You are uniquely valuable to the world. Your purpose may not yet be known to you yourself but you have an important job to do in bringing light to the world. Just keep being you.
I’m hoping that you’ll share your inspiring and positive energy with the world through my Give ‘em Hope Campaign; an inspirational online video initiative to inspire and uplift those who feel marginalised or isolated. We exist to bring hope to those who need it most.
The purpose of the campaign is to encourage the benefits of living authentically. We should not be limited by labels that are imposed by others, if these labels are negative and wrong; especially when it comes to stereotyping and when the result may be lowered self-esteem and a possible impact upon an individuals ability to fulfil their personal potential.
Make us a video or write about this. Your story or your video can have such an impact and would be a welcomed addition to this campaign. Here is a link to the fb group for more info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiveEmHope/
I’m planning a day of filming for the Give ‘em Hope Campaign in London. Will you join me? Share your story or leave a message of hope for our youth, saying how labels that limit are stopping them from achieving their potential….shake of the limits and fly. I know so many inspiring Londoners and London-based people; you know who you are…message me and let’s do this! PLEASE SHARE THIS POST.
WHAT IS THE GIVE ‘EM HOPE CAMPAIGN?
Stage One – The Give ‘em Hope Campaign is an inclusive and inspirational celebration of diversity; an online video initiative to encourage and uplift those who feel marginalised, isolated or limited by labels. We exist to bring hope to those who need it most and do so by sharing our stories.
The campaign was founded by David E Watters in early 2011 and has grown, with the support of numerous international cheerleaders and proactive participants.
All of our videos can be found on our youtube channel.
Stage Two – has included written stories of HOPE from those who have freed themselves from limiting labels and who can now celebrate their individuality.
Write your story or make and send your video to: DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk
Stage Three – is the living family support network which flourishes on facebook. Both the group and sister page are staffed by an international team of compassionate administrators, of diverse backgrounds, who provide unrivalled support and guidance.
“35 years of prayer couldn’t get rid of my homosexuality. My name is Steve and I am an Ex Mormon.” was originally uploaded on Jul 8, 2011 and generously donated by Esteban Cencerrado Lee-O’Neal to the Give ‘em Hope Campaign on 5 April 2013
Gratitude for this incredibly uplifting and inspiring video contribution from our newest family member, Esteban Cencerrado Lee-O’Nea (aka Steve)l. You will be blown away, I promise you….this is one video that you can watch over and over…we are hugely blessed to have such a wonderful testimony which will surely give hope and encouragement to anyone who doubts their worth…
To read Steve’s story, click on the following link:
The Give ‘em Hope Campaign is an inspirational online video initiative to inspire and uplift those who feel marginalised or isolated. We exist to bring hope to those who need it most.
The campaign was founded by David E Watters in early 2011 and has grown, with the support of numerous international cheerleaders and proactive participants.
IF YOU LIVE UNLIMITED BY LABELS…THEN TELL US HOW IT’S DONE
Make and send your video to: DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk
You are not a sinner – your life is as valuable and as god-given as any life. God doesn’t make mistakes and just because heterosexuals “appear” to be in the majority, that doesn’t make them God’s appointed representatives on earth and the only model of humanity.
We are not here to judge or be judged by any characteristic that labels us as in a minority and I’m sure that, like me, you do many more “Christian” things to better the lives of others than the so-called Christians who knock on my door to tell me that theirs is the way to the truth and the light.
I was busy organising an AIDS charity event last time they came knocking and had spent much of the previous day supporting a suicidal teenager, for example.
It didn’t matter to them that my street is full of the entire catalogue of religious beliefs and non-believers, they were on a mission to convert and convince us all that our lives were wrong. I’m all for “Love thy neighbour” but let’s love him as he is.
Using the term sin to describe my life, based on one characteristic, is limiting and dangerous. Worse of all, taking that word and believing it to be true, is when most damage is done to our self-esteem.
So, you, me, and all the others who have been labelled this way, by a follower of a book written many years ago and misinterpreted by millions of illiterates, should stop and think about what humanity should be about and forget the dogma-based bigotry that has been designed to control and suppress for far too long.
Taking the mangled “word of God” and using it as a tool to oppress and control; THAT is the deadliest sin of all.
I think that this is worth reading, as a historical document, because it shows that even if progress appears to be painfully or woefully slow, progress IS being made.
Unfortunately the link to this full article has gone, but I did just want to look back at an early piece of writing that I had published and which has spurred me on to use my voice to comment on social inequality – online, in print or, if you’re anywhere in the vicinity, in person!
