’s talk and locker room
tour with Cruz help give the young man closure on a dark chapter of his life
and look to a better future.
Applauding.
ReplyDeletesidenote: Cruz is so damn sexy.