
CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2023 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
Scroll To Top
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Inspired by his late uncle, who felt passionately about preventing antigay bullying, 12-year-old Sam Maden has launched a campaign to ask the Boston Red Sox to make an "It Gets Better" video and help fight homophobia in sports.
In the past 24 hours more than 5,000 people already have joined the petition launched by Maden on Change.org, according to a news release. The seventh-grader from Nashua, N.H., generated the idea for a school project about making a difference in the world when he thought of his uncle Chris, who died unexpectedly in January at age 43 and believed strongly in the importance of ending the bullying of gay children and young people perceived to be gay.
"When I found out about my uncle's passing, I didn't know what to do," said Sam, who plays on three baseball teams and was invited by the Red Sox to shout "Play ball!" before a sold-out crowd at Fenway Park. "This is something I can do to honor him. Uncle Chris knew how much I love the Red Sox and I think he would have been thrilled with the team making an 'It Gets Better' video to support kids."
Tara Maden, Sam's mother, said that his uncle gave Sam a necklace from the Trevor Project before he died that the young man wears every day.
"I'm so proud of Sam," she said. "Stopping the bullying of gay teens has become very important to him. It's his way of channeling his grief over the loss of his uncle into something positive. If the Red Sox can become another voice telling kids that life does get better, it could have a big impact on these kids and homophobia in sports."
Last month, in response to a petition from fan Sean Chapin on Change.org signed by more than 6,000 people, the San Francisco Giants became the first professional sports team to create an "It Gets Better" video. More than 10,000 videos have been created since September when the project was launched by Dan Savage and his partner, Terry Miller, in response to the epidemic of suicides among bullied gay teens and those perceived to be gay.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Lauren Boebert Caught Fondling Date’s Genitals During Family-Friendly Musical: Video
September 15 2023 11:20 PM
Watch Now: Advocate Channel
Trending Stories & News
For more news and videos on advocatechannel.com, click here.
Trending Stories & News
For more news and videos on advocatechannel.com, click here.
Latest Stories
Brandy Clark, Kelly Clarkson Perform ‘Dear Insecurity’ With Stunning Harmonies
December 05 2023 7:12 PM
Moms for Liberty Sex Scandal Causes Pennsylvania Chapter to Split From National Group
December 05 2023 11:34 AM
Matt Walsh Said Having Gay Parents Is Worse Than a Child Having a Limb Cut Off
December 05 2023 10:48 AM
Queen Latifah Breaks Barriers as First Female Rapper Honored at Kennedy Center Honors
December 05 2023 9:33 AM
Unmasking George Santos: Inside ‘The Fabulist’ With Author Mark Chiusano
December 04 2023 7:12 PM