Derek Hough opened up about the terrifying and painful bullying he experienced growing up which, at one point saw him threatened at gunpoint. He spoke of his past during an emotionally powerful acceptance speech at the GKSEN Respect Awards as well as earlier in the day during an interview on ABC’s Good Morning America.
The 33-year-old professional dancer and Dancing with the Stars champion spoke out at the Respect Awards ceremony gala held at t the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and sponsored by GKSEN, an LGBT student advocacy organization. He was honored with the Inspiration Award.
As reported by E!News, Derek Hough told the audience about his experiences, being bullied, which may seem at variance with his current success. As he revealed, his immense international fame and popularity are a far cry from his life growing up as a teen.
He told the audience, “On one occasion, they would tie my ankles up with a very rough rope, hang me from a tree upside down and spit on me and call me names and even held a gun to my head.”
He revealed that he had suffered in silence, as sadly is often the case. Hough said, “I didn’t tell anybody—my parents, teachers, my friends, my sisters. I kept it to myself.”
However as E!News further reports eventually the bullying was so bad that Hough’s family moved.
He found his solace in dancing. He told the audience, “It became my safe place, the place where I could grow and flourish and where I could find those answers.” He added, “I know now the worst thing you can do is suffer in silence. Often times we allow ourselves to suffer a lot more than we need to by keeping it to ourselves and carrying the burden alone.”
In summing up, he added, “Let me tell you right now, you are not alone. Seeking help requires incredible strength and incredible courage. The most powerful weapon you have against bullying is your voice.”
And of course, that is the struggle, finding the courage when one has been so humiliated, shamed and devalued. Thankfully as public awareness of bullying is on the rise, as are the number of celebrities who bravely share their stories, it does embolden those who have been suffering. At least they know they are not alone.
As noted, Derek Hough also spoke out on GMA sharing his painful story and the lessons we can all take from it. The video is below.
You can see the full story along with photos from the gala at E!News.
Pictures: PR Photos
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RightCelebrity/~3/UIBChJiRkUk/
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