It would be great to hear your thoughts on the article and on the social change that has occurred since first publication in 2009.
EXTRACT:
The recent amendment to the State Constitution of California, Proposition 8, and a similar amendment in Florida, Proposition 2, are seen by LGBT civil rights activists and straight allies as a denial of the American promise of liberty, equality and the pursuit of happiness. There are others, including Malcolm Lazin (Executive Director, Equality Forum), who see this as merely a temporary setback.
Many have claimed that the public were misled and that a large proportion of voters believed that a “YES” vote was a pro-gay vote. It is also well known that the Catholic Church of California asked the Mormon Church of Salt Lake to support their campaign and that millions of dollars were spent by these religious groups to orchestrate a national media campaign.
In May 2008, the Californian Supreme Court ruled that Proposition 22 (March 2000), which specified that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid in California, violated the equal protection clause of the California Constitution. As a result of this ruling, marriage between individuals of the same gender became recognised and valid in the state.
In 2006, President George W. Bush, criticized the judges who had overturned this state law in a speech where he stated that, “Marriage is the most fundamental institution of civilization, and it should not be redefined by activist judges.” In the same speech Bush made further comment on the threat to traditional marriage, “Our policies should aim to strengthen families, not undermine them. And changing the definition of marriage would undermine the family structure.” Bush urged that the issue of same-sex marriage should be put “back where it belongs: in the hands of the American people.”
And so it was that this initiative measure, Proposition 8, or the “California Marriage Protection Act”, was submitted, in accordance with the provisions of Article II, Section 8, of the California Constitution, to the electorate.
The Last Frontier Of Freedom
Daniel Leary, Executive Director of The Committed to Equality Initiative told me that, “The battle for gay rights in the US has been a complicated and surprising one, especially in the past few months. While Proposition 8 was a devastating blow, it has had several positive repercussions. The story of Proposition 6 portrayed in “Milk” is indeed similar, but only in location, genre and struggle. The truth is, the actual propositions were quite different. Proposition 8 is about the right to marry, something some might consider a final frontier in gay rights, whereas Proposition 6 was about outing homosexuals so that they could be removed from their employment. In fact, we have come a long way. An idea like Proposition 6 wouldn’t have a leg to stand on in today’s climate in California, and Proposition 8 was repealing rights that California had already granted, and it very nearly failed”.
In a 1973 speech, during his first unsuccessful run for supervisor, Harvey Milk said, “It takes no compromising to give people their rights. It takes no money to respect the individual. It takes no survey to remove repressions.”
Stuart Milk says of his uncle, “My uncle was not the first openly LGBT person elected to public office in the US but he was the first to a substantial office and the first to actively proclaim his sexuality and not back up from it. I am very proud of my Uncle both as a dear Uncle whom I lost as a teenager and as a worldwide civil rights visionary!”
I think our equality as Americans has come a long way with race, gender, and religious beliefs; however, I believe sexual orientation is the last frontier of freedom for ALL Americans. Gay American couples are not treated with equality or respect in most states to date. Dr. John R. Shafer, Indianapolis, IN
UNFORTUNATELY, YOU CANT READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE:
The T in LGBT was NEVER silent – do I even have to mention Stonewall? Come on people!!! If we are united, we will not fail. #giveemhope
INVITATION TO “GIVE ‘EM HOPE”: Hi there. I’m hoping that you’ll share your inspiring and positive energy with the world through my Give ‘em Hope Campaign. The Give ‘em Hope Campaign is an inspirational online video initiative to inspire and uplift those who feel marginalised or isolated. We exist to bring hope to those who need it most.
The campaign was founded by David E Watters in early 2011 and has grown, with the support of numerous international cheerleaders and proactive participants. Stage Two of the campaign has included written stories of HOPE from those who have freed themselves from limiting labels and who can now celebrate their individuality.
Write your story or make and send your video to: DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk
The purpose of this campaign is to encourage the benefits of living authentically. My view is that we should not be limited by labels that are imposed by others, if these labels are negative and wrong; especially when it comes to stereotyping and when the result may be lowered self-esteem and a possible impact upon an individuals ability to fulfil their personal potential.
Make us a video or write about this or something along these lines. Your story or your video can have such an impact and would be a welcomed addition to this campaign. Respect to you for all that you do. David E Watters
This really is not about my ego it is about raising the profile of this initiative.
WHY NOMINATE ME?
