US: Homeless gay teen gives internet donations to charity

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A gay teen who raised $90,000 after he was thrown out by his family has donated some of the money to a homeless charity.

A video which went viral last month showed 19-year-old Daniel Pierce being attacked by his family after coming out as gay.

On coming out, he is hit, shouted at and told he must move out, and called a “damned queer” and a “piece of shit”.

A crowdfunding campaign was set up to help Daniel Pierce with his living expenses, and generous internet donations raised nearly $100,000.

After the internet raised the massive sum, the teen this week revealed he had given a portion to the Lost N’ Found homeless centre in Atlanta.

He said: “This has been a rough time for me and I never imagined that so many people would show such overwhelming compassion and generosity.

“It’s important for all of you to know that right now, what I need most is time to think and work through the next steps in my life.

“I have been working closely with Atlanta-based Lost-n-Found Youth to help figure out what’s next for me. Right now, I’m safe and definitely feel your love all around me. Thank you!”

The centre is using the money to fund a shelter for homeless gay teens.

Executive Director Rick Westbrook said: “Daniel is an incredibly bright and courageous young man. He is the epitome of who Lost n’ Found is here to serve.

“People need to know this is an epidemic in the southeast, and it’s not going away any time soon.

“Until we get all the queer youths in Atlanta situated, I’m not going anywhere.”

Watch the video below:

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