Jacob Rogers, Tennessee Teen, Commits Suicide After Years Of Anti-Gay Bullying (VIDEO)

A Tennessee teen has taken his own life after being subjected to anti-gay bullying which, friends say, officials at his high school did little to prevent.

As Nashville NBC affiliate WSMV is reporting, Jacob Rogers had been bullied at Cheatham County Central High School for the past four years, but at the start of his senior year, it had become so bad he dropped out of school. "He started coming home his senior year saying 'I don't want to go back. Everyone is so mean. They call me a faggot, they call me gay, a queer,'" friend Kaelynn Mooningham is quoted by MSNBC as saying.

Though Kaelynn says her friend repeatedly sought help from the school's guidance office, Cheatham County Schools Director Dr. Tim Webb said officials were only made aware of one incident. After the principal intervened, Jacob said things were getting better, Webb said. He also acknowledged a series of staff changes at the school could've had an impact in how the situation was addressed: "We have a new principal, a new assistant principal and at least one new guidance counselor out there...so it could've been they didn't have the knowledge of the history of what was going on."

Kaelynn disagrees: "It was different and it was worse, and they ignored him." She also noted Jacob's family may not have enough money for a funeral.

UPDATE: A number of gay blogs -- Towleroad, Dan Savage's Slog and Joe.My.God -- have created a donation fund to help pay for Jacob's funeral.

Look at other recent cases of anti-gay bullying below:

Comments

[Robby Miller]

02:12 AM on 01/01/2012

I look through the comments and I see a lot of hate aimed at the people that "bullied him", or "have caused this country to become hateful". Many blame Christians, Republicans, or even the LGBT community itself. I have to say that I don't think that counter-hate and counter-violence is necessary, or even rational. An ideology cannot be killed, no matter how many representatives of it you destroy. Change the general ideology through education, and the hate will become understanding. Hiding does nothing either. You have to fight for what you believe in, but you don't always have to fight those who don't believe what you believe. Simply guide them to better understanding, and hate will ebb away, and tragedies such as the above will dissipate. Thank you, and Happy New Years.

[K albekken]

02:50 AM on 12/16/2011

I had to work on how NOT to react on impulse, I use to think that people could push me into comitting horrific crimes, I didn't call it bullying, depression is very tricky, you have to learn to cope, never react on impulse, I was angry for years after doctors revived me, its a very sad world, sometimes any small thing can trigger memories, you almost have to have a clock heart in order to survive, suicide isn't the answer but these teens never took the time to learn that, sometimes you have to learn it on your own, world is cruel, you have to feel and see the pain on your loved ones faces, I was shocked.

[moral without religion]

04:55 PM on 12/15/2011

I am so very proud that I have no religious beliefs that tell me how to judge people.
My dislike, to put it mildy, for people that do has been justified over and over again.
Onward Christian Soldiers and if your God is as good and wonderful as you say and if Jesus was about love then your in for a big surprise don't ya think?

[samthor]

11:44 AM on 12/14/2011

Randall Jacob Rodgers 18 yrs, Justin Aaberg 15yrs, Billy Lucas 15, Nick Kelo 13, Jamie Hubley 15, Samantha Johnson 13, Asher brown 13, Seth Walsh 13, Tyler Clementi 18, Raymond Chase 19, Jamey Rodemeyer 14, Corey Jackson 19, Jehemm Herrera 11, Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover 11, Haylee Fentress 14, Paige Moravetz 14, Jordan Yenor 14, Lance Lundsten 14, Thomas TJ Hayes 16, Aaron Jurek 15, ….
All those who preach against the "sin" of homosexuality. All those contributing to anti- gay causes. All those who make gay jokes, and call stupid things "gay"; this is the fruit of your labors.

[stupified63]

01:04 PM on 12/29/2011

wow...thanks

[Sheree Dosovitz Harhay]

10:02 AM on 12/14/2011

I am very impressed with all the compassionate comments noted below this tragic article. I believe that 'Kinnycut' stated that "This is not only a human tragedy, but a national sin that the ignorance of many is fueling." Truer words were never spoken. Of course, this is a horrible tragedy for a young man who no longer had the will to live due to the hateful words and actions of others, nor the support or sense of safety in the school in his own community, but should also serve as a stark reminder that this problem has reached national proportions and as KinnyCut stated, has become a national sin. Detention and/or suspension does not deter offenders and as many have said, is a slap on the wrist. Frankly, I believe that this type of hateful, heinous bullying should be charged as a misdemeanor. You simply can't teach people to be loving and open to other's lifestyle. They learn from their parents and then pass it on to their own children. Hate is learned and if you can't change the behavior of those who bully, then punish these people appropriately.