Apart from founding and coordinating the Give ‘em Hope Campaign, this is what I am doing to secure equality and diversity internationally:
I am currently fighting for marriage equality at the European Court of Human Rights as part of the Equal Love Campaign (www.equallove.org.uk),
I write on social inequality for www.ambiente.us, 10,000 Couples, Polari and other sites,
As a motivational speaker I have spoken at the NO to Hate Vigil in Trafalgar Square London alongside Peter Tatchell and Stuart Milk and additionally I speak regularly in the media about Equal Love and other areas of social inequality,
As the founder and coordinator of the GIVE ‘EM HOPE CAMPAIGN and with my music, media and art students and newly founded Andover Choir For Everyone, I will be staging a Pro-Equality Festival in 2012.
Additionally, I am Director of NBI Associates (www.nbiassociates.co.uk), a company founded with the sole purpose of eradicating labels, raising self-esteem and helping individuals to achieve their true potential.
I am currently running an online auction to raise money for HIV/AIDS Charity, the Terrence Higgins Trust: www.youtube.com/watch?v=od7NJt5kmDE
“…all that David does involves assisting people – any and all people – to live authentically, to no longer accept the judgments and limitations imposed on them by others, and to believe in themselves as valid individuals. To that end, he has recently undertaken two new endeavors: NBI Associates, an organization which empowers people to make personal and professional transformations, and the “Give ‘em Hope” video campaign on YouTube.”
Please help boost our campaign by posting this video invitation EVERYWHERE…I REPEAT, E.V.E.R.Y.W.H.E.R.E!!! IT’S CLEAR THAT OUR YOUTH NEED HOPE NOW MORE THAN EVER.
Rest in peace Jamey Rodemeyer…your life was short and the world must learn a lesson from this unnecessary tragedy.
Jamey Rodemeyer, a 14-year-old boy from Williamsville, NY, took his life Sunday after what his parents claim was years of bullying because of struggles with his sexuality.
His parents, Tracy and Tim Rodemeyer, say that Jamey faced bullies for years, though things intensified in middle school, according to NBC 2. Jamey recently became a freshman at Williamsville North High School.
In the wake of their loss, the Rodemeyers hope to carry on a message of anti-bullying and acceptance. “To the kids who are bullying they have to realize that words are very powerful and what you think is just fun and games isn’t to some people, and you are destroying a lot of lives,” Jamey’s father told WIVB.
Tracy Rodemeyer misses her son, but hopes the loss can still be used to teach a message of tolerance. “It took him away from our family way too early and we’re just convinced that he had a purpose on this planet and it was to touch as many people as he could,” she told NBC 2.
According to NBC, the Rodemeyers had gone to the school about the problem in the past. Jamey even sought counseling to learn to deal with the problem, but it seems it wasn’t enough.
While they say their son seemed happy in the days leading up to the tragedy, his “It Gets Better” YouTube posting from May includes details about how intense the bullying was.
Through it all, Jamey remained outwardly optimistic. “That’s all you have to do. Just love yourself and you’re set. And I promise you, it’ll get better,” he said
The Independent on Sunday’s annual Pink List returns next month, celebrating the 101 most influential lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender men and women in Britain.
Since the list was last published in 2010, we can add to the list an England cricketer (Steven Davies), an X Factor winner (Joe McElderry) and a chart-topping singer (Jessie J). But influence is not all about hitting a boundary or appearing at Glastonbury on a gilded throne.
Of course, it takes courage to be gay in the public eye – particularly in the world of sport, for instance, or for women who aspire to thrive in a career in television. Last year, we awarded the joint number one position to the rugby player Gareth Thomas and Mary Portas, the Queen of Shops.
But there are many more people who daily improve life in this country without their work ever receiving applause. Campaigners who effect the first small changes that eventually become written into law. Volunteers who work with young people. They too deserve our garlands of praise.
This year, then, we would like to ask for your help. Do you know an unsung champion whose work promotes real progress and equality in this country? Is there someone whose name should be celebrated alongside national treasures such as Sir Ian McKellen, Alan Bennett, Sue Perkins and Jeanette Winterson? We want you to let us know.
You can send your nominations in the following ways: by email, to pinklist@independent.co.uk; or post your nomination at:www.independent.co.uk/pinklist2011; and by post: Pink List,The Independent on Sunday, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. A panel of high-profile judges will pore over your suggestions and bring you their final 101 on 23 October.
Each year, the Pink List receives its fair share of praise and censure. And the ever-increasing number of worthy nominees proves that being gay is less and less of a defining factor. Here is proof that gay men and women can be sporting legends, or courageous soldiers, or actors, cabinet ministers, judges or dancers – anything at all.
