Tony's Superhero Story

“A fantastic and heartfelt story, written for LGBTQ youth who need a fairy tale written just for them.”

-Rex Ogle, author of Free Lunch (Winner of the 2020 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award) and Punching Bag

Tony’s Superhero Story is a gripping superhero fantasy novel that depicts the author’s true story of heroism. The book spans roughly 5,000 words and is written for ages 10+.

As a gay teenager, Tony struggled with the collateral effects of being bullied, his experiences of mental health challenges and a suicide attempt, and his eventual journey of self-acceptance, self-love, and healing.

Watch the announcement of Tony’s Superhero Story:

Tony’s Superhero Story is Here!

Throughout the entire month of September, Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, Tony will be releasing his superhero story on social media. Keep an eye on his Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Wednesday, Sept 1st - Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month commencement post

Friday, Sept 3rd - Table of Contents and Book Dedication

Monday, Sept 6th - A Boy Who Loves Water (Part 1)

Wednesday, Sept 8th - Changes in the Current (Part 2)

Friday, Sept 10th (World Suicide Prevention Day) - Drowning (Part 3)

Monday, Sept 13th - Water Reflections (Part 4)

Tuesday, Sept 14th - Light in the Deep End (Part 5)

Wednesday, Sept 15th - Becoming a Water Curer (Part 6, Act A)

Thursday, Sept 16th - Becoming a Water Curer (Part 6, Act B)

Monday, Sept 20th - The Water Warrior (Part 7, Act A)

Wednesday, Sept 22nd - The Water Warrior (Part 7, Act B)

Friday, Sept 24th - The Water Warrior (Part 7, Act C)

Monday, Sept 27th - A Merman with Dolphins (Part 8, Act A)

Tuesday, Sept 28th - A Merman with Dolphins (Part 8, Act B)

Thursday, Sept 30th - Tony: A Forever Learner & Master of Water (Part 9)

COMMENCEMENT POST: 9/1/2021

Instagram post from @tonyssuperhostory 9/1/2021

September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness month. Suicide is difficult to discuss for everyone who it affects: those who experience suicide ideation, those who have attempted suicide, those whose loved ones have mental health challenges, and those who have suffered the loss of a loved one to suicide. The heightened emotions, intensity, and devastation around suicide make it difficult to address. Processing death by suicide is challenging because it is an unresolved loss. Each story of suicide is unique, but they all share themes of hardships, mental health challenges, pain, invalidation, and/or hopelessness. All of these experiences encompass something deeper: vulnerability.

There is a general misperception that vulnerability implies weakness, cowardliness, and/or shamefulness. It is rare to share our vulnerability with others or even explore it within ourselves. It’s already challenging to be vulnerable, but expressing any suicidal thoughts is a deeper level of vulnerability. Introspection on our own vulnerability is empowering and allows us to help others with their vulnerability, especially if someone discloses they are suicidal.

Vulnerability is similar to our human body: it is hidden under layers of external factors and is delicate and real. Like our bodies, vulnerability is a beautiful thing. Vulnerability is authentic and special and can lead to empowerment through ongoing introspection. When someone is vulnerable about their mental health or suicidal thoughts, what is most important is to always listen with compassion, be non-judgmental, express unconditional support and ask how best to support them.

It is scary to have suicidal thoughts, but that doesn’t mean anyone has to think those thoughts alone. There are trained, caring professionals who want to help. I have personally supported thousands of callers in crisis and helped to de-escalate people from ages eight through sixty-five.

It is damn hard to be vulnerable. In the past, I felt afraid and ashamed of my vulnerability and avoided addressing my mental health and identity. I have transformed from being a suicidal gay teenager who called the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline wanting to end my life to a man who is a licensed therapist and now embraces being gay.

There is hope, but changes are required. Receiving therapy/counseling needs to be normalized and mental health services need to be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. There is a need to acknowledge the severity of mental health issues and the alarming rate of suicide deaths in our society. Additionally, there must be a bi-partisan discussion about the impact of U.S. government policies on our mental health.

My book, Tony’s Superhero Story, is written for ages 10+ and begins conversations on themes of mental health, suicide, and vulnerability. Each part of the story will be released throughout this month. As I share about my suicide attempt and my struggles with mental health, I urge you to reflect on your own vulnerability and mental health hardships. Please share my posts to prevent deaths by suicide and to normalize discussions about mental health.

Photographer: Nick Karkas @nkarkas
Artistic Director: Jessica Achermann @jesssica106
Emotional Support Squad: Aaron Petty and Fede Aramburu

What the Youth are Saying

Testimonial 1

“I want to truly thank you for sharing both your career and differences. I also would like to acknowledge that your life story is very significant and touches my heart. In my opinion, your book is also intriguing. I think the illustrations will really draw the readers to reading it and real-life stories make things even better for people to learn about others, especially your story.”

“Thank you so much for being brave and comfortable to tell us your journey. It is really amazing to see how you powered through the bullying. I also want to thank you for telling us so much about yourself, it was very kind. I think talking about suicide, bullying, and coming out are some subjects that are heavy or hard to talk about. It was really a pleasure to hear your story. Thank you for taking your time to come and see us on the zoom and I am very excited to see your new book :) have a nice day.”

“I appreciate you opening up to us and talking to us about really private to even really important things that can help us in our life. You are a great man and I strive to be like you someday. The book you are writing is going to be great since you are putting a lot of time and effort into it. I know that relating to kids can be very hard since you are much older than us but thank you for talking to us anyway I appreciate your effort and so does the whole class.”

“Thank you for having the time to come to our zoom meeting and teach us a lot/more about "PRIDE." I love the book that you are making. So far it sounds like a very good book. I learned that coming out is not a thing to be afraid of. That hiding something from everybody isn't right. And that you should express the way you feel about yourself and not be ashamed of it. I enjoyed your talk with me and my class and thank you for helping me not be afraid.”

Share Your Story.

Every superhero has their origin story filled with obstacles, mental health struggles, and pain. Vulnerability is one of the strongest superpowers we can have. If you feel comfortable and brave, please share your origin story below. If you’d like Tony to respond to your story, please include your email address!

The first “Tony” sketch by Monique Belmedioni