Gay community speaks out on harassment

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A crowd of 200 gathered at UNM Wednesday afternoon to discuss the effects of harassment and bullying of gay people.

People across the country wore purple today to call attention to 6 recent suicides in the United States by young people who were bullied because they were gay.

UNM Senior Richard Martinez was one of several speakers who talked about his personal experiences with harassment.

"During my high school years, I did try to commit suicide," Martinez said. "I did come back. I went to the same school afterwords."

The forum also highlighted a growing number of resources available for those victims bullied because of their sexual orientation.

Gay youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than straight young people.