Laieski began his anti-bullying efforts after being bullied and threatened in high school due to his sexual orientation. All he wanted for his birthday was to “feel safe and leave high school.” The struggle was not easy for this local teen, but when he rose above his experiences and decided to take his fight to Congress — at the age of sixteen — he was surprised when he received an invite to The White House.
After this teen met with over 200 Members of Congress and Staffers, he received a letter from The White House. Laieski had been invited to The White House to personally be thanked by President Barack Obama himself for all of his effort. After returning home from his trip, newly elected Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton joyfully decided to appointed this seventeen year old to his team. Laieski joined the City of Phoenix as the Youth and Diversity Liaison to Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. Laieski says that a normal day for him is “advocating for those that live in fear” and that “simply doing the right thing for our community.”
This Prominent LGBT Teen Advocate is currently attending college with a major in Law Enforcement and is looking forward to becoming a Police Officer and potentially a K-9 Police Detective for his community.
Why did you get into this profession?
After being bullied in high school, I decided to become an advocate for safe schools and suicide prevention. I was tired of losing friends to suicide and enduring bullying myself.
What lesson would you like people to take from your story?
Always fight for what you believe in and be an inspiration to others.
How can others follow your lead?
Be a person of integrity. Speak up when you need to speak up. Defend someone when you need to defend someone. Help someone when they might be at the end.
Thank you, Caleb. You are an inspiration.
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