[Michael Kittredge]

05:04 PM on 12/13/2011

Eventually, the methods of bullying, verbal abuse and physical intimidation and violence, wear a person down mentally. There's an innate desire within most human beings, like it's built in, wanting to be liked by others, and caring way too much what they think of us, and basing our own self image off of what others tell us it is, even if we know it's wrong, hearing it enough times, it can become the voice in our heads that torments us the rest of our lives, long after the bully is gone. As kids, our parents are often blissfully unaware of the daily torment we go through, being treated like ****. There's no training on how to be mentally tough, and maybe there should be. There's no severe punishment for bullies, they get detention? OH NOES! Not another slap on the wrist in between victims!

[twinkie1cat]

02:09 AM on 12/13/2011

I think Tennessee was the state where they tried to pass a law that said nothing could be mentioned about homosexuality at their schools. It was a reaction to the law passed in California that the contributions of the glbt community to history had to be recognized in history classes just like African-American history is. I never heard any more about that one.

[merrymico]

05:57 AM on 12/11/2011

poor kid.

[forestlady]

09:12 AM on 12/11/2011

Many teens are bullied for being gay even though they aren't. They may have something effeminate about them and their peers think they are gay. You don't have to tell anyone you are gay in order to be thought you are. And, some tell their best friend, who then betrays them and tells everyone else. For some, it's hard to hide their sexual orientation. Here in Tennessee where I live, anyone who is different, is suspicious.

[mad tn dem]

10:03 AM on 12/11/2011

were you a fan of "don't ask don't tell" ? NO ONE should have to be secretive about who they are. That's where the ability to feel you can just be you, and that you're life is a "sin".That you can be respected, loved and accepted, and just be you.

[John Hazelton Smith]

12:48 AM on 12/13/2011

i was a BIG fan of DADT. Still am.

[EtownTom]

03:51 PM on 12/10/2011

They met their goal of $5,000 dollars for the funeral. Just wish I had seen it soon enough to help also. Maybe they should have left the "donate button" up longer for any residual expenses. I am sure the family could use it as well. That they met their goal put a little glimmer of hope in my heart that there are some decent human beings in this world.

[mad tn dem]

09:57 AM on 12/11/2011

I enjoy reading a post from someone with a compassionate hear...you are. F&F'd.

[mad tn dem]

02:48 PM on 12/10/2011

I'm ashamed of my state, and for many reasons.But equally abhorrent to me are comments like the one from Eric B Hutchison "This is such a tragic article. A teenager took his own life, I assume be cause he saw no other way out. The fact that he was gay, is irrelevant­. He could be straight, white, red, blue, or polka dot. Being bullied at school, he sought help that he never got. It only got worse , according to his friend. I may not agree with the lifestyle, but the outcome is still sad. I've heard this before. "Suicide is a permanent solution, to a temporary problem...­" Being gay is irrelevant???? When you're bullied because you dress different, because you're "not pretty" or even fat, that's horrible and leaves lasting damage..but when your life becomes a living hell, when you're made to feel as if your very existence is a crime, AND THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT BEING YOU, then those people should spend time in prison. His next remark about not agreeing with the "lifestyle" is the type of comment that makes me get frothing at the mouth, feeling like jackslapping someone. #1, it's not a choice, #2 how the heck is it anyone's business, or that they even have the right to HAVE the option to approve or disapprove?? Maybe those responsible can get a group discount rate thru the gates of the hell they love to talk about so much.

[Bob Kellerman]

09:44 PM on 12/10/2011

Moreover, the fat kids, the Black kids, the short kids, etc who are bullied have parents who are typically more experienced on the issue than the Gay kids
--- many Gay kids cant go home and say they were bullied as Gay, or they will get beaten, ostracized, or even thrown out the door, The luckiest have parents who are completely supportive, but this is a small minority in most towns

Picking on unhappy Gay kids is so easy for bullies

[Michael Kittredge]

02:50 AM on 12/11/2011

It's a shame that bullies are allowed to keep on being bullies throughout their lives, that there isn't any person or system to really stop them.

[mad tn dem]

08:17 AM on 12/11/2011

Yes! I had to edit my comment, it was too long but I said some of that too. This broke my heart.

[forestlady]

09:16 AM on 12/11/2011

I hear you, I live in Tennessee, too. Problem is, it isn't a "temporary" problem; if this kid had lived and stayed in Tennessee, he would have always been ostracized and perhaps even killed. Gays just aren't tolerated here at all in any way. I lived all my life elsewhere and retired here to Tennessee. I love it here, but there are some attitudes here that are really ignorant.

[jdypat]

08:20 PM on 12/13/2011

The Ch of Christ rules this state.. they are convinced that being Gay is a choice and will not give an inch on it. Ive talked and shown some of them literature and its a brick wall. All i hear is "read your bible". hopeless.

[joeaverager]

11:57 AM on 12/15/2011

I'm here in TN too. Just depends on which social circles you travel in. We have gay friends that have been successful and happy. They aren't open about their sexuality except in private circles though.

