Robert Perrin-Hayes
North Tama High School

"I came out my sophomore year in high school. At first the harassment was not a problem. Then out of no where students were calling me names and threatening my life. They would call me names like faggot, fag, queer, and flamer.

At the beginning of this school year I was afraid to go to my own school. I hoped that with the new school year things would be different than before. At first they were not different; in fact the harassment grew to a whole new level. My life was threatened by a bully. He said that he would trash my car and pound my face in. Due to the bullying my grades suffered.

I finally contacted the Iowa Pride Network to see if there was a local Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) I could go to for support. I was directed to nearby Marshalltown High School which has an alliance. I went to the meeting and felt so safe. Being there was a little weird at first because I did not know anybody there, but I soon felt like I was at home. They deal with the same stuff that I have to deal with. Like people saying 'that's so gay.'

Thanks to the Iowa Pride Network I was able to network with other students. My grades have gotten better and I am now so inspired I am planning to start a GSA at my high school."