Anti-Gay Bullying

On Thursday, I delivered more than 145,000 CREDO Action signatures — including yours — to Rep. Michele Bachmann's Minnesota office, calling on the congresswoman to denounce anti-gay bullying.

And together, we are already making change! Several newspapers and television stations covered our story, putting additional pressure on Rep. Bachmann to respond. Then we found out that Michele Bachmann's press secretary told reporters that the congresswoman would review the petition signatures and issue a formal response.

Here's what happened. After delivering the petitions, I met with Michele Bachmann's district director and told her Justin's story. I told her about my son, a kind and talented 15-year-old, who faced malicious bullying on a daily basis. And I told her about that horrible day, a day I'll never forget, when I discovered that my son had taken his own life.

It wasn't until after Justin's death that I first heard about the torment he endured each day at school. And because Anoka-Hennepin School District enforces a dangerous "neutrality policy," Justin's teachers were barred from adequately addressing the fact that he was being bullied because he was gay.

This is simply unacceptable. No student, gay or straight, should feel threatened or unsafe in school, or hopeless enough to take their own life.

That's why I felt compelled to answer CREDO's call to action, and ask Rep. Bachmann to denounce the anti-gay bullying that's devastating her district. In fact, as a congresswoman, former Anoka-Hennepin student and a mother, it seems as though this is the very least that Michele Bachmann could do. By remaining silent, she's condoning this violence.

I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I was a bit nervous walking into that meeting on Thursday. But having the support of more than 145,000 people — activists like you — made all the difference.

You can check out some of the news coverage here:

KSTP: VIDEO: Mother of Anoka-Hennepin Bully Victim Delivers Petition to Bachmann
Minneapolis Star-Tribune: Bachmann is urged to condemn bullying
The Advocate: Anti-LGBT Bullying Advocates Meet With Bachmann's Staff

Together, we are making real progress! And your petition signatures helped make it happen.

Can you help share the good news right now? Click here to share this message with your friends and family.

Thank you for standing with me and helping me share Justin's story. I really appreciate it.

Tammy Aaberg
Mother and anti-bullying advocate