Ottawa boy's suicide affects gay teens
Jamie Hubley, 15, said he was the only openly gay student at his school
CBC News
Posted: Oct 19, 2011 2:43 PM ET
Last Updated: Oct 19, 2011 9:17 PM ET
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The suicide of 15-year-old Jamie Hubley has stretched far beyond the nation's capital, affecting other gay and lesbian teenagers across Canada.
Hubley wrote on his suicide note in an online blog he was the only openly gay student in his school before taking his own life Saturday. His father, Ottawa Coun. Allan Hubley, also told CBC News Tuesday Jamie was bullied constantly throughout elementary school and high school and suffered from depression.
The teen's death has struck a chord with 17-year-old Cameron Aiken from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., who is a public speaker on homophobia.
Aiken, who is also a gay youth, will hold a moment of silence Thursday at his northern Ontario high school to remember Jamie Hubley. He also said he has experienced the homophobic taunting.
"Someone in the crowd just chose to yell out "faggot" and call me a name just for no reason," Aiken remembered in a conversation with the CBC's Ashley Burke, "And that really did hurt."
Jamie Hubley, 15, committed suicide Saturday after battling depression and being bullied over the fact he was the only openly gay teenager at his west Ottawa high school. FacebookMore teens offer support to local group
Jer's Vision is an Ottawa group that works to address bullying and discrimination in schools. Its executive director said hundreds of teens have offered to help the organization since Hubley's death became public.
He said the ultimate goal is to eliminate bullying of gay students and preach acceptance and equality.
"What really allows homophobic bullying to happen is the silence around gay and bisexual issues," said Jeremy Dias, who created the group.
"If you grow up through school and don't learn or talk about gay or lesbian people, it's easy to make fun of the group."
Teens from around North America are also flooding the internet with tribute songs, videos and messages in response to the death.
Jamie Hubley's visitation takes place in Ottawa Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET.
The funeral is set for 1 p.m. ET Thursday. The family has released a statement requesting privacy during the service.
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