Gay California teen Eric James Borges commits suicide, weeks after posting an It Gets Better video
This is Eric James Borges. He posted this It Gets Better video last month. Yesterday, he committed suicide. Eric, 19, was an intern with the Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization for LGBT youth.
Jim Reeves, Vice President of Queer Landia, had met Eric personally. He reports about his suicide:
Word began spreading late Wednesday among shocked and saddened friends and acquaintances. Not accepted by his birth family, EricJames was striking out on his own, trying to deal with his personal situation, but also wanting to help others. Sadly, even involvement with the Trevor Project was not enough to help him navigate the turbulent waters of young adulthood.
This is terrible. Why is it so hard to be nice to people?
Words cannot express how heart wrenching this is. Why is it that people can’t accept others for who they are? You don’t have to love them, but at least show them the respect they deserve, that every good person out there deserves. This world breaks my heart.
RIP Eric, you beautiful person.
This is … Wow. I’m not a fan of this kind of things. I used to even make fun of these video viral campaigns because they were something that did not help ME personally. It all changed when I realized how much it helps other people. These are the moments when you have to sit down and treasure what you’ve been given, and take a second look at what you are giving. Whoever reads this out there, just know you can knock on my door for a quick chat whenever you want. I’m always there to talk.
Lots of Love,
MAC
