Marci’s Story: Being Gay in the 70’s

One individual's powerful words about being bullied based on sexual identity and her commitment to end bullying in the future.

Marci Redmond
Growing up in the ’70s and trying to figure out who you were was very hard. I knew I was gay when I was about 8 years old.

When I was in the 4th grade, I had told someone I thought was a friend that I liked girls. She appeared not to care at the time, but the next day in school, I started getting the mean looks and people wouldn’t come near me. I finally figured out what happened when I started hearing, “You’re a butch. Stay away from me”. On my way home, two girls I attended school with jumped me while screaming, “Butch, dyke, and homo!”

I know first-hand about bullying, and whatever I can do to help someone who has been bullied, or prevent bullying, I will do.

Do you have a story to tell about bullying? Share your story with others, and together we will end bullying.


The views or experiences expressed are solely those of the contributor or interview subject and do not represent the views of the Tyler Clementi Foundation, its staff or board. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the material, please contact the Tyler Clementi Foundation, and we appreciate your support and commitment to end bullying starting on #Day1.

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