"Glee" Plans Episode Addressing the Recent Gay Teen Suicides

[JamesG]

"Glee" Plans Episode Responding to Gay Teen’s Suicide
Oct 5, 2010
by Robyn Ross


"Glee" will respond to the suicide of gay college student Tyler Clementi with an episode focused on the day-to-day fear and isolation many gay teens face, E! Online reports.



Clementi, an 18-year-old Rutgers University student, jumped off the George Washington Bridge in New Jersey three days after he was secretly filmed in a sexual encounter with another man, which was then broadcast online.

His death followed three other recent suicides by teens who had reportedly suffered anti-gay bullying and abuse: California's Seth Walsh and Texas' Asher Brown, both 13, and Indiana's Billy Lucas, 15.





Members of the "Glee" cast said they had just learned of show creator Ryan Murphy's plans for an episode focused on gay teens.


Jessalyn Gilsig, who plays Terri Schuester, told E! that "Glee" is unique in that its audience includes both kids and adults.

"It's important to send this message to the kids about bullying and the effect it can have, and we have to send it to the parents. We have to send it to the teachers. ... Parents and the administration need to take responsibility."

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Glee-Gay...e-1024000.aspx