Exclusive Interview: Bullying Victim Responds to Jonah Mowry
Read Time:3 Minute, 41 Second
Jonathon Grant made a truly heartfelt response to Jonah Mowry’s “What’s Goin’ On” video, and he generously agreed to be interviewed for MadMike’sAmerica.
Via email, he shared with me his reasons for responding to Jonah’s video, and his own past experiences. Jonathon is now a successful, happy and (if I may say) devastatingly handsome young man, free from his bullies. It really does get better.
1) What in your childhood drew you to Jonah’s story? I had a horrible, horrible childhood. The things I experienced scarred me for life and still effect me to this day. I saw a part of myself in that boy when I saw his video and I knew I had to do something immediately; something simple and something genuine. My goal in life as always been to spare at least one child from the pain I endured.
2) Did any of your friends see Jonah’s video, and if so, did they have the same response as you did? Can you tell us about those reactions, including your own first, gut response? Yes, many, if not most, of my friends saw it. One specific friend posted it on Facebook (relatively early, before the chaos) and said it was very “intense.” I was so saddened and broken for this kid so I made my response. Within a few hours, nearly everyone I knew was posting their reactions and their support to/for him. Seeing the love and support for Jonah was such a beautiful thing.
3) Why did you decide to make such a powerful video response? To be honest, I didn’t think it was that powerful. I felt such an urgency to respond just in case it was a time sensitive issue for him. Originally, I was going to just talk to him or maybe play a song on the guitar. At the last minute I thought it might speak to him better if I responded in his own “language,” of sorts. I’ve worked with kids for years and I always try to help them feel like we’re on the same level when I interact with them, whether using their lingo or just kneeling down with them so we are face to face. I remember what it’s like for a child to feel talked down to and I wanted to avoid that. Therefore, I thought it would make him feel an enormous amount of support if I responded the same way he reached out…and I wanted him to feel the enormous support that I was offering.
4) Why did you choose The Trevor Project as the resource to give Jonah? I believe in this project and wish there was something like this around when I was younger. They focus on LGBTQ youth and preventing suicide, two things I knew Jonah was struggling with. They also offer a hotline with professionals to offer an ear or help. I thought that this was the perfect organization for him to contact to get help and support from people who would be focused on his safety.
All in all, it is the most devastating experience for a child to feel unloved and feel like an outcast. I will spend my last breaths trying to spare a child from that. Through art, music, education, love, and constant support, it is my goal to let children and youth know that they are special and they are here for a reason. No matter what they hear or experience, they have the power to rise above that and make a positive impact on the world. I only hope I can be an example and a testament to that and continue to help others.
Jonathon Grant
Closing remarks: There are millions of kids all over the world who are bullied because they are gay, or are perceived to be gay. Groups like The Trevor Project, and people like Jonathon Grant let those kids know that there are safe places and safe people. We lose young people to bullycide so often, but groups like The Trevor Project, and amazing adults like Jonathon Grant and Jefferson Fietek, Judy Shepard and other activists give hope to young adults and children who may be struggling with hate and violence. We can never be silent, we can never just ignore a child’s pain. I’m honored to have met Jonathon Grant, and to be able to share his story and his message of hope with MadMike’s readers.
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Sharing. Very important information here. My son was bullied until I put a stop to it but I won’t go into that at this time.
This is really important and I plan on sharing it with my contacts list, and on share sites. More people need to publish these things and I’m glad to see it here. Thanks so much Erin.
I am sharing this everywhere, and everyone, especially parents, should read it, view it and spread it around. I am a victim myself and appreciate this very much. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Bullying needs to be stopped !. By doing this, we save lives !.
I have seen so many different replies to Jonah’s video, makes me proud that kids are getting it. I cannot say enough good things about the Trevor Project. They do amazing work with at risk LBGT youth. If you have any scratch to spare this season, it’s a great place to donate to. This bullying needs to stop because we are losing so many kids to suicide.
An appropriate musical tribute from Rise Against here, I’ve given you an unofficial one, with the lyrics they came up with for Dan Savage’s It Gets Better Project, which by the way is something else all of us can do, gay or straight to let kids know bullying will not go on forever and things do get better.