Say What's Up to Emery
Emery has a really great story, and he is supposed to talk first but he didn't start so I'm ad-libbing
But he really does have a great story as many of us do
this is my first time here
What I will say is Chip Sullivan, Jeffery thank you for having me
I'll be honest, I don't know much about this event
But what I do know is that it is here to defeat bullying and Julia Roberts is in the building...so..
I'm not stupid
The teleprompter guy is freaking out
I don't care what your sexuality is
I don't care what your race is
I'm half black, half white
I think all of us in some way through life have been bullied, teased, made to feel less
So if this evening here tonight make people, like all of us, like emery feel better about ourselves, feel even more confident about ourselves I am humbled, I am honorded to be here
Thank you for having me
Alright, so I would just like to say thank you so much to Kevin, to Kathy, to Shemar
and to the other members of GLSEN's board of directors for inviting my fellow student ambassadors and me to join you here tonight
Last spring I stood in front of a camera for GLSEN's Day of Silence and told the world that my heart was in a place that is dark and lonesome
and not at all where I wanted to be
But today I am proud to say that I can stand in front of you all, so far from that place that it might as well be another world
Thank you
In the past few months, I've started high school, came out as transgender, and joined GLSEN's student ambassadors program
In those few months, the community that GLSEN creates has helped me embrace my identity
share my story on a national scale
and worked for change
I can not say enough how grateful I am for GLSEN and its incredible network of staff, volunteers, and supporters just like you
Everyone should be allowed to feel safe and respected in their school and their community
Thank you
Give it up one more time for Emery
Now the telepromter says it's an inspiration, Emery is an inspiration to us all and it's an honor to be next to you
I just said that, so I'm saying it again
Here we go
I don't know about you but hearing Emery's story really brings GLSEN's work to life
And I am pleased to tell you that GLSEN prepares to celebrate its' 25th anniversary
The organization will capture stories, like emery's, and a thousand more out there
With a series of portraits GLSEN will be able to share these stories and inspirations and personal power in the world
I want to take a second to thank Target, one of tonight's presenting sponsors
Which will be making that project possible with a special 25th anniversary commitment to GLSEN
This builds on Target's history of support and partnership with GLSEN
a reflection of our shared commitment to safe and affirmative schools
Give it up for Target, give it up for Emery
Thank you very much