Yes Dino Rossi and Dave Reichert, I’m talking to you. As the epidemic of gay teen suicides increases as result of bullying, it is important to recognize that one of the most prevalent forms of bullying is done by our government.

Both Dino Rossi and Dave Reichert have spoken out against LGBT equality. Dave Reichert even voted against a repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in the House this year.

Elected officials are in positions of power. They have an ethical and moral responsibility to behave in ways that do not hurt children. By voting against the equal treatment of the LGBT community politicians like Reichert and Rossi are leading by example. They send a clear message that gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender citizens are “less than” or not as worthy as anyone else.

Their messages of intolerance permeates throughout our culture. Adults teach children. Children bully other children. Children kill other children. Dino Rossi and Dave Reichert must own part of that responsibility if they are going to be anti-gay politicians.

I clearly remember when I realized I was gay. I was in 6th grade. It was terrifying. I did not come out. I tried to hide it. The other kids could tell I was different. They called me “F*ggot” as they spit on me on the school bus. Where did they learn the word “F*ggot?” Where did they learn to hate me? Kids are not born homophobic, they learn it from adults. Adults whose hatred stole my childhood.

Later I endured years of negative messaging from politicians. Throughout my childhood I was acutely aware of how my government felt about gays and lesbians. The Catholic Church I attended reinforced messages that I was not a good person because I was gay. We were taught gay people went to hell. By the time I was 18, I was ready to die. Were it not for my mother and the thought of her dealing with my death, I would have done it.

So many young gays and lesbians make a different choice than I did. I am convinced that if our leadership at all levels of government refused to participate in legislative and political bullying, life would begin to change for gays and lesbians. Our young people will stop killing themselves. It is the job of our leaders to marginalize the intolerant, to protect minorities, and to lead with compassion for their fellow human beings.

Until they do, politicians who participate in institutionalized homophobia have blood on their hands. Dino Rossi and Dave Reichert are pro teen suicide because they participate in legislative and political bullying. They are unfit to lead.

Support Sen. Patty Murray and Susan DelBenne and leaders who will move us towards a culture were all people are loved and respected for who they are.

How many more kids will have to die before our country learns?