15 Dec Parents of gay US suicide teenager launch charitable foundation in his name
The parents of a gay teenager who killed himself last year have launched an anti-bullying foundation in his honour.
Tyler Clementi, 18, a student atRutgersUniversityinNew Jersey, jumped from theGeorgeWashingtonBridgelast September.
He had allegedly discovered that his room-mate Dharun Ravi, 19, had secretly recorded and broadcast a sexual act between him and another man.
Raviis currently standing trial for invasion of privacy and bias intimidation among other charges.
Joseph Clementi,Tyler’s father and president of the Foundation, said: “The nationwide outpouring of compassion followingTyler’s death has been truly humbling and comforting for our family.
“During that time we have become increasingly aware of the difficulties young people face due to their sexual orientation, especially in this digital age.
The foundation says it will work to support initiatives to discourage bullying, promote acceptance of LGBT teens, reduce the incidence of suicide in young people, and promote “civility and responsibility” in electronic communications.