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Robin's Story On January 24th of 1995 on an incoming tide and facing San Francisco our son Robin was seen leaping from the Golden Gate Bridge. I believe for a brief moment he flew with outstretched arms, black coat streaming behind, and that his desire was to land in a place of enlightenment. For him the struggle ended. Robin was 15 going on 16 years old. He was sweet, absurdly funny, bright, well read, loved to cook, an accomplished drama student and was often quiet for long spells at home. We learned 5 days after his death from his best friend that he was gay. Robin had come out to a few friends in November. The news of his homosexuality was not surprising to us for we'd seen signs. Unlike his best friend, however, we made no connection between his being gay and his suicide. We were so confused at the time and knew nothing of internalized homophobia nor of the extent of the harassment he had endured. Ours was a loving home and we had a great and naive faith that our love and acceptance at home offered the necessary protection to lead Robin to adulthood safely. We understand now that the anti-gay name calling since grade school on the playground, on the school bus and in the classroom, which only escalated in junior high and then more so in high school, dealt him a fatal psychic blow as he began to come out. Robin's death has made clear to us the difficulty of growing up gay in our lovely town of Petaluma. As Robin's parents, we are dedicated to improving conditions for gay and lesbian youth in the memory of our son. Stephanie and Tim Reed Originally published on the Kaiser Permanente Lesbian and Bay Employees web site in February 1995
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