August 26th, 2014 did not start off well for Daniel Ashley Pierce, a student enrolled in Business Administration at Georgia Highlands College, waking up late and arriving to work 15 minutes late, and it only got worse. After a series of supportive text messages between the young man and his step mother, Susan Highfield Pierce, Daniel joined with family which included his father and grandmother for a discussion about his recent announcement of his homosexuality.
But the supposed support the young man believed awaited him turned out to be a ruse. Pierce was not only told he was being disowned by his family, he was physically assaulted and thrown out of his house.
"My step mother punched me in the face repeatedly with my grandmother cheering her along. I am still in complete shock and disbelief," the young man confessed via his Facebook page. "My step mother did a number on my face and lip but it's not worth me worrying about."
But all is not misfortunate for the young man who was able to escape the abuse along with his beloved dog Rico. Not only has he been put in contact with Lost-n-Found Youth, an Atlanta based non-profit organization serving LGBT homeless youth who have stepped up to assist Pierce, but the internet has joined in to provide additional assistance. Within hours of news of the horrific video spreading across the internet, a Go-Fund-Me campaign had been established to provide financial assistance to help Daniel with housing and any additional needs he might have as a result of his horrible situation. One that is, sadly, all too common. Between 25-40% of all homeless youth in North America identify as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgendered.
What is worth worrying about is what is in store for this young man who, like so many LGBTQ youth find themselves the victims of a hate crime not from a stranger, but from those who they trusted most; their family.
Currently, Daniel's Go-Fund-Me campaign has already reached nearly $20,000 USD and is continuing to gain as news of the young man's story spreads. "You're an amazing person and I am sorry that this happened to you. I wish you all the best in the future. You are never alone." says Opal Harrion, one of the many contributors who have already pledged their financial support. "Don't worry about those misguided people you grew up with my young friend... They're not your family. You're part of OUR family now," writes Adam Livermore along with his generous donation of $200, "and we accept you, we love you for being who you are, and we admire your courage in expressing who you are. You are beautiful, and you are not alone."
If you would like to contribute to Daniel's Go-Fund-Me campaign go to http://www.gofundme.com/dnoqgg
Additionally, please support the following organization who work tirelessly to provide assistance to the thousands of youth who every day find themselves in Daniel's predicament, with no home, no money, and no family willing to take them in. There are thousands of LGBTQ youth whose stories are all too similar to Daniel Pierce's, and we must help them all to realise they aren't alone and that their new family, our community, is here for them and waiting to accept, celebrate and love them. Because that's what a real family would do.
In Edmonton, Youth Empowerment & Support Services http://www.yess.org/