[Eric B Hutchison]

05:16 AM on 12/10/2011

This is such a tragic article. A teenager took his own life, I assume be cause he saw no other way out. The fact that he was gay, is irrelevant. He could be straight, white, red, blue, or polka dot. Being bullied at school, he sought help that he never got. It only got worse , according to his friend. I may not agree with the lifestyle, but the outcome is still sad. I've heard this before. "Suicide is a permanent solution, to a temporary problem..."

[kinnycut]

07:16 AM on 12/10/2011

If you worked around kids, you would know that they do not see these problems as temporary. Instead they see the light at the end of proverbial tunnel as being to far off or to far out of reach when all they want is the hurt inside them to stop. It is not the pain of the words, or the abuse on the outside that is hard for them to endure; it is the mental torment and turmoil that goes on inside that is the most hurtful and devastating. You couple the feeling that no one can accept you for who you are with the feeling that no one cares about what you are going through, and you have created the perfect emotional storm. Once you reach the point of absolute utter hopelessness, and helplessness even what was once unthinkable becomes a reasonable option. This is not only a human tragedy, but a national sin that the ignorance of many is fueling.

[mad tn dem]

09:52 AM on 12/11/2011

Well said..I can't speak for the other southern states, but in tenn, if you're different in any way, if you're not what they deem "christian" if you're a liberal, you're ostracized, not "worthy"" of help, and God forbid, love in a way that doesn't comport with their beliefs, then you'd be better leaving the state (I did for 25 yrs). Unfortunately, gay teens don't have that option..when a young person feels that the only way to find peace is death, that's a failing mark on this country, that he had no protection, no comfort offered, no understanding from someone that he was fine just the way he was, is just the latest in a far too long list of persecution of those that are "different." The Bible thumpers better get a better understanding of what they think Jesus would have done, and then pray for forgiveness. I, on the other hand, am not sure how long it will take for me to forgive them.

[mchcallow]

02:43 AM on 12/11/2011

It may seem like a permanent solution to a temporary problem to you, but to a teen or pre teen who is bullied every day, they need only watch the presidential debates to see that the children in their classes are merely reapeating sound bites from the adults around them.

[Deos]

04:14 AM on 12/10/2011

Is depressing to see how our country is going down the drain. Not only do we have one of the worst school teaching system in the world, but also we have to lookout for teachers, coaches and preachers who are sexually abusing the kids. And on top of that, the violence the takes place day to day in between the students in the name of hazing for acceptance, discriminating for race, sexual preference and religious prejudice. Is coming to a point that to safeguard the kids the are better off staying at home. Good job school principals....WHAT A SHAME!!!!!!!!

[Michael Kittredge]

02:54 AM on 12/11/2011

Teachers and principals ect need to create an atmosphere of zero tolerance for bullying. When they don't respond adequately, or at all, it becomes a free for all of verbal and physical abuse. How can anyone focus on learning when they're being tormented regularly.

[Robby Miller]

02:05 AM on 01/01/2012

It's no better in the real world than at school. Sheltering them does no good.

[garc9glb]

02:30 AM on 12/10/2011

As a young 21 year old, who was sexually molested as a young boy and is dealing with homosexual thoughts and feelings because of that experience, I would say that homosexuality is a choice in the sense that maybe I did not choose to go through what I did, but I have a choice to live in sin as a homosexual or turn to God and our lord and savior Jesus Christ to heal and repent of my sins, I choose the latter because no matter how right it feels, I know homosexuality is wrong in God's eyes and is lie by the devil to decieve us, it is no wonder that the world is starting to become more accepting of homosexuality because is the lie that has been perpetuated by satan, and if people speak out against it as being wrong they are labeled as bigots and homophobics, but as a person struggling with homosexuality I see the devils trap for what it is, so I would suggest to my fellow brothers and sisters who are dealing with this issue, to turn to Jesus and let him lead and heal you because he has great plans for all of us if we only believe and have faith. God Bless to everyone :)

[Bob Kellerman]

05:24 AM on 12/10/2011

JESUS WOULD TELL YOU TO BE YOURSELF
AND NOT TRY TO PLEASE THOSE WHO PRETEND THEY SPEAK FOR HIM

[kinnycut]

06:34 AM on 12/10/2011

True! This is a wonderful reply. Jesus was on intimate terms with the beast of persecution. He would seen these kinds of things as epic human tragedies.

[skittle]

05:54 PM on 12/10/2011

I don't think Jesus would use all caps, however.

[Chris Rubel]

05:50 PM on 12/10/2011

I find it incredibly unfortunate to see a gay individual espouse a conservative view of Christianity - frankly, it's akin to a black person trying to join the KKK. Your words convey a feeling of self-hatred, and I implore you to either adopt a more liberal version of Christianity, or to drop the dogma altogether. You can fully embrace your sexuality, and you won't have a crippling guilt complex!

[jorczak9]

12:00 AM on 12/10/2011

God bless him always. May he find peace forever with all the angels in heaven.