Singer Jess Origliasso has issued an impassioned plea for Australians to embrace the Safe Schools program after attending a rally in memory of Tyrone Unsworth, the Brisbane teenager who committed suicide last week following relentless bullying about his sexuality.
Origliasso, one half of the Veronicas and the girlfriend of actress Ruby Rose, returned to her home town for the rally, and was left visibly moved by the experience. The emotional event prompted her to post a statement on social media urging Australians to embrace diversity and the Safe Schools program, established to support and protect LGBTQIA youths.
“Kids, like Tyrone are bullied and and made to feel like outcasts for their sexual or gender diversity and interests… Bullied to a point that he felt his only option was to leave this life,” the 31 year old wrote on Instagram.
“My heart breaks to know my best friends growing up were exactly like Tyrone, but that I couldn’t help him.”
She describes meeting Unsworth’s grandmother, who can be seen embracing Origliasso in the image she posted.
“Please Australia, it’s time to do more. Tyrone should still be here with us today.
“If only we had schools and legal rights that show all LGBTIQA+ youths, and bullies that the LGBTQIA+ community, and their diversity is as normal as a diverse choice in music.”
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