Hilary Clinton delivers a message for victims of bullying in new "It Gets Better" video
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton joined the the growing high-profile personalities offering support to teenagers who are suffering from bullying in the wake of a growing number of suicides linked with bullying in and outside school.
In a video uploaded on YouTube, Hilary Clinton expressed her sadness over recent suicides among the youth which were headlined in many news agencies. Clinton said she was saddened over the deaths of young people bullied because of their sexual orientation.
In the video, Clinton said: "These most recent deaths are a reminder that all Americans have to work harder to overcome bigotry and hatred."
"I have a message for all the young people out there who are being bullied, or who feel alone and find it hard to imagine a better future: First of all, hang in there and ask for help."
"Your life is so important - to your family, your friends, and to your country. And there is so much waiting for you, both personally and professionally - there are so many opportunities for you to develop your talents and make your contributions."
The U.S. Secretary of State expressed her gratitude for the contribution of employees at the State Department, who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.
"It wasn't long ago that these men and women would not have been able to serve openly, but today they can - because it has gotten better."
"And it will get better for you."
Hilary Clinton joins a growing roster of Hollywood celebrities who spoke out against bullying, following a rise in reported suicide among young people strongly linked to peer bullying. (Watch the video below)
The latest victim being Rutgers student Tyler Clementi whose death highlighted the extent of bullying at school. Clementi killed himself by jumping off the George Washington Bridge over Hudson after two Rutgers students recorded and broadcast Clementi's sexual activities.
Earlier this month, Project Runway Tim Gunn confessed that he himself had attempted suicide in his teens in a public service announcement (PSA) "It Gets Better Project." Other celebrities who joined the campaign against peer bullying are Anne Hathaway, Neil Patrick Harris, Jenny McCarthy, Michael Chiklis, Julie Bowen, Ian Somerhalder, and Kristin Cavallari.
The video featuring Hilary Clinton and other high profile celebrities are associated with the Trevor Project, a suicide awareness group mainly directed at the gay community.
The Trevor Project can be reached at 1-866-488-7386. Watch Hilary Clinton deliver a message against peer bullying in the video below: