Statement By The Mother Of Tyler Clementi Reflecting On The Life And Death Of Leelah Alcorn

Please attribute the following statement to Jane Clementi, mother of Tyler Clementi, the gay student who took his life in 2010:

“We as a culture must teach the lesson each day that all life has value and has purpose – especially the lives of all young people, regardless of who they are,” she said. “That’s an irrevocable value. The only way to make a difference in this world – to truly change hearts and minds – is through celebrating and accepting every life.”

Jane Clementi added, “Nobody knows better than my family that ending life cannot create change. After Tyler took his life, our mission has been to ensure that no family endures the pain that Tyler and Leelah both endured and that we are sure that the Alcorns are experiencing. It’s only by building a world where every life is sacred that we move forward.”

“As one who has been subjected to harmful and discredited reparative therapy, as Leelah Alcorn was – I’m here to tell you there is nothing more painful than losing hope and self-esteem to the point of despair,” said Tyler Clementi Foundation board member Peter Drake. “As a survivor who is now a parent, I know that our youth need affirmation from their support communities. Our role is to learn to celebrate their unique gifts and personas; we must provide this love, and also protect them from harmful teaching.”