Dear Calum,
On June 27th I was the most upset and worried I have ever been when I heard the news of you being attacked for your sexual orientation. On June 28th, I was even more upset and worried when I heard it might not even be true.
When I was 12, I was chased through a park by a group of older students. I had no idea why, or what it was for and if it wasn't for it being a suburban area I'm not sure what would have happened. This is a story I had told myself over and over again. But I knew why, I knew what would have happened to me if I might had been a little slower, if I had no where to run. So to me hearing your story hits home, it is something that is one of my biggest fears. Its why I wear a sweater over top of a shirt that says "Love is Love" until I feel safe enough to take that sweater off. So I want it to be known when I say I am worried for you and for what you have/haven't been through it is coming from a place of someone who has actually been there.
Everyone in this moment, including myself is either with or against you. You are telling your story & the police are telling theirs'. This is something I don't have experience with. I'm sure its tough but what I hope you and everyone that may see this letter understands, is you need help in either situation. For me I went to consoling after I was chased and almost attacked and if you weren't attacked I would please urge you to go see someone and talk about why you would lie towards something like this. Either way I am on your side.
To everyone else, Calum has done amazing things in this community. If he was attacked we should be there for him. If he wasn't we should still be there while he works through whatever it is he needs to. If there really is a LGBTQ+ community, I would like to believe its the kind that would never shut out one of there own for a mistake. We can all take a valuble lesson from this situation and learn and grow, whichever outcome it may-be.
Thank you,
Jacob H.
