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Submitted: May 29, 2003
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Memorial for JJby ~misteriddles

Photography / Photojournalism / Other

Memorial for JJ

I didn't know JJ despite our many mutual friends, but I'm told he was bright, entertainingly funny and that he loved music. He was 'out' about his sexuality and his family accepted him.

I'm told he had issues over religious homophobia. One mutual friend said he "fell in with the wrong crowd" and became a little too enthusiastic about Ecstasy. Still, no-one really knows why JJ threw himself off the Story Bridge seven weeks ago, shortly after his 27th birthday.

His mother and sister (top right) joined with about 15 of JJ's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender friends for a memorial service under the bridge on May 24. Rev Tim Collier (left) of the Metropolitan Community Church led the service with an incense burning ceremony from Greek Orthodox tradition. Friends and family then told stories about JJ's life before all present vowed to fight homophobia and gay youth suicide. The ceremony ended with the release of yellow balloons into the sky above the bridge.

~whitelotus Aug 31, 2003

... touching...

you seem a nice person to me, you're not indifferent...

`fangedfem Jun 4, 2003

I wont go into how I believe it takes more than just a drug to make someone want to kill themself-- accidents maybe but I have been in that space and I speak from the heart when I say this is a beautiful sentiment for your departed friend~ this hits close to home for me. Wonderful creation hon Hug

~idiotsavant Jun 2, 2003

thats the sht X will do to you. My friend has tried to end himself a couple times because of it.

Very sad to hear. My condolences to his family and friends.

~belinus Jun 1, 2003

It took me a while to digest this one. A million thoughts fly through my head as I think about this, but like eilidh I am at a loss for words.

One particular memory coming back is from one of my high school english classes where we watched "The Big Chill" which begins at a funeral where friends have met to say goodb ye to one of their own who has ended their life. The priest presiding over it makes a comment that has always kind of stuck with me. I cannot remember it word for word but it goes something like this: There must be something terribly wrong in this world when a young man chooses to end his life.

Thank you for sharing this with us.

~thestoneheart Jun 1, 2003

silence, respect...

and i believe a reminder for us all, that we have responsibilities for others.

and not just ourselves.

reflecting back on doug's words, and one finds a strength, maybe even a hope in sadness, once again.

i'm glad you shared this. in word and in image.

~vaoi Jun 1, 2003 Traditional Artist

What a tragic waste. A very touching tribute, and I hope you and your friends are successful in the good fight. :) (Smile)

`bookdiva May 31, 2003

A very poignant tribute to him, Iain. Lovely images, all of them, and I'm sure he is filled with warmth at the caring you've displayed here...lovely work.