Justin Aaber, 15; Billy Lucas, 15; Raymond Chase, 19; Seth Walsh, 13; Tyler Clementi, 18; Cody Barker, 17; Asher Brown, 13; Harrison Chase Brown, 15; Caleb Noel, 15; and Felix Sacco, 17.

If you are not familiar with these names, let me tell you what they have in common. All of these children were young boys. All of these children were violently harassed and bullied because of their perceived sexual orientation. All of these children committed suicide. None of these children will have another birthday. They will not be joining their families for Thanksgiving or the winter holidays. All of their families are left with grief almost too large to bear and final memories of their sons falling from the George Washington Bridge, shooting themselves or hanging themselves.

In September, the nation was shocked by these deaths. Many wondered how this could happen and asked what was wrong with kids today. People around the country shook their heads in disbelief. Unfortunately, while deeply saddened, I was not surprised by this, and many members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex and allied students, faculty, staff and alumni (LGBTQIA) family were not surprised to see this happen. Many of us have been victims of the same abuse and are aware that LGBTQIA youth are four times more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to attempt suicide.

In response to these tragedies, members and allies of the LGBTQIA community began sharing their stories, many as a part of Dan Savage’s “It Gets Better Project.” Famous people and average folks alike have told harrowing stories of bullying, having cars defecated on, sexual assaults and attempted suicides. As each told their story, they encouraged youth to persevere and to push through the tough times because it eventually gets better. The campaign has become so popular that it has outgrown its YouTube channel and has established its own website.

While these stories are full of hope and inspiration, the message must be expanded. After telling kids that it gets better, we as a society have a moral obligation to work passionately and deliberately to end the bigotry and intolerance that is leading to the abuse. It is wonderful to tell a child that it gets better, but it is equally important to ensure that it does. No child should have to suffer through relentless bullying and teasing, and it should never happen in a school system where all children should be safe and the integrity of all human beings upheld.

We must act on the words of Mother Teresa who said, “It is not enough to be compassionate; you must act.” If the recent tragedies moved you, keep moving. When confronted with homophobic comments or attitudes, speak up and let it be known you will not tolerate it, no matter how hard that can be. When brazenly bigoted politicians use their power to endorse hate, use your voices to stand up to them and your vote to remove them from office. Speak for those who do not think that they have a voice, and act for those whose minority status makes them feel powerless.

Standing up to these bullies can be scary, but you are sure to have the thanks of 10 sets of parents currently mourning the loss of their children.