George Takei shared a video he discovered at Button Poetry. What you will discover in the video is Ethan Walker Smith, who had the following to say about the response he has received:
I owe each and every person a huge thank you right now for all of the kind words and support for my work that I've received in the past few days. I never imagined this beautiful of a response, and I am incredibly humbled and grateful for the entire experience.
One of the most valuable things for me about being able to share my work is being approached afterword and hearing other people's experiences. We have all gone on such different journeys, and that is what makes each of us beautiful in our own ways.
To those who are currently struggling, know that you have allies, whether spoken or unspoken, we are never alone. Stay strong, I can't thank you enough for reaching out to me and sharing your stories.
Finally, thanks again everyone at CUPSI for giving me the opportunity to perform my piece on this stage, to Button Poetry for releasing the video, and to George Takei for believ[ing] in my message enough to share it with the community.
--Ethan Walker Smith
George had the following to say when he shared the work. and they are words I wish people would really think had about...and maybe we could discuss in the comments:
People are afraid to talk about it, much less learn about it.So afraid, in fact, that if I used the word in this intro, fewer of you would even watch it. But if you and I don't take the time to understand, to see the humanity in each and every one of us, who will? Hear his story. Talk about it. And help make sure there's a brighter future for other kids like him.
--George Takei
On the other side of the escutcheon, here is George entitled,
Her 11th birthday was the first time she said she didn't want to live. She left on his 21st.
Ethan's name for the poem appears to be, A Letter to the Girl I Used to Be. It was presented at the College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational 2014 at the University of Colorado campus in Boulder. You can view more videos of the poetry offered there at this site.