Video / Multimedia

Chris Armstrong Addresses LGBTQ Bullying on CNN

Posted Thursday, October 7, 2010 in Video / Multimedia by Matt Comer

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  • Chris Armstrong Addresses LGBTQ Bullying on CNN

Openly gay University of Michigan student body president Chris Armstrong appeared on CNN’s “Andersoon Cooper 360” last night, breaking his months-long silence in the face of both on- and off-line harassment from Michigan state attorney Andrew Shirvell.

As previously blogged on Campus Progress, the 21-year-old Armstrong came under attack for his sexual orientation by Shirvell, who works in Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox’s office. Shirvell’s blog, Chris Armstrong Watch, accused the student of outrageous sexual escapades on campus and said he was “Satan’s representative” in the student government. Shirvell has protested in front of Armstrong’s house and on campus.

In his interview with Cooper, Armstrong says he’s never met or spoken with Shirvell and was surprised when he found out he was the target of the attorney’s attacks. He also says he didn’t speak out initially, deciding instead to deal with the situation privately.

“It has been a personal issue I’ve dealt with,” Armstrong says. “Friends and family have been really supportive the entire way through.”

Asked why he was breaking his silence, Armstrong says September’s rash of gay teen suicides prompted him to do something.

“Given what’s happened in the past week and the suicides in the past few weeks, it’s been hard not to say something,” he says. “I honestly didn’t ask to be put in this position but I felt that seeing these kids feel like they needed to take their lives it was important for others to know that things do get better.”

Armstrong says Shirvell’s attacks, like most bullying, say more about the one perpetrating the abuse than it does the person who happens to be the target.

“I honestly can’t speak to a lot of things that were said,” he says. “They aren’t my words and I understand the things said about me are not my issues.”

Armstrong is in the process of obtaining a personal order of protection against Shirvell. The student is also considering legal action. Shirvell has taken a leave of absence from his work with the Michigan Attorney General’s office.

Matt Comer is a staff writer for Campus Progress.

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