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'The kids at school keep telling me to kill myself': Brisbane teen revealed abuse the day before his suicide

WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: On the day before he took his life, Brisbane teen Tyrone Unsworth revealed to a friend how he had been a victim of bullying, where the children at his school repeatedly told him to kill himself.

The gay, Indigenous 13-year-old boy told long-time family friend Gypsie-Lee Edwards Kennard he had been physically and verbally abused by other students in the lead up to his death on November 22.

Tyson is pictured with his mother Amanda. Picture: GoFundMe
Tyson is pictured with his mother Amanda. Picture: GoFundMe

The boy’s family claims Tyrone was repeatedly bullied at school and called names like “fairy” and “gay boy”, however, Aspley State High School said it was not aware of the taunting.

Heartbroken friend Gypsie-Lee recalled the conversation she had with Tyrone the day before he took his life.

“He was an absolute mess crying his eyes out, telling me everyone wants him dead,” she told ABC’s 7.30 program.

“He just felt like no-one wanted him around and he didn't belong.”

“I said "Tyrone what do you mean everyone wants you dead?". He said "the kids at school keep telling me to go kill myself" and I was obviously gobsmacked.”

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  • Mum says gay teen, 13, 'bullied to death'

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Tyrone told her he had been struck over the head with a fence paling a month earlier, and did not want to go back to school.

“This kid picked up a face paling and hit him from behind and knocked him out and broke Tyrone’s jaw,” she said.

His grandmother Twiggy Jones said Tyrone refused to go back to school after the incident.

“He was adamant that he didn't want to go back to school.

On the day before Tyrone took his life, family friend Gypsie-Lee Edwards Kennard said he told her the kids at school said he should
On the day before Tyrone took his life, family friend Gypsie-Lee Edwards Kennard said he told her the kids at school said he should

“We tried to force him, but he just kept saying, "No. I don't want to go back to school".”

Tyrone's mother said the abuse started when other children realised he was gay.

“He was a really feminine male, he loved fashion, he loved make-up and the boys always picked on him, calling him gay-boy, faggot, fairy; it was a constant thing from Year 5," Amanda Unsworth said.

Gypsie-Lee said Tyrone "loved girly things", bullies had targetted him over his interests.

"He's chosen dresses for me and his mum to wear, he's asked to use makeup,” she said.

Tyrone refused to return to school after he was struck over the head with a fence paling and his jaw was broken
Tyrone refused to return to school after he was struck over the head with a fence paling and his jaw was broken

He was farewelled with a service last Thursday at the Albany Creek Memorial Park Lakeview Chapel.

“Tyrone was a amazing young boy who had the world at his feet. He was an adored son, grandson, brother, nephew and friend to many people,” Gypsie-Lee wrote on a GoFundMe page to raise money to help the young boy’s family pay for his funeral.

“Spread your wings and fly highly baby boy, I hope you have found peace,” she wrote.

The national news of Tyrone's death sparked outrage as members of the LGBTI community rallied in support to end harassment and bullying of in schools.

Gypsie-Lee joined hundreds of gay rights activists who gathered in Brisbane on Sunday to promote the Safe Schools program.

A crowd featuring Tyrone's family and friends, pop star Jess Origliasso from the Veronicas and Multicultural Affairs Minister Grace Grace honoured the teenager's memory.

Tyrone's mother was scheduled to speak to the crowd but a family friend told AAP further online attacks against her son's memory had upset her too much to address the rally.

Organiser Jessica Payne told the crowd Tyrone's family wanted him to be remembered as a "hilarious, funny, beautiful person, full of spirit".

"Things have to change," Ms Payne said.

Tyrone's death sparked LGBTI supporters to rally end bullying and discrimination at schools. Picture: GoFundMe
Tyrone's death sparked LGBTI supporters to rally end bullying and discrimination at schools. Picture: GoFundMe

"We can't just hear more talk. We can't just let Tyrone be another person lost... action has to be taken.

"The family has been so inspiring in this regard... the very least we can do is stand with them in solidarity and fight."

Ms Grace, attending in place of Queensland employment minister Kate Jones, said Tyrone's death was a tragedy but she was hopeful his legacy would be a safer environment for all children.

Ms Jones admitted last month Queensland's community had failed Tyrone and work must be done to end bullying and discrimination of the LGBTI community from "the school yard to the workplace".

Ms Jones said however it would be left to individual principals to decide if they wish to be part of the Safe Schools program.

If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline 13 11 14, Mensline 1300 789 978, Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or Multicultural Mental Health Australia.

Today's top news stories" – December 6