A perfect example of how much hate and intolerance still exists today. This family gave a young man two options: attend a pray the gay away intervention, or face being disowned by the very people who are supposed to love him unconditionally. <br /> <br />Disclaimer: This is a 19 year old friend of mine who is currently staying with very supportive friends. He is safe and removed from the situation. I am posting this on his behalf per his request. I was not witness to the events that transpired, but was present immediately after to help him relocate. <br /> <br /> <br />A MESSAGE FROM DANIEL... <br /> <br />Thank you to everyone from around America and all over the world for your support in the past several days. This has been a rough time for me and I never imagined that so many people would show such overwhelming compassion and generosity. <br /> <br />It’s important for all of you to know that right now, what I need most is time to think and work through the next steps in my life. I have been working closely with Atlanta-based Lost-n-Found Youth to help figure out what’s next for me. Right now, I’m safe and definitely feel your love all around me. Thank you! <br /> <br />I’ve asked my friends to discontinue donations to the GoFundMe page, but if you would still like to give money and help the LGBTQ youth homeless crisis, please visit the Lost-n-Found Youth website at www.Lost-n-Found.org for more information on how you can make a difference for the many other kids in the world like me. <br /> <br />If you are a member of the news media, please email communications@lost-n-found.org. Their team has been generous with their time in helping me sort through the many requests I’m getting to share this story. <br /> <br />For now, I ask for your understanding that I really need some quiet time to take it all in and plan my future. Thank you so much for your love and support. It means the world to me. <br /> <br />====================================================== <br />Over $90,000 raised for gay teen after video of him 'disowned' by family goes viral. He said his family staged what he described as a "pray the gay away" intervention after he first revealed his sexuality to his stepmother in October.
