Friends and family helped him survive years of brutal bullying and finally spread his wings
As a high school kid Shannon endured both physical beatings and equally serious verbal beatings in a small rural town in the late 1990s.
Many adults in authority, who should have acted, did not, implying that he had ‘brought it on himself’ by being ‘too girly’. So the predatory knew he was a safe target. The broader population of boys were perhaps looking for an outlet for frustrations over their very limited life opportunities.
His family did everything in their power to protect and support him. As did his female besties and one amazing youth worker. But they were often fighting a losing battle, with more losses than wins for this teen. Finally, with heroic efforts and some new supporters he finds a way out to a better life, where he can be his true self and thrive.
Ultimately uplifting and a tribute to the angels among us who give so much to help our young people.