As for the definition of influential – this time, that’s up to you. Let us know who inspires you. And if that person happens to be a chart-topping singer or a sporting star – well, we’re happy to consider them for the list, too.
DAVID E. WATTERS - TRAFALGAR SQUARE LONDON - 2010
Why nominate David Equality Watters (David Watters)?
Well, he is currently fighting for marriage equality at the European Court of Human Rights as part of the Equal Love Campaign (www.equallove.org.uk), he writes on social inequality for http://www.ambiente.us, 10,000 Couples, Polari and other sites, as a motivational speaker he has spoken at the NO to Hate Vigil in Trafalgar Square London alongside Peter Tatchell and Stuart Milk and additionally speaks regularly in the media about Equal Love and other areas of social inequality, he is the founder and coordinator of the GIVE ‘EM HOPE CAMPAIGN and with his students and newly founded Andover Choir For Everyone, he will be staging a Pro-Equality Festival in 2012.
Additionally, he is Director of NBI Associates (www.nbiassociates.co.uk), a company founded with the sole purpose of eradicating labels, raising self-esteem and helping individuals to achieve their true potential.
David is also currently running an online auction to raise money for HIV/AIDS Charity, the Terrence Higgins Trust:www.youtube.com/watch?v=od7NJt5kmDE
His first book, NEVER BLEND IN, should be completed later in 2011. More information of this below.
“…all that David does involves assisting people – any and all people – to live authentically, to no longer accept the judgments and limitations imposed on them by others, and to believe in themselves as valid individuals. To that end, he has recently undertaken two new endeavors: NBI Associates, an organization which empowers people to make personal and professional transformations, and the “Give ‘em Hope” video campaign on YouTube.”
NEVER BLEND IN is an accessible book about achieving personal authenticity, a groundbreaking and vital book of exclusive celebrity and deeply personal non-celebrity interviews, which is aimed primarily at a young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning audience. The book, however, is also of value to educators, parents, family and mental health professionals seeking insight into the LGBTQ experience.
Role models from education, entertainment, law enforcement, medical and emergency services, politics, religion and sports have participated in this much needed discourse to illuminate the reader’s journey of self-discovery and to illustrate that living a life unlimited by labels will lead to personal, professional and spiritual fulfilment.
These candid stories and wise words are a powerful toolkit to encourage, inspire, uplift and give hope to those who need it most; those who may feel disenfranchised or who may lack self-belief.
These stories of living authentically, with dignity and unlimited by labels will help readers to understand how self esteem determines the path they choose and that life need not be a self fulfilling prophecy when they improve self-concept, drive out fear and embrace new challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, eliminate self imposed limitations and cease dependence on others to provide validity.
Harvey Milk’s legacy is the growing number of proud lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals who refuse to live their lives limited by the judgment of others.
The various voices in this book candidly and sincerely share their wisdom and belief that we can be an important part of society without blending in; that we can live with 100% authenticity, unlimited by labels; that we shouldn’t be expected to compromise our identity to find acceptance and everyone, regardless of sexuality or gender identity, has a right to fully live.
There is practical advice and guidance from the LGBT community on how life need not be a self-fulfilling prophecy and that by recognizing that our “truth” has been shaped through our relationships, our environment and our experiences, we can begin to change our perceptions, heighten our self-esteem and move toward our personal and professional goals with clear vision and purpose….
About the Author
Since graduating from The Institute of Education, University of London, David has gone on to train with LEAP, as a mediator, and is a qualified facilitator for The Pacific Institute.
David is currently promoting a youtube campaign “Give ‘em Hope” and is asking individuals, couples and groups to make and share videos telling about the benefits of living with personal authenticity.
As Director of NBI Associates, David devises and delivers engaging, enjoyable and interactive workshops utilizing Cognitive Behavioural and Performing Arts strategies for individual, corporate and academic clients.
He has shared a platform with Stuart Milk and Peter Tatchell and is a supporter of 17-24-30, The Trevor Project, Schools Out and The Harvey Milk Foundation.
A PRO-EQUALITY BLOG, written by Diversity Specialist, writer and motivational speaker David E Watters (NBI ASSOCIATES).
Articles on Equality & Diversity, Personal & Professional Development, Education & Management; his book, NEVER BLEND IN (http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Never-Blend-In.html), and the Give 'em Hope Campaign http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Give--em-Hope-Campaign.html)
