After processing the limited information about Zach's situation I've come to this conclusions . Zach isn't free or safe because Zach didn't choose to be free or safe . If he did he could resist the program or runaway and accept help . Instead he's clinging to hope of gaining his parents' love and acceptance by changing who he is . He might truly try to change and I fear and ache for him , knowing the concequences such attempts can produce .
Am I finally getting what Zach's friends have been trying to say ? Understanding doesn't bring me any relief , it's painful to watch young person beeing broken down and not be able to do anything .
Since people seem to be moving on and thinking about future , couple more thoughts . Educating public and raising awareness is very good , but one can't educate someone who doesn't want to be educated . IMHO as long as minors' rights aren't adressed we'll keep reading about horror stories like this one . Don't limit this issue to gay and religious rights .
Is running away a crime?
Throughout the country, laws on runaways are anything but uniform. Sometimes, runaways are aggressively pursued as criminals. Other times, they're ignored.
