Jamey Rodemeyer, the 14-year-old junior
high school student who committed suicide after being bullied for
coming out gay, will be laid to rest on Saturday.
According to an AP report, funeral
services will be held Saturday in suburban Buffalo.
In May, Rodemeyer posted a
heartbreaking YouTube video for the It Gets Project, which reaches
out to struggling gay teens considering suicide. “Lady Gaga, she
makes me so happy, and she lets me know that I was born this way.
And that's my advice to you from her. People are born this way. All
you have to do is hold your head up and you'll go far,” he said in
the clip. “Just love yourself and you're set … It gets better.”
The video was a relief for his parents
who saw it as a sign that their son's struggle might be coming to an
end.
But on Sunday, Rodemeyer, who had just
started his freshman year at Williamsville North High School outside
Buffalo, was found dead outside his home. (Police have not released
details of how he killed himself.)
The incident has renewed calls for
anti-bullying legislation. On Wednesday, singer Lady
Gaga vowed to push for a federal law to honor Rodemeyer's memory.
Meanwhile, police are considering
whether to bring criminal
charges against students who harassed Rodemeyer. Officials said
the actions of three students in particular are being investigated.
The students could be charged with aggravated harassment.