If there is anyone out there who doubts that anything is possible; who still wonders if dreams can come true; who still questions if their efforts will make a difference, I have an answer for you.
It’s the answer told by pages of comments and emails in numbers I could have never imagined; by people who you’ve never met showing their support, because they believe that this is a time where a difference can be made; that their voice can be part of that difference.
It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, black, white, African, American, Asian, gay, straight, transgendered, disabled and not - people who are prepared to tell the world that we are not a society that accepts bullying: we are, and should always be, a society united by tolerance.
It’s the answer that led those who have been told repetitively to be cynical, and doubtful, and fearful of what can be achieved to open their mouth and speak up for equality.
It’s been a long journey, but right now, because of this award nomination, this moment of recognition, this chance to excel further, we have an opportunity to bring about change for LGBTQ+ students.
I want to say that whatever happens with this award, I have been humbled by the experience, and by my first year of running GRIN. You have all welcomed my team and I. You have all shared your stories and struggles, you have spoken of dreams, and allowed me the freedom to try and eliminate discrimination.
You have reinforced my dreams, you have inspired me again and again. You have motivated me. At times when it has felt like a bit of a struggle your support has helped me through. You fill me with hope for our future and you have reminded me what it is that makes us all so special and unique. In the places GRIN has gone and the people that we have met, we have been struck by the incredible generosity and decency of children and adults who campaign without complaint, to make our future a better place.
I come away from meeting these people with in incredible sense that if we had a platform from which to unite the people like you, the people as compassionate as GRIN’s supporters, that there would be no hurdle that we could not jump over. There is not a future that we could not create.
After decades of bullying and torment, years of unnoticed efforts, twelve months of GRIN’s campaign, we are just a few days away form having a platform from which we can bring about change. Positive change.
Until the 7th you can vote to earn mentoring that would enable GRIN to expand. To turn the page on the stories of bullying and inequality. Until the 7th you can choose to give me the mentoring that would so greatly help GRIN in developing into a fully fledged multi-national charity. To create new outlets, develop new ideas, and expand on what we have done thus far, allowing everyone to live in a society where they feel respected. Not just the “popular” footballer, but the scientist and the musician; not just the cheerleader, but the students who work day in-day out to achieve a better life for themselves. Until the 7th you can help to put an end to the discrimination that divides our societies and makes many feel isolated; that causes students to feel inferior, and that costs lives.
From now until the 7th, during this great opportunity, you have a vote that can help bring about the change that our society so desperately need. It starts now. This is when change commences.
Founding GRIN, I have been privileged in witnessing the best of humanity, in the stories, in the support, and in the smiles of children and adults who I have met from across the globe, all excited by the opportunity to bring about change. They want it for their generation. They want it for the future. Hate may have a loud voice, but the people that I’ve met have sung so beautifully, so loudly, that at times they are all I hear.
That’s how GRIN has succeeded. It shows what one voice can do. And that voice when joined by it’s supporters - by people like - becomes infinitely louder. It can change a student, it can change a school. It can change a society, it can change the world. It can change lives.
Your voice can change lives. Between now and the 7th, if you are willing to click here, if you are willing to tell that one other person to do the same. If you are willing to stand with me, if you are willing to fight with me, I know your voice will be heard.
Let’s go change the world:
Thank you.
