Tyler's Story

Tyler Clementi was a creative, thoughtful, and adventurous young man who was loved greatly by his family.

He was a gifted musician who was very excited about his freshman year of college. As a first-year student at Rutgers University in Fall 2010, Tyler set to work growing his musicianship through participation in an orchestra typically reserved for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. He was committed to strengthening his sense of self as a whole person, as he had spent the summer prior to his freshman year sharing with certain family members that he was gay and planning to live an authentic life.

That September, Tyler asked his roommate for privacy to host a date. His roommate obliged in word, but without Tyler’s knowledge or consent, he livestreamed Tyler’s time with his date, violating Tyler and his date’s privacy, autonomy, and trust. The roommate, and those who watched online, mocked, ridiculed, and harassed Tyler online and via social media because of his sexuality. Tyler learned of this betrayal via social media. A few days later, Tyler died by suicide.

Tyler’s death sparked local and national conversations about sexuality, cyber-harassment, safety, and inclusion within and beyond college campuses.

Resources for Personal Support

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

• 1-800-273-8255 or Chat
• 1-800-799-4889 (TTY)
• 1-888-628-9454 (Spanish)
• 1-800-273-8255 (Veterans) or Chat

The Trevor Project

If you are thinking about harming yourself — get immediate crisis support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S via text, chat, or phone. The Trevor Project is 100% confidential and 100% free.

• Call: 1-866-488-7386
• Text: 678678

Trans Lifeline

Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a peer support phone service run by trans people for our trans and questioning peers. Call them if you need someone trans to talk to, even if you’re not in a crisis or if you’re not sure you’re trans.

Trans Lifeline’s hotline operating hours are Monday through Friday, 1–9 p.m. eastern:

• US: (877) 565-8860
• CAN :(877) 330-6366

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

The National Domestic Violence Hotline has highly-trained advocates available 24/7 to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence (violence with a person that you live with), dating violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.

• 1-800-799-7233 or Chat
• 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

National Sexual Assault Hotline

The National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, 24/7 confidential help from trained professionals, whether you need someone to talk to, guidance on next steps, or just a safe space to be heard.

• 1-800-656-HOPE