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Bry Bitar
Bry Bitar
Michel Bitar and his 13-year-old, Bry, say Royal West Academy's LGBT Club
has boosted Bry's confidence. (Shari Okeke/CBC)
Bry is a member of the club and was eager to talk about it.
"I learned that people are much more accepting even though there is hatred
in the world, because I have experienced that. I learned that people are very
OK with [who I am] and I should be OK with it, and that's what the LGBT Club
has helped me understand. It is OK to be 'different,' " Bry said.
The club meets at least once a week in a classroom at lunchtime.
It's a safe space where students can support each other, speak openly and
share their experiences.
In elementary school in Laval, Bry faced a lot of bullying, which turned
physical, and by 11 years old, it was too much.
"I became depressed, like severely. I didn't want to talk to anyone, I thought
everyone hated me.... I did become suicidal and I attempted, but thank God
nothing happened because I'm better today," Bry said.
Bry now goes to the girls' gym class and uses a separate bathroom.
Bry's situation led the school to initiate a discussion at the school board
level, said Tony Pita, Royal West Academy principal.
He said the English Montreal School Board is striking a committee to assess
how best to serve students and staff in a similar situation.
The goal is to have a policy in place as soon as possible, Pita said.
This has Bry's father beaming with pride.
Trailblazing teen
"[Bry] opened the door. I told him, 'You opened the door for other kids in your
situation to have these benefits,' " Bitar said.
'It [has] helped me to gain some sort of confidence, enough for me to feel
comfortable in my skin.'- Bry Bitar of school's LGBT Club
Still, it's a learning process for the whole family and Bitar worries about his
teen's safety at times, with good reason.
Bry's appearance often attracts unwanted attention and hostility.
"In the streets, people have screamed things at me. I've been followed down
my street. I've been hit on by people in the street sarcastically. They'll
[say], 'Oh so beautiful,' but say it in a sarcastic tone then start laughing," Bry
said.
But support from the LGBT Club at school is helping.
"It's easier to stand up for myself if someone were to bring me down because
I'm 'different.' ... It [has] helped me to gain some sort of confidence, enough
for me to feel comfortable in my skin," Bry said.
Bry's dad sees the difference the club has made and says it's additional
support for him and Bry's mother.
Bry said all schools should have LGBT clubs to support students, raise
awareness and promote acceptance.
"You can't really change everyone's opinion, but if I could change at least a
few people or even one it would be amazing," Bry said.